Preserving cultural heritage can feel like a daunting task, but for many, it’s found in the most unexpected places—like the mahjong table. Imagine a game so rich in tradition that it becomes a bridge between generations, a way to honor the past while creating new memories. For Nicole Wong, this ancient game wasn’t just a pastime; it was a gateway to reconnecting with her roots. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Nicole wasn’t a mahjong master when she started. In fact, her journey began as a beginner, yet she found herself teaching others and even launching The Mahjong Project (https://www.themahjongproject.com/). She also penned Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora, a book that dives into the game’s cultural significance and the unique rules passed down through families. This week, we sit down with Nicole to explore the challenges of teaching something you’re still learning, the unexpected lessons she’s gained, and what it truly means to ‘level up’ to auntie or elder status in a community. And this is the part most people miss: Mahjong isn’t just about tiles and strategy—it’s about storytelling, bonding, and keeping traditions alive in a rapidly changing world. But here’s the controversial bit: Is mahjong a game, a cultural artifact, or both? And does modernizing it risk losing its essence? We’ll let you decide. Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think traditions like mahjong should stay unchanged, or is evolution part of their survival? Let’s spark a conversation!
