Yah Lah But #759: S’porean Architect on How Feng Shui Made Him World-Famous & Why COVID Saved Him | Dear Modern
Dec 29, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Cliff Tan, a Singaporean architect and feng shui expert, sheds light on his rise to fame through his platform, Dear Modern. He explains how his passion for feng shui is rooted in family tradition and demystifies its practical application. Cliff shares how the COVID quarantine catalyzed his viral success on social media, leading to a flourishing online business and global consultations. He reflects on cultural differences among clients and the emotional depth of his consults, reinforcing feng shui's role beyond design.
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Childhood Moment That Shaped A Career
- Cliff first decided he wanted to be an architect at age eight after seeing UOB Plaza under construction.
- That moment led him to study architecture and later sparked his interest in how feng shui shapes buildings.
Two Sides Of Feng Shui
- Cliff distinguishes compass feng shui (person-based, technical) from form feng shui (space-based, intuitive).
- He argues form feng shui maps directly onto architecture and psychological effects of space.
Use The Command Position Test
- Try the 'command position' test: sit someone where they can see the door and notice the immediate effect.
- Use simple experiential demonstrations to convert sceptics rather than abstract claims.