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What’s in a name? For baby name consultant Sam Fu — or Sam Laoshi — a name is far more than just a way to address someone. It is a carefully considered gift from parent to child, filled with meaning, identity, and hope for the future. With over 20 years of experience and having helped name more than 1,000 babies each year, Sam brings deep insight into the art and cultural significance of Chinese baby naming.
In the first part of the session, participants will be introduced to Sam’s process and philosophy. He will share how he works closely with parents to choose names that carry a nice meaning, are easy to write and recognise, and sound pleasing. The timing of the baby’s birth — down to the exact date and time — plays a vital role in the name selection, as does the family’s genealogy. Sam also considers whether the name aligns with the blessings that parents wish to bestow upon their child. While some families make quick decisions, others may take up to two years to settle on the right name. Sam emphasises that a name should support a child’s identity and how they introduce themselves to the world, but he also reminds us that it is not a guarantee of future success — rather, it lays a meaningful foundation for life.
Sam will also touch on common questions, such as how to name girls versus boys, and how he supports non-Chinese parents who wish to give their child a Chinese name. Importantly, he advises against changing the names given by parents, as those names often carry deep personal and cultural significance. Parents typically consult Sam right after thit child is born till about 14 days after birth when they have to apply for their child’s birth certificate, making this a critical moment in the child’s early journey.
The second half of the session features a live demonstration of the making of a Tai Mao Bi, or baby hair brush — a traditional keepsake made using a baby’s first haircut. Participants will learn how the hair, typically cut during the baby’s first or second month, is cleaned, sorted, and dried. Longer hairs are placed in the centre of the brush, while shorter ones are arranged around the edges. The completed brush is then engraved with the child’s name, birthday, and other personal details. The process takes about a month and results in a treasured item that reflects a parent’s love and a wish for the child’s bright future.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or simply interested in cultural craftsmanship, this session offers a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of tradition, artistry, and identity at the very start of life.
Hailing from Anhui, China, Sam Fu moved to Singapore in 1997, bringing with him a strong work ethic and a desire to build a meaningful life. He first worked in the construction industry, contributing to major national projects , and specialising in landed house design and build turn key projects for clients.Even as he played a part in shaping the city’s skyline, Sam felt a deeper calling — one that aligned with his values of care, protection, and creating something that could directly benefit people.
In 2003, Sam founded Huaxia Taimaobi Centre, the only dedicated baby hair brush (taimaobi) maker in Singapore then. What began as a personal journey transformed into a lifelong mission: to offer families a meaningful way to commemorate a child’s first milestones. For Sam, this work isn’t just about craftsmanship — it’s about helping parents mark the beginning of their child’s life with intention, identity, and love.
Huaxia Taimaobi Centre is Singapore’s only dedicated manufacturer of baby hair calligraphy brushes, also known as taimaobi. Over the past two decades, the centre has crafted more than 120,000 brushes for over 100,000 newborns, serving both local and expatriate families.
Each brush is handcrafted by experienced artisans using the baby’s first haircut, with great care and attention to detail. The company’s workshop and headquarters are located at Braddell Tech where new parents may select and order taimaobi or umbilical cord keepsakes.
Huaxia Taimaobi Centre also offers home services for local customers and has a full online ordering system for overseas families. Beyond its craftsmanship, the taimaobi represents a meaningful keepsake — a lasting symbol of a parent’s love and blessings at the beginning of a child’s journey through life.
Dean Wang holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Studies from the National University of Singapore and is currently a Community Researcher at My Community. His academic work focuses on Chinese religion, late imperial history, Singapore studies, and popular culture. He has published on topics such as underworld deities, kinship rituals, and religious festivals, combining fieldwork with historical and textual analysis.
Beyond his academic work, Dean is an avid collector of Chinese religious art, deepening his appreciation for material culture and its role in everyday faith practices. This collecting interest complements his research by providing tangible connections to the cultural traditions he studies.
A strong believer in public engagement and knowledge sharing, Dean also holds adjunct teaching positions at local universities, helping to cultivate interest in Chinese history and religion among students.
Through both scholarship and community heritage work, Dean contributes to preserving and interpreting the narratives embedded in Chinese traditions—ensuring that they remain part of Singapore’s evolving cultural landscape.
Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes.
Parking is available at Huaxia Taimaobi Centre, 13 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh #03-05 Singapore 319261
Meet My Craftsman
Meet My Craftsman
Meet My Craftsman
Meet My Craftsman
Meet My Craftsman
Meet My Craftsman
