By Reta Lee CW,
In a world saturated with brand-driven content, it’s rare to find a campaign that feels genuinely, authentically human. Yet, Marina Bay Sands, in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, has done just that. Their new film, “Nothing Comes By Chance,” directed by the visionary Kirsten Tan, is a beautiful, understated portrait of the Lion City.
This isn’t your typical tourism promo. Forget the glossy, over-the-top shots. Instead, Tan crafts a series of intimate vignettes, capturing the quiet resilience and ambition that define Singaporean life, with narration and script by poet and novelist Amanda Lee Koe. From veteran actress Tan Kheng Hua sharing a moment with her real-life daughter Lim Shi An to Olympic swimmer Quah Zheng Wen in the meditative space of the pool, the film is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Other cameos to spot include singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko, actor Pierre Png, chess prodigy Lana Rice, Aliwal Chess Club founder Hirfan Romzi and scene-stealer Belle the sheepdog.
The title itself, “Nothing Comes By Chance,” feels like a manifesto. It’s a nod to the meticulous planning, hard work, and collective spirit that has shaped the nation. This is a film that understands the soul of a city, finding the universal in the deeply personal. It’s a subtle, powerful statement—not just about a country, but about the people who make it, who build it, and who, with every small act, contribute to its future. It’s a beautifully shot reminder that true greatness is often found in the small, everyday moments.