Latest news with #Mahjong
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian pals create mahjong set with local elements like kuih lapis and satay
Businessman Wong Kai Yi, 31, first learned to play mahjong, a traditional Chinese game, during the pandemic. He never imagined that by 2022, he would go on to create a Malaysian-themed wooden mahjong set featuring local food, heritage and cultural elements. "It all started with a question that kept playing in my head: Mahjong has been played in Malaysia for over a century, so why is it still mostly limited to the Chinese community? "That was when I had the idea to reimagine mahjong with Malaysian cultural elements so that more people could feel connected to the game," says Wong during an interview in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MyJong blends traditional mahjong with Malaysian culture. Mahjong is played with 144 tiles marked with different Chinese characters and symbols. Often played in lively social settings, the game combines strategy, memory and a little bit of luck. MyJong is a playful blend of "My", which stands for Malaysia – referencing the country's two-letter code – and "Jong", which comes from mahjong. "It's a straightforward name, but it captures everything I wanted to express - a version of mahjong that's rooted in local culture, easy to remember, and proudly Malaysian," explains Wong, an architect by training who runs an art and design studio in PJ. He felt that it was important to incorporate elements of Malaysian culture into MyJong as a way of preserving local heritage."On one hand, it preserves cultural symbols by giving them a new platform. On the other hand, it reimagines how we interact with tradition - making it something playful, engaging and inclusive." Wong (left) and Ng aim to make MyJong more accessible to all Malaysian communities. Infusing local elements The idea to create MyJong took shape three years ago when Wong was working as a designer at a mixed media installation company in Kuala Lumpur. Wong and his colleagues were preparing for a group exhibition where team members were encouraged to explore a personal passion project for the show. "Around that same period, I had just returned from the UK after completing my architectural studies, and my sister introduced me to mahjong. We'd play on weekends, and I got quite hooked. "At the same time, I started thinking about how to make it more accessible to other Malaysian communities," says Kuantan-born Wong, who has been living in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, for the past five years. Together with his former university friend and music school owner Adrian Ng, 31, he came up with the idea to create a Malaysian-themed mahjong set. That was how MyJong was given Wong's background in architectural studies, it felt almost natural for him to conceptualise and design MyJong. While creating MyJong, the duo kept asking themselves: What would these tiles look like through a Malaysian lens? The flower tiles feature cultural elements such as wau, kolam, kelebit (a warrior shield of Sarawak's Dayak community), lion head (symbolic in Chinese culture) and batik. "From there, we explored various cultural motifs, tested how they translated visually, and refined them to suit the tile format. Some ideas looked great on paper but didn't work as engravings, so we went through several rounds of trial and error. "Each element had to strike a careful balance; it needed to be graphically clear yet culturally meaningful," Ng shares. The tiles in a standard mahjong set are divided into three main suits - dots (tongzhi), bamboo (suozi), and characters (wanzi). There are also special tiles such as winds (directions), flowers, seasons and sometimes jokers, depending on the game with dots represent numbers one to nine, used for scoring combinations. The creators of MyJong replaced the dots with Malaysian snacks like kuih lapis, curry puff, satay and otak otak to represent numbers. MyJong is uniquely Malaysian, crafted after many months of detailed research and careful design. "Food is one of the strongest connectors of people in Malaysia. Everyone has a favourite kuih or snack they grew up with. I thought, why not make the game feel even more local by weaving these elements into the tiles? "This was one of the ways to stay true to the design system while making it more familiar and fun," said Melaka-born Ng, who helps with MyJong's production, operations and promotions, while Wong handles the design and conceptual side of things. Under flowers, the tiles feature cultural elements such as the wau, kolam, kelebit (a warrior shield of Sarawak's Dayak community), lion head (symbolic in Chinese culture) and batik. "We wanted these to reflect Malaysian heritage - symbols that are not only beautiful but also emotionally familiar. Congkak brings back memories of childhood, wau connects to traditional kampung life, and kolam is instantly recognisable across cultures. "These motifs naturally reflect our diversity, and I wanted the game to feel inclusive to all Malaysians, not just those familiar with the original format," Ng adds. A relatable game Traditionally, mahjong tiles are made from bone, bamboo or tiles are made from cengal and merbau wood sourced from Malaysia. Ng holding a MyJong tile with a wau motif. "Cengal is very durable and has a rich colour. Merbau is a dense hardwood, known for its excellent strength and stability. They are also durable, which means they are less likely to shrink compared to other woods," says Ng .Each MyJong set takes about two months to make. After handpicking the wood, it is cut in a factory, then laser-engraved, sanded and varnished. "The biggest challenge is in the making process. It involves a lot of manual labour, but we prefer having control over the details. Cengal is beautiful but incredibly tough to work with. We failed many times and nearly gave up. Making these sets has taught us a lot about patience," Wong admits. They have also experimented with materials like resin, concrete and acrylic - pushing the boundaries of how mahjong can be reimagined and experienced. Each tile is carefully sanded to ensure a smooth finish, free from any wood splinters or rough edges. "We wanted to explore mahjong not just as a game but also as an art object. Acrylic gives the set a modern, almost playful look - it's translucent and catches the light beautifully. The concrete version, which we made for a collaboration with a bookstore, has an industrial, sculptural feel. "Each material tells a different story and gives the player a new experience, even though the structure of the game remains the same," says Wong, adding that they have exhibited their handcrafted game sets at art events in KL, Penang and PJ. In the last three years, Ng and Wong have made about 20 sets. One set has even made its way onto the luxury train Eastern & Oriental Express, while other sets are in the homes of mahjong enthusiasts in Malaysia and Singapore. They have also created custom MyJong tiles for several local companies, including a bookstore, a restaurant and even a whisky label. While the team follows the traditional 144-tile structure for four-player mahjong, orders for their three-player format (84 tiles) are more common. The starting price of a handmade MyJong wooden set of 84 pieces is RM3,500. All about MyJong tiles. Since mahjong has deep traditional roots, one might wonder how purists have responded. "Some seasoned players, especially the older Chinese uncles and aunties, were skeptical at first. They viewed it as more of an art piece than a playable set. "But once they tried it, they realised it followed the exact same rules. Many of them ended up appreciating the storytelling behind the designs and said it added a new layer of meaning to the game," says Malaysians' responses were encouraging. "A lot of them said this was the first time they felt curious about mahjong because it felt fresh, modern and fun. Some even use the sets as display pieces. It has helped shake off the old-fashioned image of mahjong and opened it up to a more design-conscious generation," says Ng, who shares MyJong photos on their Instagram handle. Ng uses a laser engraver to etch the design onto each tile. Though mahjong can be complex for beginners, Wong believes MyJong is more accessible. "By using local visuals - like curry puffs, wau and kolam - we've made the tiles more intuitive and relatable. We also include a simplified rule sheet and created a three-player version to make it less intimidating. It is a way to introduce the game to people who might have felt like outsiders before," says Wong. Though both men admit that balancing full-time jobs with their side hustle is tiring, they have persevered and prefer handcrafting each set instead of large-scale manufacturing. "From the start, we have held back from mass production. We didn't want it to seem like we were capitalising on Chinese culture just to make a profit. "Our goal was to create something that lets people appreciate Malaysia's rich heritage – through a game," concludes Ng.
Axios
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
A new Bay Area generation goes all-in on mahjong
Mahjong is experiencing a cultural revival — and it's younger than ever. Why it matters: The strategy game that originated in China is traditionally associated with older generations in the Asian diaspora. That's no longer the case. Driving the news: Between 2023 and 2024, the number of mahjong events on Eventbrite surged by 179% nationwide and 146% in San Francisco, per data collected by the online platform. Among the nine major cities analyzed in the study, SF ranked second in cities with the most mahjong events in 2024, just behind New York. "We've seen ... all of these mahjong influencers now who are telling the story of the game," Eventbrite senior PR specialist Page Dudley told Axios. "That takes off online and becomes an IRL experience." State of play: More people are seeking in-person experiences that allow them to unplug from digital devices following the pandemic, according to The Mahjong Project founder Nicole Wong, who hosts pop-ups across the Bay Area. Mahjong enables people to socialize in a way that's less intimidating than going to a bar, "and it's super tactile, just interacting with the tiles," she told Axios. It's also become a way for younger Asian Americans to connect with their heritage, added Wong, who documents different variations of the game in the book "Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora." Yes, but: People of all backgrounds are showing up to learn and play at places like 13 Orphans, a recently opened mahjong den and speakeasy that sits above Baba's House in Oakland. Zoom in: The Asian snack shop turned its upstairs space into a community space for gameplay after seeing high demand during the weekly mahjong nights they hosted, cofounder Jenn Lui told Axios. Customers pay a $10 entry fee and can access food and cocktails through the speakeasy. The den also hosts dedicated coaching nights that typically draw 40-50 people. 13 Orphans now has weekly regulars who come from across the Bay to play, including elders who are more advanced players. "That's when you test your skills," Lui said, noting the game's multigenerational aspect. The big picture: Mahjong is part of a new trend the internet has deemed " granny core," which includes activities such as knitting and baking that have seen a similar increase in SF events. ImagiKnit owner Katelyn Randolph told Axios via email that the store, like Baba's House, experienced a spike in demand for classes and community after the pandemic.
CBS News
04-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Boulder Jewish community unites in support of each other after attack, prepares for festival at Colorado site of antisemitic attack
Following Sunday's antisemitic attack in Boulder, the Jewish community has come together to support each other, and one of the places that's been an anchor is the Boulder Jewish Community Center. CBS On Tuesday afternoon, a group of women gathered there to play Mahjong, a game that's popular amongst the Jewish community. It's something they've been doing for decades. After the attack, the sense of community they gain from it is important. "I think it does help. Community definitely helps," said one of the women. "It's the history of Judaism because even with the Holocaust situation years ago, they kept their faith as best they could," another added. Over the last couple of days, the Boulder JCC has been a safe space for people of all ages to come. "People are coming in, and at the same time, we're providing space for them to actually connect," said executive director Jonathan Lev. "There's not one thing that I can say 'the Jewish community is feeling this,' but what I know is that they're feeling a tremendous amount, and we're here to support them." Boulder JCC Executive Director Jonathan Lev CBS For Lev, Sunday's attack was both deeply painful and personal. "The victims are pillars of this community, and there's not a place in in the fabric of what makes up the Boulder Jewish community that they are not part of," said Lev. "And so while many people don't even know who the victims are right now, it's important to know that they are core members of what makes this community so special, and they're people who I know personally." While he's supporting folks at the JCC, Lev says he's also communicating with leaders at every level, including state, national and international about how the community can be better and to stop what he calls harmful rhetoric. "We know when rhetoric turns to antisemitism, Jew hate or directed against the Jewish people or individuals. We know that that leads to violence, and we need that to stop. We can also be an example to other communities of how that might be possible. And now's the time. We can't wait. The Jewish people can't wait at all. We need it to happen now," Lev said. CBS Colorado's Chierstin Susel interviews Boulder JCC Executive Director Jonathan Lev. CBS On Sunday, June 8, the JCC will host its annual Boulder Jewish Festival right on Pearl Street where the terror attack happened. "It's both significant and extremely hard that the Boulder Jewish festival is on that site, and it's part of the reason why the very nature of what the Jewish Festival is is being reimagined and deeply thought about, to try to understand and connect with people who are feeling all different types of things, so that there's something for everyone. But there's also a way for the broad community to come together and show their support and love of the community right now, because we need it," Lev said. Run For Their Lives was the group targeted in the attack while walking to bring awareness to the hostages that remain in Gaza. Lev says that the group will also return on Sunday to continue their mission.
Wall Street Journal
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
A Printing Error Ruffles the Mahjong World
For mahjong enthusiasts, the most anticipated day of the year comes in early spring. Devotees of the 19th-century Chinese tile-based game are known to stalk postal carriers the first week of April, anticipating the annual release of the official National Mah Jongg League card. The object of their desire costs $14 or $15, depending on the size, and outlines which tile combinations allow players to declare 'Mahjong!' and win the game.
The Review Geek
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Forget You Not – Season 1 Episode 4 Recap & Review
The Reserved Seat Episode 4 of Forget You Not starts with us back at the comedy club as a male comedian discusses the differing reactions to marriage from men and women. Turns out a VIP has bought a seat for the comedy club that night but they haven't bothered to show up. It's not Le-le's set here and Mark shrugs it off, believing that they may just show up late. Back in time, we see Kuang-chi playing Mahjong with his friends back home but you can see the strained relationship with Le-le building from a mile off. She shows up at the door without being picked up from school and she's fixated on her schoolwork. From her dialogue, it also appears that Kuang-chi has been jumping between different women with flings or short-lived relationships. In the present, Le-le does her set but she focuses on Chai-yun's birth but she's not getting the same reactions she was before – and Mark knows it. He encourages her to use the divorce she's going through as material, given it's rife for exploitation, but she doesn't want to be cliché. However, the real issue here is that last time she ripped into Kai, it caused the downward spiral of their relationship and she clearly doesn't want to make matters worse. Le-le is flustered when she shows up at the hospital later on with Kuang-chi. Her mother has been brought in and is deceased. This causes all sorts of memories to come flooding back for our titular character, who heads outside to get some air. Our flashbacks this time jump back to see how Kai and Le-le's mother, Hsiao-fang, met. She was initially very flamboyant and worked as a singer but after Le-le's birth, something changed. It looks like post-natal depression at first glance. Kai isn't exactly an attentive father, and he heads out for military service, leaving Hsia-fang to handle a crying baby all on her own. Unfortunately, this is a mainstay as Le-le grows older, and Hsiao-fang is never happy as a mother. She doesn't converse with her kid, she barely plays and eventually, she packs her things and leaves. It's a heartbreaking way to go, especially as all Le-le wanted was love and her mum was never able to give that to her. This explains why things are so fractured between her and Kuang-chi, which doesn't make the job of clearing Hsiao-fang's place out in the present any easier. Kuang-chi and Le-le show up and hash out their issues while working through the possessions. Le-le has never had closure here and even worse, Kuang-chi saw Hsiao-fang a few times behind Le-le's back. None of this helps with Le-le's already fractured relationship with her father. Le-le lets her troubles out on the mic, spilling her heart to the room while Mark watches on. Thankfully, it's an empty crowd and Mark decides to take a chance and go for it with Le-le's new direction, but is quick to remind her that these people come to the club to forget their worries, not to be completely depressed. I's here where we see the truth of the matter. Apparently, Hsiao-fang did try with Le-le and wasn't completely depressed the entire time as we'd been led to believe. She smiled and spent time with Le-le and when she left, Le-le actually let her go willingly. Le-le has been keeping all of this repressed for a while, blaming her dad for the way Hsiao-fang just left, and also explaining how this big chasm in her heart has never really been healed. Finally confronting this now, she puts to rest the memory of her mum, signified by the ketchup lids she's kept, a reminder of when her mum used to cook and taught Le-le how to do the same thing. The Episode Review So Forget You Not confirms that Le-le is an unreliable narrator and sometimes it's quite tough to work out what's the real story here and what's been fabricated. However, this does work well to flesh out more of Le-le's story and her complicated – and oftentimes tumultuous – relationships. The show has managed to showcase the difficulties in nurturing said relationships and how our own memories and perceptions of events can be shaped over time. Forget You Not has been a compelling ride so far, leaving the door wide open for the second half of this drama. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
