By Victoria Vaughan

INSPIRED by a holiday in Las Vegas four years ago, Mr John Ng, 24, decided to take a gamble and apply for a job during the Marina Bay Sands job fair at the Suntec City Convention Centre, held over the weekend.

The integrated resort, due to open next year, received 7,800 applications for the more than 1,000 dealer positions it offered.

About 80 per cent of those keen were Singaporeans.

The management would not comment on the sudden surge from those wanting to apply for work at the resort.

Mr Ng, who quit his job as an estate agent last year to travel around the region, said: 'I am about 60 per cent sure I will get an interview. If I do, I think my personality and communication skills will make me stand out.'

Former sales assistant, Ms Han Li Na, 26, said she applied to try something different.

The Chinese national, who said she had yet to place a bet in her life, added: 'I have never been into a casino, I don't really have any idea of what it will be like.'

Mr Ken Davie, senior vice-president for casino operations at Marina Bay Sands, said: 'We are very happy and encouraged by the response. We will focus on these local applicants to fill the remaining dealer positions.'

In the coming weeks, short-listed applicants will be contacted so that face-to-face interviews can be arranged.

Those who are selected following the interviews will receive an employment contract and begin a three-month training programme in the last quarter.

They will go on the casino's payroll at that time and receive a $1,500 monthly allowance when they attend the customer service and technical training at the Casino Training Centre in Mountbatten Square.

Mr Ng said he does not mind the wait.

'I have saved up some money. Also, if I am successful, I will look to take a short course in finance in the meantime,' he said.

Ms Han said she hopes she will receive updates on her application soon, as her visitors' pass expires at the end of the month.

'I really need a job now. If I am successful I will return to China for the next few months and come back for the training in October,' she said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.