about mahjong lah
Mahjong Lah is a Singapore-based initiative dedicated to making mahjong accessible, engaging, and relevant for modern audiences — from locals to tourists and expats seeking a deeper cultural experience.
We specialise in teaching the Singapore style of mahjong, blending gameplay with the rich traditions, stories, and social rituals that surround it.
Through a range of workshops, private sessions, and curated cultural experiences, we create welcoming spaces for people to learn, connect, and discover the joy of mahjong — no matter your background or experience level.
Since our very first class in April 2019, Mahjong Lah has conducted hundreds of sessions, coached thousands of new players from around the world, and built a growing community of mahjong enthusiasts and lovers.
With a team of passionate coaches, Mahjong Lah is committed to breaking down the barriers to this complex, culturally rich game — making it easy to pick up, hard to put down, and always a good time.
It is our promise that every participant walks away with not just an understanding of the rules, but an appreciation for the history, strategy, and heart behind the game.
Come play with us!
About our founder and principal coach, SABRINA
Mahjong Lah was inspired by Sabrina’s 2-year stay in Finland, where she completed her Masters in Educational Leadership. After returning to Singapore and sorely missing interacting with people from around the world, an idea popped. Why not share a part of her life in Singapore with others?
Tapping on her expertise in pedagogy and learning experiences, Sabrina breaks down the complex game of mahjong into effective and engaging sessions. Through Mahjong Lah, she hopes to be able to facilitate the exchange of stories with people from around the world, to widen individuals’ perspectives and promote social integration.
let's have a chat with our founder!
Photo by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
What inspired you
to start Mahjong Lah?
It all started back when I was living in Finland for two years. I was meeting people from all over the world, and whenever we gathered, everyone would share stories about their home — their food, festivals, and traditions. I’m from Singapore, a melting pot of cutlures, and I often found myself wondering what authentic local experience I could share.
At the same time, I was travelling a lot and using Airbnb Experiences, which gave me a new appreciation for connecting with locals and exploring places beyond the guidebooks. When I returned to Singapore, I kept brainstorming how I could offer that kind of insider experience here.
Then one Chinese New Year, the idea clicked — mahjong. It’s something I grew up with, something we play during festive seasons, and something I’ve spent countless hours playing with friends. I realised it’s a big part of the social lifestyle here — though not very accessible unless someone has the time or patience to teach you. I wanted to change that.
Why does mahjong
mean so much to you?
It’s part of how I grew up — a way of bonding with friends and family. But it also became a meaningful way for me to think about inclusion and cultural connection. When I was in Finland, I remember longing to be part of someone’s home life, their traditions. It made me realise how important it is to create spaces where people can feel welcomed into a culture.
Mahjong Lah is my way of offering that — especially to expats or tourists in Singapore who want to understand a side of local life they might otherwise not be able to access.
What’s your background before Mahjong Lah?
My background is in education. I’ve taught everything from academic subjects to Photoshop for people with muscular dystrophy, and early intervention for preschoolers. I love breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces. I’m all about scaffolding learning in a way that builds confidence.
Also — fun fact — I used to run a small design and print business, so I really enjoy designing our materials: the slides, our well loved summary booklet, and even our first mahjong T-shirt!
How would you describe your teaching style?
Friendly, inclusive, and systematic!
I try to create a space where people feel safe to make mistakes and are encouraged to think through their choices — just like in real life. In mahjong, there are informed decisions you can make, but there’s also an element of luck you can’t control. Sometimes I get a little philosophical with it! I’ll guide students through the logic and probability, but I also remind them: anything can happen.
You don’t always get dealt a good hand — but it’s about what you do with it. Maybe it’s learning to spot potential, knowing when to hold on or when to let go, or learning to cut losses. It’s not about winning every game — it’s about adapting, making the most of what you have, and enjoying the game while you’re at it. Just like in life.
Is there a story that’s stuck with you over the years?
Yes — one that’s stayed with me happened early on. A Vietnamese-American participant joined one of our sessions, and at one point, he became visibly emotional. He shared that it reminded him of watching his grandmother play when he was younger — but he never had the chance to learn the game before she passed. Over time, as older relatives passed on, there were no longer enough people around him who knew how to play.
Learning the game that day felt meaningful to him — like he was finally stepping into something his grandmother had always loved but he never got to understand. That moment reminded me that mahjong can carry deep personal connections for different people, and I felt honoured to be part of that journey for him.
Is there something about mahjong that most people overlook?
Absolutely — the way people learn and play mahjong often says a lot about their personality.
Some are cautious, perfectionists, or afraid to make mistakes. Others dive right in, take risks, or need to see the big picture before they feel comfortable.
I enjoy watching how different learning styles and decision-making habits emerge during the game. Mahjong reveals more about a person than they realise.
Have you faced any misconceptions about mahjong?
Definitely. A lot of people — especially in Singapore — still associate mahjong with gambling, and that’s exactly the narrative I hope to shift. Mahjong is just a game — it’s neutral. It really depends on how people use it. It can be a great way to learn something new, challenge your brain, and bond with others. In fact, most of our learners — especially tourists and expats — see it as a beautifully designed strategy game, much like any other classic board game.
What do you hope for the future of mahjong in Singapore?
I’d love to see mahjong become a bigger part of the social scene — not something that’s automatically associated with gambling, but something people turn to for bonding, meeting new friends, and simply having a good time doing something that’s also great for the brain. I’m not here to be a mahjong “advocate,” but I do believe it’s a powerful tool for bringing people together.
I also hope it becomes more accessible — something anyone can try and enjoy, without feeling intimidated.
