Growing up in Geylang (famed for its gangster culture, prostitution and gambling) during the 1970s Sharkey was exposed to the typical backroom gambling. He witnessed many forms of cheating happening at the gambling table. throughout the next few years, with the aid of a willing teacher, he quickly picked up many gambling sleights and used them in countless games after.

Meanwhile, he got bitten by the magic bug, and soon decided that he will give up gambling and turn to magic. He still worked on the card table legerdemain he was already so familiar with. It was in those years that he opened a magic shop called "Magic World" at Ken Air Fun World, which was located near Parkway Parade. He also ran a magic club at Kampong Chai Chee CC and mentored some of today's professional magicians like Alex Tan and Joe Yu.

For the next ten years he went on missions in Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia as a pastor, helping the sick, poor and homeless. However he did not ever give up on magic and the art of artifice at the gambling table. Throughout his trip, he made contacts with other "underground gamblers" and had much interaction with them. Upon returning from his missions, he wanted his legacy to be passed on. To date he has accepted eight students and has passed on his knowledge and skills to them.

In this convention, Sharkey will be showcasing some of the many sleights that are used at the gambling table and will be a guest judge for the close up magic competition. Do keep an eye out for him!