02.16.2026

Designing Seamless Experiences: A Cross-Border Partnership at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan ー How JCS and Kingsmen Delivered a World-Class Experience Through Trust and Precision

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Among the many architectural wonders that captured visitors’ attention at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, one stood out—a striking red sphere that became a symbol of creativity and connection. This was the Singapore Pavilion, which surpassed one million visitors midway through the Expo, and over two million by the closing day. Behind its smooth daily operations and memorable visitor experiences was a partnership built on trust and precision: between Japan Convention Services, Inc. (JCS) and Kingsmen Exhibits Pte. Ltd. (Kingsmen). We spoke with Paul Haney, Deputy Pavilion Director (Singapore Pavilion) and Director of Theme Attractions & Museums at Kingsmen, and Anny Liu, Project Manager at JCS, to learn how their collaboration brought Singapore’s vision to life.

A Pavilion Where Dreams Take Shape

Stepping inside the 17-meter-high red sphere, visitors were immersed in Singapore’s rich blend of creativity and culture—from vibrant art displays to a café serving local delicacies, and performances that brought traditional and contemporary art forms together, showcasing Singapore’s vibrant arts scene.

At the heart of the experience was The Dream Repository, where visitors’ drawings and messages floated into the Dream Sphere above, visually expressing the pavilion’s theme, “Where Dreams Take Shape.”

Why Kingsmen Chose JCS as Its Partner

Founded in 1976, Kingsmen Exhibits Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based experiential design and production company known for large-scale projects across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and North America. With a reputation for creative excellence and precision, Kingsmen identified a partner that could meet its exacting operational standards.

“We sought a partner that could deliver operational excellence with speed, quality, and a shared sense of purpose,” says Haney. “JCS stood out for its proven track record in managing complex, high-profile international events—from the Osaka Expo in 1970 to the G7 Summit and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Their operational capability and creative precision gave us confidence.”

Beyond experience, Haney notes that JCS shared Kingsmen’s core belief: to engage and inspire visitors through seamless, immersive experiences. “JCS understood our intent—not just technically, but emotionally. They became an essential part of bringing the Singapore Pavilion’s story to life.”

Delivering Seamless Operations for Over a Million Visitors

JCS oversaw all on-site operations, including visitor flow management, security, and cleaning. Their target was ambitious—handling high daily visitor volumes while ensuring each guest could enjoy the pavilion safely and comfortably.

“To achieve this, we focused on alignment,” explains Anny. “Everyone—from Kingsmen’s creative team to the security and cleaning staff—had to share the same goals and mindset.”

JCS implemented twice-daily briefings to coordinate the entire on-site team, combining digital updates with analog tools like whiteboards and paper notices to ensure fast, consistent communication. This structure allowed them to rapidly apply PDCA cycles and maintain smooth operations even as conditions changed daily.

Responding Calmly to the Unexpected

No major event is without surprises. During the early months, the pavilion experienced several false emergency alarms due to system sensitivity. Thanks to thorough training and pre-established emergency protocols, JCS staff swiftly guided visitors to safety without causing alarm.

“Their calmness under pressure was remarkable,” recalls Haney. “Even in stressful situations, JCS prioritised visitor safety and maintained professionalism. Their leadership set the tone for all staff.”

In addition, the extreme summer heat presented health risks for guests. During the summer, temperatures in Osaka often exceed 35°C with high humidity, creating challenging conditions for outdoor visitors. To support on-site operations under these conditions, JCS provided salt candies to staff members and adjusted queue management to shaded areas—small but meaningful measures that helped maintain smooth operational flow.

“Preparedness and adaptability are key,” says Anny. “We emphasize training—both hospitality and crisis management—so every team member knows how to respond. That’s what ensures reliability.”

Mutual Respect and Shared Vision

Anny describes Haney as “a true professional—logical, decisive, and highly collaborative.” She credits their open communication for maintaining alignment even when opinions differed. Haney, in turn, values JCS’s transparency and straightforwardness. “Anny communicates clearly and honestly. That kind of authenticity builds trust and makes collaboration effortless.” Their partnership extended beyond logistics—it became a model of cross-cultural teamwork, reflecting the deep relationship between Singapore and Japan, which celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

As Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai drew to a close, both teams reflected on what their collaboration achieved.

“Through our partnership with Kingsmen, JCS transformed every visitor’s dream into a memorable experience,” says Anny. “Just as the Singapore Pavilion showed how imagination can take shape, we aim to continue delivering projects that connect creativity with human experience.”

Haney adds, “The Singapore Pavilion embodied the spirit of empathy and collaboration that has long united Singapore and Japan. With JCS, we found a partner who meets our highest standards and shares our values. This success gives us great optimism for future collaborations in Japan.”

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