Singapore Management University (SMU) organised a mahjong competition which won the support of many students, but parents were not so enthusiastic about the event.

A reporter from Shin Min Daily headed down to the campus to find out more from the students who participated in the second year of the competition which attracted close to 30 students to sign up.

Photo: Shin Min Daily

It was understood that the mahjong competition was first introduced by the university's Recreational Gaming Club.

The club says they want to create greater awareness among undergraduates about the negativity of gambling, the symptoms of addiction, as well as promote the gambling addiction helplines.

The game did not involve chips, and they calculated the scores to determine the winner.

The reporter also observed that the participants were not distracted by the loud music that was blasting during the game. They even had "supporters" to provide tips and to cheer them on.

Most of the students who were interviewed felt that such competitions were harmless as they focused more on the tactics that were used and not on gambling.

Self-discipline

Luo Wei Quan, 27, a student studying mechanical engineering at the university, associated addiction with poor self-discipline.

Student Lim Ai Zhen, 21, said that the competition felt like ' a casual mahjong session with her friends'.

Nevertheless, many parents were still not in favour of the competition.

Misconception

Mr Tan, 54, an engineer, was not convinced.

"It's my first time hearing about a mahjong competition held in a school campus. Although the concept is refreshing, a school should always remain as a conducive place for learning. I feel that introducing a gambling game to students in school is just inappropriate."

Some parents think that the competition encourages youths to gamble.

Others argued that too many competitions like these will cause students to develop the misconception that mahjong is an acceptable form of gambling and so promote this unhealthy habit.

Mrs Teo, 42, pointed out that it is paramount for students to remain prudent. If one devotes too much time on a mahjong game, chances are he or she will succumb to the temptation of gambling and it may then take a toll on his or her studies.