The Gundam Base Vietnam – Awakening an Old Passion

I have been living and working in Saigon for nearly 20 years. Over that time, the city has transformed drastically, and I have gone through various stages in my career, particularly in 3D design.

About 10 years ago, I bought a few Gunpla kits. Back then, I was simply drawn to the powerful robot designs, the intricate mechanical details, and the sheer satisfaction of assembling each part by hand to create a complete model. As years passed, work and life slowly pushed this hobby into the background.

That was until I heard about THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR taking place in Saigon.

This was a special event for me. Hosted at Saigon Centre / Takashimaya (HCMC), it marked the very first time the Gundam Base brand held an official pop-up event in Vietnam. After nearly two decades in this city, stepping into a dedicated space for a long-lost hobby felt surreal and exciting.

I’m Not a Hardcore Gundam Anime Fan

I’ll be honest right from the start: I am not a hardcore fan of the Gundam anime series. I’m not the type who can recite every Mobile Suit name, character, or timeline in the Gundam universe.

What brought me to Gunpla was much simpler:

• I love robots: I am captivated by their shapes, mechanical structures, and how small parts come together to form a machine that feels both powerful and engineeringly sound.
• I enjoy tactile assembly: Building things with my own hands brings a unique sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, the longer I work in 3D design, the more I find myself asking: How do they actually manufacture something like this? That question makes Gunpla far more fascinating to me than just a toy.

The Gundam Base Officially Arrives in Vietnam

THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR holds genuine significance for the local Gunpla community. Bringing the space and products of Gundam Base directly to Vietnam allows local builders to experience the scale of a professional Gunpla ecosystem firsthand—rather than through photos, videos, or social media.

This event also reflects the growth of Vietnam's Gunpla community. Over the years, it has expanded to include diverse groups: from beginners assembling their first HG kits and collectors, to advanced builders specializing in custom work, painting, weathering, LED lighting, and dioramas. The arrival of The Gundam Base is more than a commercial venture; it is a sign that Vietnam's Gunpla community is becoming increasingly connected to the international stage.

Gunpla Through the Eyes of a 3D Designer

This was easily the most exciting aspect of the event for me. As a 3D designer, I habituate to looking at a product beyond its outer appearance, analyzing how it was built.

When observing a Gunpla model, I pay close attention to:

• Part separation and joint mechanics.
• Range of motion and clearance between components.
• Layering of armor plating.
• Assembly design logic.
• Most importantly: How the entire design is engineered for mass production.

• Creating a beautiful 3D model on a computer screen is one thing. Translating that model into a physical plastic product—one that can be disassembled, reassembled, articulated, and mass-produced—is an entirely different challenge. That is where design meets manufacturing engineering.

What I Truly Admire

While it's easy to focus solely on the aesthetics of a finished model, product design forces you to look at what lies behind it. A tiny detail must be engineered for moldability; a joint must balance durability with smooth articulation; parts must fit with absolute precision; panel lines need clear definition; and colors must be separated across different runners and plastic types. All of this must seamlessly align with mass-production workflows.

This is why I hold Bandai’s design and engineering teams in such high regard. Behind a great Gunpla kit isn't just a talented concept artist or 3D designer, but an intricate cross-disciplinary pipeline:

Design → 3D Modeling → Engineering → Prototype → Tooling → Injection Molding → Assembly

Bandai’s molding technology is truly impressive. The micro-details, fine panel lines, complex joints, and razor-sharp assembly precision demonstrate an extraordinary level of control over both design and manufacturing. For a 3D professional, it serves as a masterclass in converting digital designs into physical products.

And Of Course, I Bought Some Gunpla

I couldn't leave The Gundam Base empty-handed. I picked up a few kits, including one I had been eyeing for a long time: RX-93 ν Gundam Perfect Grade Unleashed.

The PG UNLEASHED (PGU) RX-93 ν Gundam represents the pinnacle of Bandai Namco's 1/60 scale model kit technology. It redefines the assembly experience with a multi-layered inner frame, ultra-realistic mechanical details, and cutting-edge engineering.

The RX-93 ν Gundam design is iconic on its own, but the PG Unleashed execution takes it to another level. It beautifully showcases the harmony between robot design, mechanical structure, and manufacturing technique. Looking at its layered internal structure, I don't just think "This looks awesome"—I wonder, "How did they solve the design and production challenges to make this possible?" That curiosity is what fuels my love for Gunpla.

10 Years Later, the Feeling Remains

What struck me most was that after a decade, the excitement of buying a Gunpla kit hadn't faded at all:

Holding the fresh box.

Opening the runners and seeing the neatly arranged parts.

Imagining how the components will fit together.

Visualizing the complete machine emerging after hours of assembly.

The difference now is perspective. A decade ago, I was just someone who liked robots and building models. Today, with years of 3D design experience, I view Gunpla as a miniature feat of industrial design. I can appreciate its visual beauty while remaining fascinated by the engineering behind it.

The Meaning of The Gundam Base for Local Builders

The primary value of this event goes beyond buying kits. It creates a physical space for the community to connect:

• Beginners can explore the hobby.
• Long-time builders regain their spark.
• Customizers can showcase their work.
• Design and engineering enthusiasts can inspect products up close rather than on a screen.

As the first official pop-up event of its kind in Vietnam, it marks a memorable milestone. Hopefully, this sets the stage for even larger activities in the future.

An Old Passion Awakened

My return to Gunpla stems from an appreciation for robotics, design, hands-on crafting, and the technical journey of turning a 3D asset into a physical object. Visiting THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR at Saigon Centre / Takashimaya was more than a shopping trip—it was a reunion with an old hobby through a completely fresh lens.

The deeper I look, the more fascinating it becomes. The more I learn, the more respect I have for the craftsmanship. Understanding 3D design makes me appreciate the sheer sophistication of Bandai’s work—from digital robot concepts, through designers, engineers, precision molds, and injection molding, down to the runners we hold in our hands.

Seeing The Gundam Base officially step into Vietnam is deeply gratifying. It provides an official playground for a community I have quietly loved for years, and I look forward to what comes next.

As for me... an old passion has officially been reawakened. Now, I have something exciting to get to work on:

Unboxing the PG Unleashed and starting on the RX-93 ν Gundam.  🤖