Lai Kim Hoong from PenGallery has, besides honing his passion for fountain pens, branched out into the many other peripherals required for his business. He does so not just for fiscal gain, but to satisfy his own passions for fountain pens. This is probably why he has amassed a huge following from both customers and brands alike. Because they can sense this authenticity.

This has led to Lai partnering with renowned ink brand Diamine to come up with several Malaysia-exclusive inks. The roster includes Jalur Gemilang, Manggis, and Kopi O Kaw. He has also collaborated with international fountain pen brands to come up with local exclusives.

Another service that Lai offers is pen restoration and maintenance. He fine-tunes pens for the most discerning of customers, or restores old pens that have suffered the effects of neglect.

It is safe to say that every business decision Lai makes isn’t just for the bottom line. They also put Malaysia on the map. One of his latest projects involves organising the Malaysia International Pen Show, a first of its kind.

In the spirit of Merdeka, Men’s Folio Malaysia speaks with the man who has contributed much to the country via his passion.

Talk us through your passion for fountain pens, and your role in customising or maintaining them. 

I’m more of an advocate for the joy of fountain pen writing than a purely old-school pen restorer. At PenGallery, my goal is simple. When a pen leaves my store, it is not only sold, but matched perfectly to its new owner.

I take the time to understand each customer’s writing habits and style. This means making sure the pen feels natural and effortless in their hand. And when a treasured pen needs special attention, I’m there to bring it back to life, so it can continue telling its story on paper.

What aspect of pen restoration and customisation do you enjoy the most? 

Not too long ago, a lady brought in several unique collectible fountain pens for servicing. I immediately recognised them; they had belonged to one of my long-time customers. Sadly, I learned he had since passed away. It was a poignant reminder that fountain pens can be treasured legacies and family heirlooms.

Moments like these, where I get to ‘meet’ the pens again and connect with the next generation of their owners, make my work as a fountain pen promoter and restorer deeply meaningful.

What do you feel as the resident enabler in the local fountain pen community?

In the community, I’ve somehow earned the nickname ‘Racunator’. It is a playful mix of racun (poison, in the sense of tempting someone into buying) and -nator like Terminator.

My role is to share the passion for fountain pens. Or the joy of writing with beautiful pens, vibrant inks, and quality paper. To spread this passion even further, I’m organising the Malaysia International Pen Show on 27–28 September.

This event will feature over 40 exhibitors from 11 countries, including Japan, Italy, the USA, and across Asia. We will offer everything from rare vintage pens to the latest limited editions. We’re also expecting visitors from all over ASEAN. So it will be a vibrant meeting point for enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the art of writing. Come visit if you’re in the area!

Can you tell what type of personality someone has based on their nib or pen choice? 

Yes, more or less. Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns. People who prefer broader nibs often have bold, outgoing personalities and enjoy expressing themselves freely. On the other hand, those who choose finer nibs tend to be more meticulous, detail-oriented, and often very tidy. Of course, these are just my personal observations. They are not hard rules, but it’s interesting how pen preferences can sometimes reflect personality.

Do you have a dream pen that even you are not able to get yet?

Yes. In my entire career, there’s one elusive fountain pen nib that has crossed my path only twice. That is the legendary Sailor King Cobra nib. This extraordinary 21K gold nib is made by stacking multiple layers to create a bold and wet writing experience. It was crafted by a master nib maker who worked at Sailor Japan for six decades. With his passing, the skill and technique to make it vanished as well.

What is one pen maintenance tool you cannot live without? 

That’s an interesting question. About four years ago, I had to undergo hand surgery to treat trigger finger, an occupational hazard from years of pen repair work. My hands were out of action for over a month, and I couldn’t repair a single pen. That experience made me realise that my most essential tool isn’t a mechanical device or a specialised instrument. It’s my own hands. Without them, nothing gets done.

With so many enthusiasts trying their own adjustments, what do you actually caution against for the normal person to try? 

I’m always happy to share my knowledge with fellow fountain pen users, and we often discuss technical issues during our pen meets. However, I usually caution against attempting nib grinding or disassembly without the proper tools and experience.

These parts are delicate, and one wrong move can permanently damage the pen. Simple cleaning and flushing are fine, but for anything beyond that, it’s best to let an experienced hand do the work.

On the contrary, I encourage people to do basic maintenance on their own, such as regular cleaning, flushing, and refilling so they can enjoy their pens at their best.

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