Jimmy TanWhat began as a modest hobby more than four decades ago has evolved into one of Melaka’s most unique cultural gems — Trash & Treasure @ Discovery Malacca. Behind it all is David Heng, a lifelong collector whose love for forgotten relics has transformed an old rice depot along Jalan Bunga Raya into a vibrant museum of memories.
David’s fascination with the past began in his youth, when he started collecting radios, toys, beer signs, cameras, and furniture — anything that told a story. Over the years, his collection grew, filling his home and eventually spilling into dedicated spaces. About two decades ago, he turned his hobby into a small business, trading and showcasing antiques. But it was only after the COVID-19 pandemic that he decided to open his collection to the public, inspired by a renewed appreciation for life and the desire to share his memories with others.
A museum of everyday history
Step inside Trash & Treasure and visitors are instantly transported into another era. Rows of Guinness and Tiger Beer collectibles, retro toys, vintage typewriters, rotary telephones, and classic posters line the walls. Each object holds its own fragment of Malaysia’s evolving social story, from post-war craftsmanship to 1980s pop culture.
David’s Guinness Stout collection stands out as a national treasure in itself — a rare and extensive compilation of signboards, light boxes, tin signs, and branded glassware that rivals any private display in the country. Yet, the space is more than just a showcase of nostalgia. It’s a living, breathing archive of shared memories, where every visit becomes a personal journey back in time.
Preserving memories, connecting generations
Unlike traditional antique shops, Trash & Treasure strikes a delicate balance between business and storytelling. One section caters to serious collectors seeking authentic vintage finds, while another invites casual visitors to browse, take photos, and reminisce. Families, tourists, and curious youths often describe it as a “hidden gem of Melaka” — a place that bridges generations through stories told in rust, wood, and glass.
For David, the venture goes beyond selling or curating objects; it’s about preserving the soul of the past. He believes every item carries a memory worth saving, a sentiment that resonates with visitors who see echoes of their childhoods or grandparents’ homes among the displays.
Today, Trash & Treasure @ Discovery Malacca stands as a heartfelt tribute to one man’s enduring love for the past — and a reminder that with patience, care, and vision, even the most forgotten relics can become treasures once more.
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