In Johor Baru, a growing number of enthusiasts are turning to competitive trading card games as a means to develop cognitive skills and foster social connections. What appears to be a straightforward pastime is emerging as a valuable tool for mental engagement and community building.
Samantha Wong, a 28-year-old medical secretary originally from Johor and now based in Perth, Australia, discovered competitive trading card gaming three years ago after participating in Pokémon video game tournaments. She credits the hobby with helping her overcome social anxiety and establish a close-knit network of friends. Despite the male-dominated nature of the community—she estimates a ratio of one female player to 15 males at her local game store—Wong finds the environment welcoming, although initially intimidating. She dedicates 10 to 20 hours per week to the activity and welcomes the increasing number of women joining the gaming scene.
Similarly, 36-year-old engineer Siew Qi Heng, who relocated to Johor Baru for work, highlights how trading card games have sharpened his communication and risk management abilities. Siew’s preferred game is Magic: The Gathering, which he describes as highly interactive, requiring players to anticipate opponents’ strategies while managing resources effectively. His regular gathering spot, a card game store in Taman Nong Chik, serves as a community hub where enthusiasts meet and share their passion. Though Siew recalls his parents’ disapproval of card games during his youth, he now credits the hobby with positively influencing both his personal and professional life.
The popularity of board games and tabletop activities is also gaining acceptance among families in the area. Hobby shop owner Adam Low notes an increased openness among parents who view these games as beneficial alternatives to screen-based entertainment. Over the past two years, his store has partnered with the Sultan Ismail Library and the Johor Baru City Council to promote such activities, aiming to strengthen community engagement.
From a psychological perspective, universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior psychology officer Dr. Zulfikar Ahmad said niche hobbies like tabletop gaming offer structured mental rehabilitation. He explained that these activities can mitigate mental fatigue, regulate mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment often absent in professional environments. Furthermore, Dr. Zulfikar emphasized that social interactions within these interests help foster belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation through shared experiences.
Collectively, these voices illustrate how trading card games and related hobbies are evolving beyond leisure, serving as important avenues for skill development and social interaction in Malaysia and beyond.