JOHOR BARU: It looks like a simple game of cards, but to a growing community of enthusiasts, competitive trading card gaming is a way to sharpen mental skills and foster real-world connections.
For medical secretary Samantha Wong, 28, competitive trading card gaming became an unexpected social outlet after she moved to Australia and found it difficult to build a new circle of friends.
“I got into trading card gaming about three years ago after being introduced to it at my local game store while competing in Pokemon video game tournaments,” she said.
“The activity has helped me manage social anxiety and build a close-knit group of friends.”
Wong devotes 10 to 20 hours a week to the hobby.
Wong, who is from Johor and currently based in Perth, said the hobby has also helped her become more comfortable interacting with others, despite the card gaming community being predominantly male.
“At my local game store, the ratio is probably one female player to 15 males. Approaching a group of men to ask for a game can be daunting, but most players are easy-going,” she said.
“It is the initial fear that is the hardest part. But I am happy to see more women joining the gaming community,” she said.
Terengganu-born engineer Siew Qi Heng, who moved to Johor Baru for work, said the trading card games have helped him form friendships and develop better communication and risk-management skills.
“My favourite game is Magic: The Gathering. It is quite interactive, as you have to engage with your opponent and read the situation to strategise your next move,” he said, adding that resource and risk management are also key components of the game.
Siew, 36, said his regular card game store in Taman Nong Chik here has become a community hub for like-minded people to gather.
“When I was a child, my parents, who were both teachers, frowned upon the idea of playing card games. But now, the game has shaped the way I think and added value to both my personal and professional life,” he said.
Hobby shop owner Adam Low said he is seeing parents getting more receptive to letting their children explore board games and tabletop activities, particularly as an alternative to reduce their screen time.
“Over the past two years, my shop has collaborated with the Sultan Ismail Library and the Johor Baru City Council to introduce families to board games, fostering stronger community bonds,” Low said.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior psychology officer Dr Zulfikar Ahmad said niche hobbies offer structured mental recovery while encouraging social connection.
“Tabletop games can help reduce mental fatigue, regulate mood and provide a sense of mastery that is often lacking in modern workplaces,” Dr Zulfikar said.
“Community engagement and social bonding through shared interests foster a sense of belonging as well,” he said, adding that sharing experiences and knowledge could help guard against loneliness and social isolation.
