Mujong was honoured with the Judges’ Special Mention Award at the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventor Award 2025. The judging panel described Mujong as “a highly developed product that is ready for the market,” affirming its evolution from concept to structured educational tool within months.

The Moment

Our founder, Kiki, was humbled to receive the Judges’ Special Mention Award at the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventor Award 2025.

The panel’s remarks were especially meaningful. Mujong was described as:

“A highly developed product that is ready for the market.”

For a product that began as an experimental idea at the piano, this recognition marked a turning point.

What started as curiosity has matured into a structured, playable, modular music-learning system.

From Idea to Educational Tool

Mujong began as a simple question:

How can children learn to recognise notes with speed and confidence — without relying on written note names as crutches?

Through iterative prototyping, gameplay testing with music teachers, and countless refinements, Mujong evolved into:

• A modular tile-based music system
• A calibrated framework adaptable from beginner to advanced levels
• A tool that transforms music theory into interactive play

Within months, it moved from concept to fully developed educational product.

This award affirms that the development was not accidental — it was intentional.

Why This Recognition Matters

Validation from educators and innovation judges signals three things:

1. Mujong is pedagogically sound
2. Mujong is structurally developed
3. Mujong is commercially viable

The recognition reinforces Mujong’s transition from edutainment prototype to serious edutech platform.

It also signals readiness — not just as a classroom activity, but as a scalable educational product.

Community & Support

We extend our gratitude to the organisers for providing a platform that supports youth innovation.

We are also grateful for the presence and support of Minister Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, whose encouragement of young innovators continues to inspire the next generation of creators.

Innovation does not grow in isolation. It grows in ecosystems.

The Adventure Is Just Beginning

Awards mark milestones. They are not destinations.

Mujong continues to evolve:

• Expanding into digital formats
• Refining modular expansions
• Developing beginner-friendly pathways
• Strengthening its pedagogical framework

This recognition is not the end of a journey. It is the confirmation that the journey is worth pursuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mujong?

Mujong is a modular, tile-based music learning system designed to improve note recognition speed, rhythmic understanding, and musical fluency through gameplay.

Who is Mujong for?

Mujong is suitable for music students, educators, and even beginners with no prior music background, depending on configuration.

What makes Mujong different from traditional music teaching tools?

Unlike traditional theory worksheets, Mujong trains instant note recognition and musical thinking through interactive play, without over-reliance on written note labels.

Mujong isn’t just a game anymore — it’s now a lifestyle you can carry in your pocket! We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with AI Printbox, where fans can now print custom Mujong phone cases in just 3 minutes, for only $15.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download your favorite Mujong phone case PNG file.
2. Head to any AI Printbox outlet.
3. Select your design, print, and voilà — your personalized Mujong case is ready in minutes!

🎤 1. I’m a Karaoke Queen

Celebrate the joy of singing! Whether it’s karaoke night or just humming in the shower, this design is for the music lover who isn’t afraid to shine. Download Now!

🎻 2. I’m a Little Violinist

A tribute to budding musicians and classical fans. This elegant design is perfect for anyone who believes music is best learned — and loved — from a young age. Download Now!

👑 3. In the Hall of Mujong King

For the strategic masterminds who love to rule the Mujong table. Wear your crown proudly with this playful, powerful design. Download Now!

🎼 4. A Good Mujong Conductor

Music is harmony and leadership. This case celebrates the conductor in all of us, guiding the rhythm and uniting the players. Download Now!

🎶 5. Classic Mujong Signature

Minimal, timeless, iconic. Featuring our mascot and tagline “Tiny Tiles, Big Melodies.” A must-have for every true Mujong fan. Download Now!

📍 Where to Get Yours

You can print your Mujong custom phone case at these AI Printbox outlets across Singapore:

• Sembawang Shopping Centre
• The Centrepoint
• Hillion Mall (B3 linkway to MRT)
• Parkway Parade
• Eastpoint Mall
• Changi Airport (B2)
• Great World
• Vivocity
• Changi Airport (Arrival Hall)

🚀 Why This Collab Matters

This is more than just merch — it’s Mujong stepping into lifestyle. With AI Printbox, fans can now showcase their love for music and play everywhere they go.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your design, head to an AI Printbox, and get your Mujong custom phone case today! 🎶

What happens when a world-class percussionist meets an 8-year-old music game inventor — and brings along his own 5-year-old secret weapon?

You get a MuJong showdown that’s equal parts brilliance, bonding, and bonus tiles.

Today, we were honoured to host Mario Choo, celebrated Percussionist with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), at our studio — and it wasn’t just a musical visit. Mario brought his whole family, turning what was meant to be a friendly MuJong session into a masterclass in rhythm, musicianship, and musical parenting.

🎶 About Mario Choo

A familiar face on Singapore’s concert stages, Mario Choo has been with the SSO since 2015, after graduating from the Royal Danish Academy of Music with a Master of Music in Percussion under the legendary Prof. Gert Mortensen.

He has performed under the batons of world-renowned conductors such as:

• Sir Simon Rattle (Berlin Philharmonic Karajan Academy)
• James Levine
• Leonard Slatkin
• David Zinman

His extensive international experience includes guest appearances with orchestras across Asia, festivals like the Aspen Summer Music Festival, and collaborations with percussion ensembles like Percurama. His arrangements have been featured in Denmark’s Globo Beats, a multicultural percussion showcase that blends global rhythms into electrifying performances.

In addition to his role in the SSO, Mario also serves as Artist Faculty, Percussion at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, where he mentors Singapore’s next generation of percussionists.

🧩 The Game: Mario vs. Kiki (+ a Plot Twist)

As expected, Mario came in strong during Round 1, scoring a whopping 6 points in a single MuJong game. A record score that’s unprecedented by any of our guest players:

• ✅ 1 point for the win
• ✅ 2 bonus points for Double Accidentals
• ✅ 2 bonus points for identifying Relative Minors
• ✅ 1 bonus for razor-sharp flawless sightreading of his winning tiles using the MuJong Time app keyboard

🎯 Total: 6 points — and it felt effortless.

But in Round 2, Kiki made a comeback — not alone, but with a surprise ally: Mario’s 5-year-old son, who quickly proved himself a prodigious strategist in his own right.

Together, Team Kiki recovered 4 points with a clean win — complete with musical reveals, giggles, and a few strategic whispers from the junior percussionist.

“I didn’t lose,” Kiki said. “I had a secret duet partner.”

Final tally:
Mario: 6
Kiki + Mario Jr.: 4

🎉 Our Takeaway

Watching Mario and Kiki (and Mario Jr.!) play MuJong together was a beautiful, unscripted lesson in what music really is — a shared language.

Whether it was the flawless sightreading, the gentle coaching between father and son, or the friendly competition with Kiki, this session was more than a game. It was a celebration of mentorship, musicianship, and multigenerational magic.

Thank you, Mario, for bringing your world-class artistry — and your wonderful family — into our world of musical play.

It was our great honour and privilege to host one of Singapore’s most respected authorities in musicology and education, Dr. Hideaki Onishi, for a special MuJong™ session. Dr. Onishi’s endorsement means the world to us—not only because of his distinguished academic pedigree, but because of his lifelong commitment to excellence in music education.

About Dr. Hideaki Onishi

Dr. Hideaki Onishi is one of Singapore’s most experienced and decorated music educators, holding two doctoral degrees—a Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in Musicology from Keio University in Tokyo. With over two decades of teaching experience, Dr. Onishi has served as Assistant Professor at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (NUS), and currently lectures at National Institute of Education (NIE) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where he trains future music educators and curriculum designers.

Beyond academia, he is a performer of Philippine kulintang, director of the Sari-Sari Kulintang Ensemble, and founder of Hideaki Onishi Music Pte Ltd, offering ABRSM coaching at advanced levels. His scope spans traditional Asian music, post-tonal analysis, orchestration, and multicultural music education—a rare fusion of scholarship and practice.

MuJong with the Master

During our recent session, we played a full round of MuJong™ with Dr. Onishi. To our delight, he enjoyed the gameplay so much, he requested a second round immediately. For us, that spontaneous rematch request was more than just a compliment—it was confirmation that MuJong could stand up to the scrutiny of a deeply trained music theorist.

The game concluded in the most poetic way possible: as part of the sight-reading finale, Dr. Onishi didn’t use the MuJong mobile app like most players. Instead, he sight-sang the musical bars directly from the tiles, perfectly on pitch—a testament to his perfect pitch and professional-level musicianship.

A Note of Thanks

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hideaki Onishi for his time, wisdom, and graciousness. His kind words and encouragement meant so much to us and Kiki, who now has the immense honour of being taught by him in his ongoing music theory masterclass.

To have her musical journey shaped by such an esteemed figure is a gift beyond measure, and one we deeply treasure.

Musicians, teachers, and pun-lovers — rejoice. The iconic rectangle you never knew you needed is now available to spice up your chats.

Say hello to Mujong, your music-loving mascot who’s got a joke for every note. Whether you’re Bach-ing out of a convo or apologizing for an accidental sharp, there’s a Mujong for that.

🎵 What’s in the pack?

• Be Right Bach – because you’ll baroque if you don’t return
• Sharp Thinking! – brilliant ideas with a musical twist
• Can-Can! – yes, we’re being extra dramatic 💃
• Sorry, It Was an Accidental – forgive my ♯ choices
• You Rock! – no explanation needed

…and more musical mayhem.

💬 How to Use the Mujong Stickers

Using Mujong is easy — just follow these steps:

1. Download the sticker file
   👉 Click here to download Mujong.wastickers
2. Install Sticker Maker (free app)
   • Sticker Maker App Website
3. Open Sticker Maker → tap “+” → “Import .wastickers file”
4. Select the Mujong file → Add to WhatsApp

And voilà — your WhatsApp chats are now a symphony of fun.

(Disclaimer: We are not affiliated, sponsored, or endorsed by the Sticker Maker app or its developers in any way. We simply recommend it as a free and widely used tool for importing .wastickers files into WhatsApp. All rights to the Sticker Maker app belong to their respective owners.)

Yesterday, something magical happened in our MuJong™ playroom.

Kiki, our 8-year-old founder, welcomed a very special guest: Mr Ong Ting Kai, music educator from Pasir Ris Secondary School. A passionate advocate for music education and innovation, Mr Ong dropped by to experience MuJong™ firsthand… and walked away impressed.

We’re proud to share that Mr Ong sees real potential in MuJong™ as a fun and effective classroom tool, a sentiment that echoes our mission of turning music theory from a daunting subject into an engaging, interactive experience.

Music Meets Mahjong: A Teaching Revolution

Mr Ong sat down with Kiki and the team to try a full round of MuJong™. Within minutes, the table was filled with smiles, laughter, and a growing sense that this was more than just a game. It was an educational tool in disguise, cleverly designed to reinforce music theory concepts like note reading, keys, clefs, time signatures, rhythms, and accidentals.

Mr Ong, who teaches secondary school music students, remarked that MuJong™ has strong potential as a supplementary teaching aid. The game’s structured levels, ranging from beginner-friendly modes to advanced musical challenges, cater to a wide range of learning abilities and make it ideal for both classroom and CCA enrichment use.

A Proud Moment for Team MuJong™

For Kiki, this meeting was more than just a demo. It was a milestone.

Since her invention began as a spark of frustration with dry theory books, MuJong™ has grown into a real-world learning solution—now being seriously considered by secondary school educators for institutional adoption. It’s an encouraging development of our Mujong journey!

💡 Looking Ahead

We’re incredibly thankful to Mr Ong for his time, insights, and openness to innovation. His feedback strengthens our belief that MuJong™ can truly revolutionize how music is taught—and learned.

And to educators out there curious about MuJong™, we say: come play a round. You might just find your next classroom secret weapon hidden inside a turquoise box of tiles.

Today was no ordinary MuJong™ session. It was a momentous encounter between Maestro Lim Ni Ta, principal conductor of the Addo Children and Youth Orchestra, and his long-time student — our young CEO and Mujong inventor, Kiki.

Maestro Lim has mentored Kiki since she was five years old through competitions and her ABRSM Grade 5 violin exams. His baton has shaped many young musicians, and his support for MuJong carries great meaning to us.

But today, it was baton down… and tiles up.

Kiki, ever the playful strategist, decided to open the game with bass clef, a friendly ambush aimed at challenging her treble-clef-trained teacher. Maestro gamely played along and navigated the first round smoothly (apparently Kiki for forgot that conductors are supposed to be fluent in all clefs 😏)

Then came round two.
Kiki flipped it back to treble clef, but this time, she activated the MuJong Time app. Tempo set at Adagio.
Panic set in. The shift in clef, coupled with time pressure (even at adagio… I repeat… adagio 😏), threw everyone off — including both her parents and (allegedly 🫢) Maestro Lim himself.

In the ensuing apocalypse, her father became the first victim of the dreaded Skull-Soul Death™ — all because he couldn’t discard a tile in time.

One clef to rule them all. One timer to doom them all.
(And yes, Daddy got doomed.)

But behind the laughter and light-hearted teasing was a poignant moment: a student challenging her conductor, not out of defiance, but out of admiration and joy using a game she invented.

From a little girl once demoralized by sight-reading to a confident music gamer outwitting her own mentor, the session reminded us just how far Kiki has come.

Of course, her recent speed boost in sight-reading might have something (okay, a lot) to do with weeks of MuJong intensives, much credit goes to Maestro Lim’s unwavering patience and his steadfast encouragement over the years.

Thank you, Maestro Lim, for shaping not just musicians, but minds that dare to create.

Tiny Tiles. Big Brainwaves.

Indeed it was.
🎹💡 Tiny Tiles. Big Brainwaves.

From a struggling 4-year-old to the 8-year-old CEO of MuJong™, this moment is everything.

It’s not every day that a young inventor gets to meet the author who played a pivotal role in shaping their journey. But today, we had one of those rare, full-circle moments — as Kiki, our 8-year-old founder and CEO of MuJong™, finally met Ms Tan Hui Leng, the co-author of Who’s Who: A Treble Clef Story.

📚 A Book That Changed Everything

When Kiki was just 4, she found music theory daunting and dry, as many children do. Notes, symbols, and abstract rules didn’t make much sense to her. But that changed the moment she was introduced to Who’s Who — a beautifully illustrated music theory book that turned dry concepts into vivid characters and engaging stories.

Kiki fell in love with music theory, not through rote learning, but through narrative, colour, and imagination. That book, paired with an online theory course hosted by Teacher Glennis, ignited something in her: the idea that music could be learned through play.

🎲 The Birth of MuJong™

That spark would stay with Kiki for years, quietly shaping her worldview. And earlier this year, she turned that spark into a blazing fire: she sketched out an idea for a game that fuses rhythm, music theory, and the strategic thrill of mahjong, the game we now know as MuJong™.

And today, the little girl who once struggled with note reading, presented her full-fledged, patent-pending musical board game to the very educator whose work helped set her on this path.

🤝 When Paths Cross in the Most Meaningful Way

Ms Tan Hui Leng was warm, gracious, and encouraging. She shared how Who’s Who was created to help children exactly like Kiki, children who might not thrive with traditional theory worksheets, but who could flourish with the right stories, visuals, and context.

Watching Kiki confidently explain the story of MuJong™ to Ms Tan, it was a quiet, powerful reminder of how educators plant seeds they may never see bloom… until one day, they do.

🌱 A Tribute to All Music Educators

This meeting wasn’t just about Kiki and Ms Tan. It was a tribute to every music teacher, author, and mentor who takes the time to make learning joyful, meaningful, and magical for children.

Your efforts matter. Your tools inspire. And your work creates ripples far beyond the classroom.

Thank you, Ms Tan Hui Leng, for being part of Kiki’s story — and now, for being part of MuJong™’s story too.

With gratitude,
The MuJong™ Team
🎹 Tiny Tiles. Big Dreams.

An idea that started at our dining table… now shortlisted for one of Singapore’s most prestigious innovation awards.

We are beyond thrilled to share that MuJong™, the world’s first modular music theory game inspired by mahjong, has been officially shortlisted for the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award (TKKYIA) 2025! 🎉

This recognition means a great deal to us — not just as a team, but as a family.

🧠 From Curiosity to Invention

The idea for MuJong™ was first sparked by an innocent question from 8-year-old Kiki Boo, our founder and CEO:

“Can music be played like a game?”

What followed was 50 days of whirlwind ideation, design, and development. With nothing more than a sketch on a whiteboard and an obsession with learning through play, our tiny team — led by Kiki, and supported by her family and mentors — transformed that question into a full-fledged, patent-pending educational game system.

MuJong™ combines music theory, rhythm reading, and tactical gameplay in a way that’s never been done before — using tiles, cards, clefs, and keys to make learning not just easier, but irresistibly fun.

💡 Recognizing the Power of Young Minds

The Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award has a long legacy of celebrating innovation from the next generation. To be shortlisted is more than just an honour — it’s a validation of the belief that children aren’t just learners; they can be inventors too.

As a young girl who once struggled with music theory herself, Kiki’s journey represents so many children who learn differently. MuJong™ was created to empower them — through rhythm, through logic, and through play.

🛠️ What’s Next?

We’ve received confirmation of our shortlisting and will be attending the interview round on 26 July 2025. By then, we’ll be bringing more than just a prototype — our first batch of MuJong™ sets will be ready, and so will the accompanying MuJong™ Time app.

This will be our opportunity to showcase not just the idea — but the execution, traction, and most importantly, the impact on real learners and teachers.

🙏 Thank You for Supporting Us

To all our early adopters, educator pilot participants, and supportive friends — this moment belongs to you too.

MuJong™ is no longer just a home project.
It’s a movement.
A spark.
A new language of learning.
And this shortlisting brings us one step closer to sharing it with the world.

Stay tuned as we prepare for the interview and continue to refine the game based on pilot feedback. The journey has just begun — and we’re so glad you’re part of it.