Director Aziz M. Osman defends his passion for collecting toys at 63

For many, the fascination with toys fades with childhood, but for Malaysian director and producer Aziz M. Osman, the passion for collecting action figures remains strong even at 63. His lifelong hobby began with a love for 1960s Batman figures and Star Wars villains like Darth Vader, evolving over the years.

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I started collecting toys from childhood until now. It all started because I liked the action figures of Batman in the 60s and the villains in Star Wars, The Sith like Darth Vader and lightsaber.

Osman now focuses on collecting special edition items, often featuring unique serial numbers. He has a particular fondness for the number 4212, which he incorporates into various aspects of his life, including his toy collection. The value of his curated collection of special edition toys has reportedly reached RM60,000.

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My toys are not for playing. I can't even touch them.

Despite the significant monetary value, Osman emphasizes that his collection is purely for personal satisfaction and display, not for profit. "My toys are not for playing. I can't even touch them," he explained. He keeps most items in their original packaging to preserve their value, stating, "I'm not a businessman. I buy for self-satisfaction."

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I buy for self-satisfaction. I'm not a businessman.

As his children have grown and moved out, Osman's home has become smaller, prompting him to downsize his extensive collection. He has given some items to a friend, Adam John, to manage space and maintain a more minimalist lifestyle. While acknowledging the value of these items, he prioritizes peace of mind and avoids the stress of managing a large, dusty collection. His principle remains firm: items within his home are not for sale.

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I have to give away some of my collection to my friends to reduce the use of space in my house.