Disconnect to connect.
A focus corner is a shared space where everyone puts their phone away and gets into whatever they came to do: study, read, draw, write, or just think. When everyone around you is doing the same, it's easier to keep going.
Why a focus corner
The problem
1 in 3
Singapore residents show problematic smartphone use. It's highest among 15- to 34-year-olds.
46%
of those aged 15 to 21. People with problematic use were at least three times as likely to report depression, anxiety or insomnia symptoms.
Source: Subramaniam et al., Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2024. IMH survey of 6,509 residents
Hard to fix alone
1 in 2
Singapore teens put off work or study because of screens in a single week. Half found it hard to focus on one task without them.
Accountable together
85%
of people surveyed said they're more likely to finish a task when someone is working alongside them. It's called body doubling.
Source: Eagle et al., ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, 2024
24%
less phone time when Korean young adults limited their phones together. Those doing it alone barely changed.
Source: Ko et al., KAIST, CSCW 2015
Schools have already moved. Since January 2026, secondary school students in Singapore keep their phones and smartwatches away for the whole school day, recess and CCA included.
Source: Ministry of Education, 2026
Be at the first corner
We're setting up the first Tahan focus corners in Singapore. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when one opens.
Join the waitlist
We'll email you when a focus corner opens near you.
We'll only email you about Tahan focus corners. You can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy
For spaces
Bring Tahan to your space
Libraries, schools, study rooms, co-working spaces and offices. We're looking for our first partners to host a focus corner.
Email us at
[email protected]
How it works
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01
Get the app
Download Tahan before you come and pick the few apps you'll still need.
-
02
Tap in
At the corner, tap your phone on the Tahan reader to start. Your other apps are paused until you tap out.
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03
Build the kueh
Each hour you focus builds one kueh lapis on your screen.
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04
Tap out
Buay tahan already? Walk back to the reader and tap your phone again to stop.
What you'll see while you focus
Buay tahan already!
Tap your phone on the Tahan reader to stop.
Questions
What does "tahan" mean?
"Tahan" is Malay for holding on or enduring, and Singaporeans use it every day. "Buay tahan" is the Singlish way of saying you can't take it any more. Tahan is about holding on to your focus a little longer, with other people doing the same around you.
Who's behind Tahan?
Tahan is made by Buay Tahan, a small team in Singapore. We realised how disconnected we had become, from the people around us and from ourselves, and we wanted to make room for both again.
Can I use Tahan at home?
Not for now. Tahan is built around focus corners, because being around other people is a big part of what makes it work.
Which apps still work?
Only the apps and websites you choose in Tahan.
Can I just delete the app to get out?
No. While you're focusing, apps can't be deleted, and that includes Tahan.
When can I try it?
You have to tahan a bit longer. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when the first focus corner opens.
Can my space host a focus corner?
Yes. We'd like to hear from libraries, study rooms, co-working spaces and offices. Email us at [email protected].