Malaysian retiree turns clay hobby into side income, earned nearly RM1,000

Teoh (left) mentors members at the cooperative, helping them develop new skills. Photos: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

When Anita Tan, 59, opted for early retirement after years in the banking sector, she looked forward to having the time to slow down and revisit her interests.

One of them was pottery – something the former bank manager in Kuala Lumpur had been passionate about since young.

“I grew up in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, and back in the 1980s there weren’t places in my hometown offering pottery lessons. My exposure came mainly from books and videos,” says Tan, who now lives in Bukit Rimau, Selangor.

“The reason I stepped away from a hectic corporate career was to slow down and be more present in my daily life. I was drawn to pottery for its hands-on, creative nature.”

Ann (left) and Tan have formed a friendship at the cooperative, supporting each other through their shared love of craft. Photos:

In 2024, she signed up for a pottery class at non-profit organisation Friends Craft Cooperative (FCC) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Since then, she has made over 100 palm-sized pieces, including miniature houses, birds, snails, tortoises and llamas.

She has also sold about 80 pieces at FCC’s in-house exhibition ... much to her surprise.

“It feels very validating to know that something I created can actually appeal to others. I have no background in clay pottery, but it was always something I wanted to explore, especially after retirement.”

She is fortunate to have found a hobby that brings her joy and some extra income. Her journey shows that staying active and pursuing new interests can make retirement both fulfilling and meaningful.

“It’s important for retirees to stay busy and keep learning new skills. For me, pottery has given my days structure and purpose, keeping my mind engaged.”

At a recent fair, she earned about RM800 from her sales.

Tan sketches a design before transforming it into a clay figurine.

“When I started making animal figurines, there was quite a lot of demand for them. I ended up selling all of them and didn’t even keep any for myself,” she says with a laugh.

Pottery, she adds, has also become a form of mental and physical exercise.

“My hand muscles definitely get a workout, and so does my creativity. Mistakes are part of the process, but through trial, observation and problem-solving, we learn and improve.”

A 2024 study, “Exploring Type of Leisure Activities Among the Elderly in Community: An Ideographic Study of Malaysia Context,” notes that engaging in leisure activities is linked to improved physical, cognitive and social wellbeing among older adults.

Published in the Malaysian Journal Of Science, the study found that crafts such as pottery, baking and cooking can reduce stress, improve mental health and strengthen social relationships among the elderly, who often face challenges such as declining health, loss of social networks and reduced mobility.

Yes, you can learn to create your own handcrafted teapot at Friends Craft Cooperative.

Cooperative for all

FCC was founded in 2022 by four friends – Teoh Jia Chern, Amirah Bachik, Dev Naresh and Jamie Chin – as a community space where people could share and learn skills such as woodworking, pottery and sewing.

According to Teoh, 28, the idea came from informal skill-sharing sessions, where friends gathered to teach one another hobbies like sewing, weaving and crocheting.

“What started as casual meet-ups gradually evolved into a shared space for community learning, built on the belief that people learn best through experience and peer teaching rather than formal instruction.”

Ann’s whimsical clay frog creations showcase her creativity and playful imagination.

Over time, FCC developed into a collaborative learning hub where members create, connect and sell handmade products.

It works as a self-funded cooperative-style space, where members pay a subsidised recreational fee that helps sustain the studio. Instead of traditional top-down classes, learning happens through shared practice, with experienced members supporting newcomers.

Today, its members’ ages range from 13 to 61 years old, with many retirees and working adults among them.

So far, over 2,500 sustainably produced home goods have been sold, with RM95,000 in income generated directly for its beneficiaries, according to its website.

Member Ann Najwa Najib, 46, has been part of the cooperative since last year. She says it has provided her a safe and supportive environment that is vital for artistic growth.

“There is a beautiful exchange of ideas here,” she says. “Everyone is willing to help when you hit a creative block, making it a true community of growth,” says Ann, who works as a merchandiser for an international clothing label.

Forging friendships

Ann says that cooperatives are especially important in today’s fast-paced digital world as they provide a space to slow down and reconnect with hands-on creativity.

“In my experience, the sense of community – sharing ideas, observing others and learning together – has been incredibly valuable. It fosters connection, collaboration and a sense of belonging, making the experience more meaningful and enjoyable,” she says.

Tan, a mother of two, agrees, saying that cooperatives are valuable because they allow people to explore new skills in a supportive environment.

Some of the charming clay figurines handcrafted by Tan.

In April, Ann showcased her ceramic frog pieces at contemporary art platform Rantai Art in Kuala Lumpur.

“It was a proud moment for me. Seeing my work accepted and purchased by others gave me the confidence to push my boundaries even further.”

She adds that the frogs serve as a metaphor for her journey.

“Just as a frog thrives in both water and land, we as humans must navigate life’s ups and downs, constantly evolving and adapting. Each piece tells a story of growth and resilience.”