On the ground floor of ChuChu Plaza, rows of colourful booster packs and neatly displayed single cards catch the attention of passersby. Inside, collectors flip carefully through binders, children excitedly clutch newly purchased packs, and friends gather to talk about their latest pulls.
Today, Pokelab, also known as Pokémon Brunei, stands as a growing hub for collectors, built from passion, persistence and a deep love for Pokémon.
Alvin Lai is the co-founder of Pokelab. Long before it grew into a recognised name with multiple branches and a loyal following, it was simply two friends rediscovering their childhood through trading cards.
“Our journey began when we ripped our very first Pokémon booster box,” Alvin shared.
“Seeing all the cute and cool artwork instantly brought back childhood nostalgia. From that moment, we started collecting seriously,” he added
Pokémon had always been a huge part of his childhood. Whether it was spending hours playing the games or collecting favourite characters, the franchise shaped many of his early memories. Revisiting the hobby as an adult carried a deeper meaning. It was no longer just about owning cards, but about reconnecting with a part of his youth that felt exciting and carefree.
He still vividly remembers pulling his first “big” card, Glaceon EX. That single moment changed everything.
“That pull truly sparked something in me and pushed my passion for collecting to another level,” he said.
Although that card remains special to him, Alvin admits that one of his all-time favourite Pokémon is Blaziken, a character that has stayed close to his heart over the years.
Pokémon Brunei ultimate journeys
In its earliest days, Pokémon Brunei operated out of a small cube store. There was no elaborate expansion plan. Alvin and his friend were simply selling off cards they did not plan to keep, while sharing their collection online through Instagram at @pokemonbrunei.
The response quickly exceeded their expectations. They began receiving numerous messages from people asking whether certain single cards were available. Others wanted to place preorders for upcoming Pokémon releases. Through these interactions, Alvin realised there were many passionate Pokémon fans in Brunei who were actively looking for a dedicated space to support their hobby.
After operating in the cube store for more than six months, he and his partner decided it was time to take a bigger step. They opened their first proper branch at Kiulap Mall under the name Pokelab.co.
One of Alvin’s biggest motivations to open a full store came from observing customer experiences elsewhere. During visits to Wondercube, he noticed that cube-style setups often felt cramped, making it difficult for customers to browse comfortably.
“I wanted to create a better experience. Somewhere people could truly enjoy looking through cards comfortably,” he shared.
The 26-year-old envisioned a space where collectors could take their time, flip through binders without feeling rushed, and immerse themselves in the artwork and nostalgia that make Pokémon so meaningful.
Pokelab Evolutions
After successfully establishing the Kiulap branch, Alvin and his friend began imagining something even more immersive. During a conversation, they would talk about how exciting it would be if Brunei had a Pokémon café, a place where fans could browse cards, enjoy a drink and spend time together.
Instead of waiting for someone else to bring that concept to life, they committed to turning it into reality themselves.
The renovation process required patience, resources and effort. For the two friends, opening and renovating two stores demanded careful planning and a strong belief in their vision. In time, both their Kiulap outlet and their second location at ChuChu Plaza opened as planned.
Seeing both spaces fully operational after months of preparation was deeply rewarding. Each store reflects its commitment to providing not just products, but an experience for customers and collectors.
For Alvin, Pokelab goes beyond selling Pokémon cards. It represents a growing community.
It is a space where collectors, fans and friends can gather to share excitement, compare collections and relive the nostalgia that first drew them to Pokémon. Since opening both shops, Alvin has discovered that the Brunei Pokémon community is far larger than he initially imagined. The support has been overwhelming.
Some visitors have even travelled from neighbouring Miri just to visit the store. That level of encouragement continues to motivate him and his team to improve and expand.
According to the founders, social media has played a significant role in their growth. Through Instagram and TikTok, Pokelab has reached collectors who may not have otherwise discovered the store. Online engagement has helped build connections beyond the physical space, strengthening the community even further.
Pokelab: Battle Frontier
The young entrepreneur emphasised that every business comes with its own set of challenges, from daily operations and stock management to handling renovations and long-term planning. As Pokelab continues to grow, Alvin admits that he is still learning what it truly means to run and sustain a business.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring enough variety for every type of collector. Some customers search for sealed products, while others are looking for specific single cards. Meeting those diverse preferences requires consistent sourcing and careful inventory management.
Renovation was another major hurdle. Opening and designing two stores required considerable financial investment, time and effort. It was a serious commitment, but Alvin believed that creating a welcoming and comfortable environment was essential for long-term success.
The Future is now, thanks to strategy
With both branches now established, Alvin’s long-term vision for Pokelab.co is clear. He hopes to bring even more people into the hobby and continue strengthening the community.
He plans to organise more events in the future where collectors can come together, have fun and share their passion for Pokémon. There is also potential for further expansion if operations continue to run smoothly.
Every customer who walks through the doors matters. Whether they are searching for a specific single card or a sealed product, Alvin hopes they can always find what they need. The children who visit with bright smiles and boundless excitement serve as constant reminders of why he chose this path.
Some people ask whether he sees himself more as a collector or an entrepreneur.
“Honestly, I’m just a guy who loves Pokémon and wants to share that passion with others, regardless of profit,” he said.
For Alvin, the greatest reward lies in seeing the community grow and thrive. Watching someone pull a long-sought-after card or witnessing new friendships form over shared interests reinforces his purpose.
He ends with heartfelt gratitude. “If it wasn’t for the continuous support from our customers, friends and the community, Pokelab.co would not be what it is today,” he said.
“Every purchase, every visit, every message and every word of encouragement has helped us grow. We are truly grateful, and we will continue doing our best to serve the Pokémon community in Brunei and beyond,” he added.
Pokelab’s story is ultimately about passion turned into purpose, and about creating a space where nostalgia, excitement and community come together under one roof.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
