Group Spotlight: Learn Mahjong with AWA!

By Suellen Lee

Photos by Ann Seojin

We sat down with Jennifer Crump, the current chair of the AWA Mahjong group, to discuss the evolution of the group since the COVID years when she took over as chair, and discovered how this is the only group in Singapore (that we know) which plays BOTH Western and Singapore style of mahjong. 

From East Sussex to the Mahjong Table in Singapore

Originally from East Sussex, England, with roots in South Africa, Jennifer moved to Singapore in 2014 where her journey with mahjong started not long after. In the comforts of a friend’s living room, Jennifer was introduced to mahjong by a group of fellow South African expats who  were playing Western style of mahjong, a version widely beloved by British and Australian players.

After joining the AWA Mahjong group in 2019 Jennifer eventually stepped into the role as co-chair in 2023 and eventually chair.  What started as a way to pass the time has become a platform for her own unexpected personal growth. Although she does not have a background in education or teaching, love of teaching was something Jennifer did not expect to learn about herself until she joined the Mahjong group. She has enjoyed the positive feedback from students when they have completed a training with her. "Developing an identity and sense of meaning through this role has really surprised me."

A Tale of Two (or Three) Styles

The AWA Mahjong group holds a unique distinction in SIngapore: the only association that officially plays both Western and Singapore styles. 

• Western Style: Guided by The Mahjong Player’s Companion by Thompson and Maloney, this style features some more complicated "hands"..  This style has been the mainstay of AWA for many years.

• Singapore Style: Known for being fast-paced and energetic, the demand for this style has led to the publication of the AWA’s own Singapore Style Mahjong brochure in April 2025 which sells for SGD10.  This style was only introduced a year ago. “So we still have much to learn.”

• The American Influence: Jennifer notes that many members are now eyeing "American Style" training to ensure they can keep playing when they eventually repatriate to the States.  “Thinking about this for the next AWA year.”

  
  
  

  

  

Learning with Confidence: The "Help Table"

Walking into a game of Mahjong can be intimidating, but Jennifer introduced a Help Table which offers a bridge for beginners or players who have not played in a long time  or play another style to join in.  

Her training sessions—typically held two afternoons a month from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm—focus on small groups of four to ensure personalized attention. Unlike other groups where you might be thrown into the deep end, Jennifer’s sessions provide a supportive environment where "graduates" can transition from learners to confident players.

Why We Play

For Jennifer, the true reward isn't the win; it’s the "click."

"I love seeing that moment when it all comes together for a student," she says. "Getting positive feedback and seeing my 'graduates' continue to play is incredibly gratifying."

Whether you’re looking for the mental gymnastics of Western play or the lightning-fast fun of the Singapore style, the AWA Mahjong Group would love you to join in the tile fun.

If you are interested in the AWA Mahjong group, please sign up on the AWA Singapore website.

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​Suellen is a native Singaporean but grew up as a "Third Culture Kid" in Hong Kong and the US. She moved from San Francisco, California to Singapore in 2019 with her husband and three sons. They have since added another three furry members to their family, Ollie (a "Singapore special" dog), Panda and Piglet (twin cats). She runs, sometimes writes, and is a California licensed Clinical Psychologist with a part-time practice in Singapore.

Ann Seojin is a wedding and lifestyle photographer. Known for her candid, heartfelt and documentary-style approach, Ann captures images that celebrate connection and the beauty of everyday moments. She is based in Singapore & Seoul. You can view her work at annpano.com.