First Ever KL Brick Festival and Toy Collectors' Fair Attract More Than Crowds

KUALA LUMPUR – The Kuala Lumpur Brick Festival and Toy Collectors’ Fair made its first appearance and drew a large crowd at Dewan Bandaraya last Sunday.

The large event was in conjunction to Kuala Lumpur Design month, from October 1st to October 31st, where families and people of all ages can enjoy toys and shop for merchandises of big name brands such as Lego, The Avengers, Star Wars and Hot Wheels.

Collectors were not only able to share their collection to the public, but the fair also provided great opportunities for sellers and traders to profit from their collection, and allowed families and toy fanatics to buy their products.

Aside from booths, there were display zones of which many Lego owners would show their creations - albeit original or with a manual - and a lucky draw contest that enabled the contestant to win a large set of Lego products worth hundreds of ringgit.

According to event organizer, Mohd Zahari Latif, that since it is part of Kuala Lumpur Design month, the events are related to design, shapes, landscape and more.

“The aim of this event was to bring together families, children, adults and toy collectors of all ages,” said Mr. Latif.

“We just hope that the crowd is happy with what they see and what they’re visiting and viewing.”

The event also had volunteers pose as beloved characters like Catwoman, Green Arrow and The Joker come to life and interacting with the public, taking pictures and even handing out prizes and gifts.

Aside from the feature booths, the event provided a section for fanatics and families to buy products and set them up on the spot.

From the sea of children bonding with their parents building Lego houses and giant blocks, Ikhwan Abidin, a 23-year-old Lego fanatic stood out and was putting together tiny Lego bricks on his own without a manual.

“I have been into Legos since my childhood, and now its good to see Legos gaining popularity amongst all age groups,” said Mr. Abidin, while putting together a warship made of Lego.

“Events like these encourages all Lego fans to come together and share their ideas and show their creativity, which I believe is a good outlet for many people,” he added.

The event also attracted the attention of many interested and potential toy distributors who aim to alter the way Lego is viewed and used in Malaysia.

Paul Long, the owner of one of the shops distributing the toys, pointed out that due to its popularity, Lego could easily be used as more than a toy.

“You see, Lego is about creations, so we must maintain the spirit of creation and only through Lego can you do that,” said Mr. Long.

From a business point of view, Mr. Long - who has been dealing with the distribution of toys (especially Lego) for six years – stated that Lego currently does not face any threat from upcoming competition and has maintained its status as the number one toy brand in the world.

When the topic of Lego’s consistent popularity and strong reputation was brought up, he insisted that in Malaysia, it is mainly due to the adult market rather than the children’s’ market.

“As of now, Lego has skyrocketed in the adult market and suddenly it is more popular with the adults than the children,” said Mr. Long.

“You see, many of us are from the previous generation and we grew up playing with Lego – when we were toddlers we had the bigger bricks that had three pictures to copy from or else we simply stacked it our own way; and as we grow older the bricks got smaller and the buildings got more complex and it made us more excited.

“So it’s actually just us, as adults, keeping our interest and when we do so, the spirit and drive from our youth returns and we want to maintain it, I mean, who doesn’t like feeling young?” Mr. Long explained while laughing.

Hence, the KL Brick and Toy Collectors’ Fair left visitors feeling rejuvenated and proud – families who enter to visit their own youth leave with toys of their generation in their children’s hands; literally and figuratively bringing the toys of yesterday into the hands of tomorrow, the future generation.

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