An authority in fengshui — or “Chinese metaphysics” — Yap is one of the most sought-after consultants on both sides of the Causeway.
With a team of about 170 people, Yap’s consulting business has even built “data systems” that study patterns across “thousands of consultations”.
“Previous generations of masters worked with small samples and intuition. We are now able to test formulas and applications at a speed that would normally take decades,” says Yap.
According to Yap, “thousands of members worldwide” receive personalised forecasts and insights monthly from his firm’s paid Tribe Plus digital platform membership. “It is the closest thing to having a metaphysics advisory team in your pocket.”
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Looking ahead, Yap says his team will continue to expand over the next few years. “I have been fortunate to build a digital audience of nearly 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube and 2.2 million followers on Facebook, and over the years, we have developed a repeatable framework for what actually works on digital platforms.”
Yap’s firm is now training a team of 25 young people “to take this expertise and offer it to others”. “Think of it as an agency, but built on real results and a proven system. This team helps traditional industries, professionals and entrepreneurs who are still figuring out the digital world. They produce content, automate workflows and help clients grow their online presence using methods we already know perform well. We will be scaling this new company aggressively next year.”
Yap’s team has even ventured into coaching. In July 2025, the Joey Yap Group held the three-day NextGen 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, a non-metaphysics event focused on entrepreneurship.
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“It is about helping young founders turn ideas into businesses, raise funds, test concepts and monetise creativity. The world is moving fast, and many young people have ambition but lack direction; NextGen is designed to bridge that gap with practical strategy, coaching and frameworks they can actually use,” says Yap.
Ahead of his firm’s two-day event at Resorts World Sentosa on Feb 1 and 2, Yap shares with City & Country his outlook and advice for 2026.
City & Country (C&C): In the year of the Fire Horse, which real estate sectors could see opportunity for growth, and which sectors may have a relatively quieter year?
Joey Yap (JY): The Fire Horse year is a very honest energy. It amplifies whatever is already moving and exposes whatever is pretending to move. In metaphysics, we say Fire reveals and accelerates.
In the real estate world, that translates to a simple rule: assets that thrive on activity get lifted, and assets that depend on patience get challenged.
The bazi chart (or “The Four Pillars of Destiny”) for 2026 is flooded with Fire and missing Water. In fengshui terms, the world runs hot and impatient. Water typically cools markets, slows decision-making and encourages long-term thinking. Without it, everything speeds up — plans shorten, cycles shrink and people act before they reflect.
Sectors with stronger opportunities:
1. Hospitality and tourism
Fire governs movement. The Fire Horse multiplies it. Tourism is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this kind of energy. Hotels, resorts and hospitality assets tend to rise because people travel more in Fire cycles. Not only that, but the world is craving motion after years of uncertainty. When the qi moves, these properties move with it.
2. Industrial and logistics
In Chinese metaphysics, Fire supports movement and Earth supports structure. When Fire produces Earth, the message is clear. Warehousing, distribution, industrial land and logistics hubs all benefit. The world is rearranging its supply chains, and the Fire Horse year acts like a global accelerator pedal.
3. Data centres and tech infrastructure
Fire represents technology, illumination and energy. The Fire Horse year amplifies all three. As the use of AI surges, data centres become the modern version of prime waterfront property. They store the world’s most valuable resource: computational power. This is very Fire-compliant energy, aligned with a world running hotter every quarter.
4. Affordable and mid-market residential
Fire reveals pressure. People feel squeezed by interest rates and the cost of living, so buyers shift toward practicality. Mid-market residential becomes the strongest segment because it matches the energetic climate. Buyers want security, not speculation. They want stability, not extravagance. The Fire Horse rewards grounded choices.
Sectors that may slow down:
1. Traditional offices
This sector is still finding its identity in a new world. The Fire Horse does not give it time to think. Hybrid work continues, companies hesitate to commit to long-term leases and office spaces that cannot reinvent themselves feel sluggish. The qi here is not negative; it is simply undecided.
2. Ultra-luxury residential
Luxury prefers Water years. It likes calm, patience and liquidity. The Fire Horse year is too fast, too hot and too emotionally charged for high-end decision-making. Buyers become selective and they take their time. Deals happen, but fewer and more deliberate. This market slows not because demand dies, but because confidence pauses.
3. Large-format retail
Retail is sensitive to Fire pressure. Tariffs rise, trade flows shift and consumer behaviour becomes unpredictable. Retailers that depend on stable supply chains feel the heat. Only niche and experiential retail will swim against the tide. The Fire Horse asks retail a simple question: “Why should I come to you, instead of shopping on my phone?” Only strong answers survive.
In the Fire Horse year, qi does not politely knock on the door. It breaks in and rearranges the furniture. You get rewarded for sectors that can move, adapt and ride this speed. You feel pressured if your assets need time, stillness or uncertain long-term planning.
Real estate in 2026 follows the same principle as fengshui: Where energy moves freely, prosperity follows. Where energy stagnates, caution grows.
And the good news is this: Fire Horse years are fantastic for people who are willing to adjust fast, interpret the flow, and position themselves slightly ahead of the cycle. The world is moving. The question is whether your assets can move with it.
C&C: Looking at real estate investing in particular, which zodiac signs could have a more prosperous year?
JY: When people talk about zodiac luck, they usually point to their Year Animal as if that one creature is responsible for every good and bad decision they have ever made. This is one of the most common misunderstandings in Chinese astrology.
In reality, each person has four animal signs, not one. You have a sign for your Year, Month, Day and Hour of birth. Most people only look at their Year sign, which is like judging a whole book by its spine.
So when we talk about which signs do well in a Fire Horse year, we are really talking about which parts of your chart receive supportive energy, not just your Year sign.
Horse year may activate your property sector through your Month sign, or strengthen cash flow through your Hour sign, even if your Year sign is neutral.
With that in mind, here is how Fire Horse energy interacts with the Zodiac signs most visibly:
1. Tiger and Dog
These signs sit in a natural trine with the Horse. When the Fire Horse accelerates the world, Tiger and Dog benefit from opportunities that appear quickly and close cleanly. They tend to make sharper decisions and gain momentum from the year’s fast-moving qi. This is the group that spots a deal and acts before the rest of the market finishes their coffee.
2. Goat
The Goat sits right beside the Horse in the Zodiac cycle, and proximity brings support. In real estate terms, this means smoother upgrades, more stable investments and healthier cash flow. It is a good year for the Goat to consolidate and grow; steady choices bring strong results.
3. Snake
Another Fire-aligned sign. The Snake does not get pushed around by the Horse. Instead, it becomes more intuitive, which is useful in an overheated year where timing matters more than spreadsheets. Snakes sense the turning points of the market. If the year is a negotiation, the Snake already knows the closing price.
Signs that require more caution:
1. Rat
The Rat directly clashes with the Horse. This does not forbid investing, but it demands a strategy. Rats should avoid rushing into major commitments as external factors may shift unexpectedly. Patience and cash flow discipline are key. This is the sign you must double-check every clause before signing.
2. Ox and Rabbit
These signs are not in danger, but they feel the friction of the year’s intensity. Real estate deals may take longer or require more negotiation. They perform better when they stay analytical rather than emotional. Accuracy beats speed for them in 2026.
C&C: Looking at investing and money matters more broadly, which zodiac signs could have a more prosperous year?
JY: In Chinese astrology, wealth is not only lottery wins or sudden windfalls. Wealth can show up as good business opportunities, the ability to start or scale something, sharp ideas that turn into new income streams or simply the discipline to convert cash flow into real assets.
Different stars support different parts of that process. Some stars are good for making money, some for seeing opportunities, some for protecting and growing what you already have.
Most people only know their Year sign, which is like judging a company by the logo and ignoring the entire balance sheet.
When we talk about which signs do well financially in the Fire Horse year, what we are really saying is that these animal energies and their associated stars are especially useful for money, business and investing in 2026.
In the Fire Horse year, the chart is very heated, very active and very impatient; it rewards people who can think clearly, act decisively and create value quickly.
The Rabbit gets a very elegant combination this year. “Fortune Virtue” brings support, goodwill and helpful people. “Prosperity Star” is excellent for those seeking to grow their wealth through business and new ventures.
For the Rabbit, this is a good year to start something new or expand an existing business. It attracts mentors, partners and clients more easily. The qi is with those who are willing to take initiative, not just sit on “good luck” and do nothing. In money terms, the Rabbit gets doors opening and people saying yes.
The Snake carries two powerful growth indicators. “Thriving” suggests strong upward momentum, while “Surpassing Path” is about going beyond previous limits.
For investment and money matters, this means the Snake can break through old income ceilings or outdated ways of working.
It is a good year to upgrade their business model, move into a higher-value role, or pivot into better markets. In plain language, the Snake gets a “level-up” year. The energy pushes it to stop playing small.
The Goat does very well in the Fire Horse year. “Golden Carriage” is a classic wealth star that supports accumulation, tangible gains and high-value opportunities. The Sun brings visibility, leadership and strong yang support.
Combined, this often signals recognition that leads to money. The Goat may find itself entrusted with greater responsibilities, more complex projects, or higher-paying roles. In business, it can attract more serious clients, not just more noise.
Financially, this is a year where the Goat should not hide. The more it steps forward, the more the wealth stars can actually work.
The Monkey gets a very important star for this kind of year. “Intelligent Star” enhances thinking, timing and problem-solving. In a Fire Horse environment, where markets move fast and information overload is constant, intelligence is a wealth advantage.
The Monkey sees patterns earlier, understands systems faster and can design strategies that others need time to catch up to. This is good for trading, deal-making, negotiations, and any business that depends on making smart, quick decisions.
The Monkey’s edge this year is not just luck; it is clarity of mind.
The Pig enjoys “Jade Hall”, which is a star linked to assets, status and longterm wealth. This is less about sudden windfalls and more about upgrading the quality of what you own.
Converting income into property, equity, or other long-term vehicles suits this star very well. “Jade Hall” likes things that retain and grow value.
For the Pig, 2026 is ideal for serious financial structuring: consolidating, planning, and ensuring money is not only earned but also properly parked.
The Rooster receives the Moon, which is a very good star for money ideas and indirect wealth. The Moon is about insight, strategy and behind-the-scenes influence. This is excellent for those who make money by designing deals, structuring investments, advising others, or developing clever ways to monetise skills and information.
The Rooster’s advantage this year is that it can see angles others miss, especially in more technical or advisory roles. Here, wealth comes from brains and strategy, not brute force. So, who is “most prosperous”? It depends on how you define prosperous.
If you plan to start and grow a business, Rabbit, Snake and Goat are very well-supported. If you look at ideas, strategy and intelligent plays, Monkey and Rooster stand out. Looking at asset building and long-term wealth, Goat and Pig are in a strong position.
The Dragon is actually well-supported in the Fire Horse year, though in a more strategic way. They receive “Heavenly Relief”, which helps resolve deadlocks, solve complex problems and move situations forward when others feel stuck. This is especially valuable in a fast and high-pressure year.
They also carry “Eight Seats”, a strong star for recognition, authority and visibility. For Dragons, prosperity in 2026 often comes through influence rather than direct money plays. This is an excellent year for building a personal brand, growing an audience, or becoming more influential in one’s field. The more visible they are, the more opportunities tend to follow.
And again, all of this sits atop your full bazi chart. Your wealth story is not written by one animal in one corner; it is written by all four pillars working together.
The Fire Horse year provides heat, speed and momentum. These stars and signs tell you who can convert that heat into actual wealth, and who should be more selective or strategic with their moves.
Photos: Andrey Soldatov/Unsplash, Joey Yap Consulting Group
