[Post 1156] He Spent US$250,000 Collecting WWII Uniforms, Military Memorabilia For His Home Museum | Hobsessions

Summary

This episode shines a light on two men whose obsessions are driven by a deep commitment to preserving history. In Singapore, Alvin Lee’s apartment houses over 300 military uniforms, badges, and artefacts spanning from World War II to the modern Singapore Armed Forces. Each piece is carefully researched and maintained, carrying stories of service, sacrifice, and identity. Alvin’s collection has also made him a quiet authority, sought after by filmmakers and historians alike for his attention to accuracy and detail.

In Kuala Lumpur, Luqman Azhar dedicates his life to reviving the endangered craft of antiquarian bookbinding. Working patiently by hand, he restores fragile, aging books —sewing spines, repairing leather covers, and recreating bindings so they remain faithful to their original era. Through his meticulous work, forgotten texts are given new life and protected for future generations.