By: Sarah Kiran
Some collections begin with rarity. Some begin with resale value. Some begin with the thrill of not knowing what is inside the box.
For Mel, it began with joy.
Not the kind that needs to be explained to everyone. Not the kind that depends on whether other people understand it. Just a familiar joy that followed him from childhood into adulthood, from the Barbie dolls he loved in the 90s to the collection he continues to build today.
When Passion Outlasts the Trend
Getting his first doll was not simple. He said, “So every time I ask my mom, can I have a Barbie, she will just get me candles.”
As he grew older, the Barbie dolls from his childhood became more than just toys to him. They became pieces of history. While many people today enjoy the thrill of opening POP MART blind boxes, Mel prefers knowing what he is getting.
He said, “I appreciate the whole element of surprise and all this excitement of not knowing what you’re going to get in this blind box. But for me, that is probably not really my thing, because I appreciate the arts and history behind Barbies.”
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Navigating the Collector's World
Building this collection comes with challenges. The hunt for classic dolls often leads online, where excitement must be balanced with caution.
Mel has faced scams, teaching him the importance of checking sellers and asking the right questions. However, looking for them in person holds a special charm. He said, “I find it much more fun by going thrifting or going to the toy store rather than just buying them online.”
Beyond the search itself, there are also social opinions to deal with. Collecting has sometimes come with stereotypes, but the recent movie has changed how people see it, opening the door for wider acceptance. Fully embracing his passion, he said, “I’'m a very proud Malaysian Barbie boy.”
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A Collection Built on Joy
For Mel, the joy of collecting comes from interacting with his dolls, not keeping them hidden away in boxes. He takes them out to admire the beautiful details and the careful work put into each one. Out of all the unique pieces he owns, the one he cherishes the most is the classic Kabaya Barbie in a Teal Songket.
His advice to new collectors is simple: start with what genuinely interests you. He said, “You need to know what interests you at first, whether you like the vintage Barbie or whether you're into the 50s, the 60s, 70s, like you find the era that you like the most.”
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Mel is one example of how authenticity and passion shape meaningful journeys. Across the city, more stories continue to unfold, each driven by community and the courage to persist. Explore more Spotlight features that highlight people building something meaningful in their own ways.
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