If you’ve ever spotted a Pikachu truck pulling into your neighbourhood, chances are you’ve come across Card Truck SG. Part retail space, part passion project, this mobile concept brings the hobby directly to collectors across Singapore, no long travel required.
It’s the kind of idea that feels familiar in spirit — born from everyday frustrations, powered by personal interests, and realised through a willingness to do things differently. Much like a well-considered space, it rethinks how something ordinary can be experienced, turning a simple van into a place of discovery and connection. What began as a personal workaround has since grown into a business that brings people together. We speak to Ace Lee to find out more.
Card Truck SG. Photo by Marcus Lim
Tell us a little about yourself, and how Card Truck SG first came to be.
I started out as an IT Project Manager and spent most of my career in the tech industry. Card Truck SG began as a hobby, where I would casually buy and sell trading cards on Carousell.
The idea for the mobile truck came when I was considering taking a break from corporate life and exploring whether this could become a full-time pursuit. It really started from a personal problem, travelling across Singapore to find Pokémon cards was tiring, and at the time, there weren’t many easily accessible trading card shops.
You drive the truck directly into neighbourhoods. How does the experience differ from a traditional retail store or mall setting?
The biggest difference is the sense of surprise. People are often curious when they see the van, especially when they step in and discover the interior or my Pikachu collection.
While I may not be the first to do something like this, many people still find it unexpected that a van can be transformed into both a retail space and a mobile streaming studio.
Card Truck SG. Photo by Marcus Lim
What have you observed about how different neighbourhoods engage with the truck and your business?
Most interactions happen through social media. People often message me to ask where I’ll be next, or request for me to visit their area.
Sometimes, they spot the van while I’m driving through a neighbourhood and send a message asking me to stop by. Overall, the response has been quite consistent across different parts of Singapore.
Card Truck SG. Photo by Marcus Lim
For newcomers, what makes card collecting such a compelling hobby today?
Social media plays a big role. When you see influencers with large followings opening packs and showcasing their collections, it naturally draws people in.
Beyond the appeal of the cards themselves, there’s also a financial aspect. Some newcomers see it as a form of investment, which adds another layer of interest to the hobby.
Are there any memorable stories of people you’ve met along the way?
A few stand out. There was an Indonesian influencer with a large following who reached out for a collaboration. They visited Singapore, featured my van on their social platforms, and we even discussed the possibility of bringing the concept to Indonesia.
Another moment that stayed with me was when I was invited to a hospital. A patient undergoing treatment wanted to visit the truck, and when I arrived, the family and hospital staff were all there. Seeing the joy on their faces reminded me why I do this. Moments like that are truly meaningful.
This 24-foot Pokémon Pokopia turns everyday neighbourhood stops into unexpected encounters with the hobby.
How does Card Truck SG help create a safer or more transparent environment for buyers and traders, given the scene’s share of scams and counterfeit issues?
I make it a point to source products only from reputable suppliers, and I offer a full refund if any item is found to be counterfeit.
I also prefer selling sealed products rather than loose packs. In the trading card scene, “filtered packs” can be an issue — where sellers remove the valuable cards and sell the remaining packs. By focusing on sealed products, I can offer customers greater assurance.
What are some of the biggest challenges operating a roving concept in Singapore?
Parking is a major challenge. There are limited sheltered locations, and I need to protect the cards from heat, which is why I tend to operate more at night.
In terms of safety, Singapore is generally very secure. In fact, there was a time when a passerby alerted me that my van door had been left open, small moments like that reflect the community here.
Card Truck SG. Photo by Marcus Lim
What are your future plans for expansion or collaborations?
I’m exploring the idea of offering a concierge escrow service for Pokémon card transactions.
Many deals today happen online, where buyers are asked to make payment before items are collected. With my background and experience, I can help verify the authenticity of products before payment is made, ensuring both parties are protected.
There’s also the issue of handling, delivery riders may not always be aware of the value of these items. With this service, I can manage the transaction end-to-end, including providing a live video feed of the items from my van to give buyers peace of mind.
I’m still refining how to package this into a formal service, but it’s something I see strong potential in.
Spot the Pikachu van in your neighbourhood, or follow Card Truck SG to catch where it rolls up next.
