Hobby Shop Owner Strives to Keep Model-Building Alive in Digital Age
Peter Chiang, the 61-year-old owner of Hobby Bounties and Morgan Hobbycraft Centre in Katong, Singapore, is dedicated to preserving the traditional hobby of model-building amidst a world increasingly dominated by screens. With a background in aeronautical engineering inspired by his childhood passion for Airfix kits, Chiang has built over 1,000 models since the 1970s. His shop, packed with collectibles and vintage items like a 1930s plane set, serves as a cultural hub for enthusiasts. For approximately 25 years, the store has hosted monthly gatherings where hobbyists share advice, compete, and foster a sense of community. Despite facing significant financial challenges and declining profitability due to rising digital consumption, Chiang continues to operate the business. His primary motivation extends beyond commerce; he aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate the mechanics of technology and cultivate a hands-on passion for how machines work. The article highlights his personal commitment and the broader struggle of maintaining tangible hobbies in an era of virtual entertainment.
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Hobby Shop Owner Strives to Keep Model-Building Alive in Digital Age
Peter Chiang, the 61-year-old owner of Hobby Bounties and Morgan Hobbycraft Centre in Katong, Singapore, is dedicated to preserving the traditional hobby of model-building amidst a world increasingly dominated by screens. With a background in aeronautical engineering inspired by his childhood passion for Airfix kits, Chiang has built over 1,000 models since the 1970s. His shop, packed with collectibles and vintage items like a 1930s plane set, serves as a cultural hub for enthusiasts. For approximately 25 years, the store has hosted monthly gatherings where hobbyists share advice, compete, and foster a sense of community. Despite facing significant financial challenges and declining profitability due to rising digital consumption, Chiang continues to operate the business. His primary motivation extends beyond commerce; he aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate the mechanics of technology and cultivate a hands-on passion for how machines work. The article highlights his personal commitment and the broader struggle of maintaining tangible hobbies in an era of virtual entertainment.
channelnewsasia