Student-led initiative brings seniors and youths together through shared play and conversation
A simple mahjong table has become an unexpected bridge between generations in Singapore, turning friendly games into meaningful connections that combat loneliness and strengthen community ties.
A Weekly Ritual in Toa Payoh
Every Tuesday, elderly residents in Toa Payoh eagerly queue to ballot for limited slots at a weekly mahjong session held on Sunday afternoons at Toa Payoh West Community Club. The demand has grown so strong that balloting was introduced in 2025 to ensure fair access. Each session pairs 24 seniors with 24 youth volunteers, creating a lively and welcoming environment built on shared play.
Born From Pandemic-Era Concerns
The initiative, called Mahjong Together, was founded in 2021 by four Dunman High School students after reading reports on elderly loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the founders, Ms Yap Yihui, now a University of Virginia undergraduate, said mahjong was chosen because it naturally encourages conversation, laughter, and storytelling among four players at a table.
Youth-Led, Community-Driven
Today, Mahjong Together is run by a rotating committee of 15 youths, mostly students, who manage outreach, logistics, and volunteer recruitment. Each month, 70 to 90 volunteers sign up online to support sessions held at community clubs, active ageing centres, and care homes across Singapore. According to The Straits Times, the sessions are strictly non-monetary and last about three hours.
Learning Goes Both Ways
For many volunteers, the experience is as enriching as it is fun. Sixteen-year-old Duan Zehao from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) said seniors happily shared mahjong strategies with him during his first session in December 2025. Others, like 17-year-old Reese Chin, learned the game on the spot, often receiving playful scoldings from aunties when they played too slowly.
Familiar Faces, Lasting Bonds
Former committee member Tan Yan Kai, 18, returned to volunteer after a 10-month break and was surprised that many seniors still remembered him. Seniors such as Ms Doris Tan, 66, said the sessions keep their minds active and allow mutual learning. Another regular, Madam Kong Yoke Kew, 73, shared that playing with young people made her feel younger and more energized.
A Growing Model for Social Connection
With sessions frequently oversubscribed and expanding islandwide, Mahjong Together demonstrates how culturally rooted activities can address social isolation while nurturing empathy among youths. The initiative shows that meaningful community building does not require complex solutions, only shared time and genuine interaction.
As Singapore and the wider region grapple with ageing populations and youth disengagement, initiatives like Mahjong Together highlight the power of intergenerational connection. By transforming a traditional game into a social bridge, the project offers a replicable model for strengthening community resilience, relevant to both Indonesians and Singaporeans facing similar demographic shifts.
Sources: Asia News Network (2026) , Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: Mahjong Together, Elderly Engagement, Youth Volunteers, Community Clubs, Intergenerational Bonding
