When most people think of retirement, they picture relaxing days, quiet hobbies, and maybe a bit of travel. For Tan Guan Poh, affectionately known as Uncle GP, retirement means something else entirely. He spends his time fixing broken toys and giving them a second life for children in need.

At 75 years old, this former electrical and electronics engineer from Subang Jaya repairs faulty toy cars, robots, and even plushies. Once fixed, they are donated to underprivileged and Orang Asli communities.

From MacGyver to Real-Life Fix-It Grandpa

Tan’s passion for repairs goes back decades. In the 1980s, he was inspired by MacGyver, the iconic TV character known for solving problems with everyday objects.

“MacGyver was so cool. I wanted to be like him,” he recalls with a smile.

Today, that inspiration lives on as he works on preloved toys. Many come from his church or community hubs. Most repairs involve simple fixes such as replacing missing parts, mending faulty circuits, or converting battery-powered toys into USB-powered ones to save on battery costs.

A Mission That Started During the Pandemic

Uncle GP’s toy repair journey began during the pandemic when he volunteered at Re:Play Toy Hub in USJ. The space was filled with preloved toys, some broken, and Tan offered to fix them for free. Over two years, he repaired hundreds of toys including remote-control cars, educational gadgets, and interactive plushies. He even trained volunteers to do basic repairs.

When Re:Play closed, Tan continued his work at PARC, a community hub in Subang Jaya. There, he repairs broken items twice a week for a small fee, often waiving it for those in need.

The 3Rs in Action: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

For Tan, repairing toys is about more than fun. It is about sustainability.

“It’s easy to throw things away, but if they can be fixed, why not salvage them?”

By extending the life of toys, he helps reduce waste and teaches children to value their belongings.

Childhood Without Toys Sparked His Creativity

Growing up in Kuala Muda, Kedah, Tan didn’t have store-bought toys. He made his own from matchboxes, bottle caps, and other found items. This resourcefulness has stayed with him for life.

Today, he still uses a sewing machine he bought for RM200 to mend plush toys before donating them. “You don’t need an engineering degree to repair toys,” he says. “Just some basic tools, patience, and the willingness to learn.”

Beyond Toys: Serving the Community

When he’s not repairing toys, Tan serves as a chaplain, visiting nursing homes and providing spiritual care. He has worked as a hospital chaplain in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States, offering emotional support to patients and families.

His philosophy is simple:

“Retirement doesn’t mean you stop living. Do what you can to help others. Even small deeds can make a big difference.”

Passing on the Skills

Looking ahead, Tan hopes to run repair workshops for seniors to help them stay active and engaged. He believes basic repair skills can empower people of all ages and inspire more community fixers.

Uncle GP’s Tips for Aspiring Fixers:

• Learn to open up a toy safely and identify positive and negative terminals.
• Start with simple repairs such as loose wires, battery contacts, or switches.
• Practice soldering and basic sewing for plush repairs.
• Use the internet to learn new skills and solutions.

In a world where things are often thrown away too quickly, Uncle GP proves that with a little care and creativity, something broken can become a source of joy again.

If more people followed his example, we would have less waste, more happy children, and a lot more inspired retirees.

Source https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/living/2025/08/15/72yo-retired-malaysian-engineer-repairs-toys-and-gives-them-back-to-charity

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