Singapore researcher and writer Tse Hao Guang launched a small publishing venture on the side of his full-time job, hoping to discover whether a creative project could at least cover its own costs. The 38-year-old began producing literary pamphlets that feature work by emerging local writers, turning what started as a personal experiment into a modest operation focused on spotlighting new voices.
According to the account published by Business Insider, Hao Guang described the effort as a way to test the financial viability of creative work outside traditional employment. He noted that the pamphlets are printed in limited runs and sold through independent channels in Singapore.
"I started a publishing gig outside my day job to see if a creative side hustle could break even," Hao Guang said in the essay. The project, called Paper Jam, aims to give early-career writers a platform without the overhead of larger publishing houses.
Details shared in the piece indicate that Hao Guang handles most aspects of the operation himself, from selecting manuscripts to managing printing and distribution. He reportedly keeps costs low by using simple production methods and relying on direct sales at literary events and bookstores in the city-state.
Colleagues and fellow writers in Singapore’s literary scene have expressed interest in the initiative, though no formal partnerships have been announced. Hao Guang emphasized that the goal remains modest: to determine whether the pamphlets can generate enough revenue to sustain themselves without becoming a financial burden.
The side project reflects broader trends among professionals in creative fields who balance stable employment with personal artistic pursuits. In Singapore, where the cost of living remains high, such experiments often serve as low-risk ways to explore entrepreneurial ideas.
Hao Guang, who works as a researcher during the day, said the publishing work provides an outlet for his own writing interests while supporting others. He has not disclosed specific sales figures or profit margins, describing the effort instead as an ongoing test.
Observers in the local publishing community note that small-scale pamphlet projects have appeared periodically in Singapore’s literary landscape, often filling gaps left by mainstream publishers. Hao Guang’s version stands out for its focus on emerging talent and transparent financial aims.
Whether the venture ultimately breaks even remains to be seen, according to the essay. Hao Guang indicated he plans to continue the project as long as it remains feasible alongside his primary career.