Ver.Ed

I’m not sure “giving back to the community” fully captures what I feel—at least not in the way people usually mean it.

I was invited as a judge in Tetsujin for the very first time in 2017, and since then I’ve been one of the permanent judges. Looking back on all these years, it’s been an amazing ride. I’ve had the chance to meet new friends, and what I love most is seeing the competition’s value grow—year after year. Every time I step in, I can’t help but feel excited about how the standard keeps rising.

So… am I really “giving back”?
Honestly, when I first entered this hobby, I remember hearing that phrase too. Back then, I was genuinely wondering: What should I do? What should I achieve? What should I contribute so I can give back?

But as time went on, I started to realize that maybe that phrase isn’t the best one anymore. These days, I hear people ask the same question: “How can I give back to the community?” And some even hesitate because they feel like they’re not good enough yet.

Let me say this clearly: I don’t believe in “giving back” in this hobby the way we usually talk about it.

In my view, we’re not just giving—we’re building.

To everyone who’s part of this hobby:
WE ARE BUILDING THE COMMUNITY.

We all have different roles and different ways of contributing. Events don’t happen without participants, and this hobby doesn’t become meaningful without all of you showing up and adding something of your own.

And thank you, tetsujinsg Kenny (Toymaker)🇸🇬 , for this year’s award. I honestly didn’t expect it—I’m really just doing what I love. Receiving it has been such a great surprise, and it adds even more energy and motivation for me to keep going.

Tetsujin 2026 Singapore
Defining modelling value with creativity and design.(photo Victor J. Tong )
Award presentation (photo : jeff ho)

Tetsujin 2026 Singapore 🇸🇬
Its a wrap