Description
In a world of infinite information and constant interaction, something essential is slipping away.
We scroll, post, reply… and yet we find ourselves more fragmented, overstimulated, and quietly unfulfilled.
Disconnected is a book about that erosion—of happiness, connection and understanding—and what it takes to reclaim meaning in the age of distraction.
Written over three years, philosopher and public intellectual Melvin Poh offers a serious inquiry into what it means to live, think, and feel in a hyperconnected world.
Drawing from ancient philosophy and deep intellectual insights, he explores how we’ve lost connection with ourselves—and how philosophy can offer us a way back.
From the illusion of progress to the performance of happiness, from digital fatigue to the quiet crisis of identity, Disconnected does not offer solutions—it offers something rarer: clarity and a call to rediscover the depth we’ve traded for convenience.
This is not a self-help book.
It is a philosophical map back to meaning, purpose, and presence—written to be reflected on, not rushed through.
The Empirical Edition
The Empirical Edition is a statement of that intention.
It is hardbound in a premium textured cover, printed on thick archival-grade paper, and typeset for immersive, slow reading.
Each copy includes illustrated thematic artwork, a personally signed title page, and a handwritten reflection from the author.
This edition was made not just to be read—but to be kept.
To live on your shelf. To return to over time.
A book that feels like what it’s about: serious, enduring, and quietly defiant.
Only 100 copies available.















Jang Jang –
Just received it in Singapore! Absolutely stunning presentation!
Marcus Ong –
Gifted one to my brother. Hopefully he will love it.
Adrian Lim –
I hope this will be something special.
Aya Mika –
Counting down the hours to read this. So excited! Can’t wait to receive it.
Nico Lee –
First read-through has been beautiful. Loving it.
Min Lim –
Very nice book. Feels quite quality. Just started chapter 2. Nice!
Wei Miyazaki –
Melvin, congratulations. The physical book feels as good as it reads.
Hikaru Lim –
I love it. Thanks Mel!
Kelvin Wong –
Arrived this morning, and it already started to read some pages. Wow! Love how you wrote it like a story.
Yuki Teo –
The hardcover feels premium. Like holding something truly valuable.
Nica –
Beautiful book! I love how it looks Melvin.
Elio Yip –
I think this is the first book I bought in 2 years hahaha. Supporting you Melvin.
Hafiz Zain –
It’s in the mail and I can’t wait. My expectations are sky high. Hope no disappointment but no pressure!
Mika Wei –
Been following him for awhile. Cant believe he finally wrote a book.
Mie Yee –
Hey Melvin. Thank you for doing this. For writing I mean. I really feel your words.
Ming Liang –
This is a book I’ll be proud to display.
Doug Chan –
A book by Melvin Poh? TAKE MY CARD.
Zhen How Tan –
Waited for awhjile but finally received the book. Can’t wait to dive in.
Bernie Liu –
I really feel that the way you wrote about your teenage experience is how I feel as well.
Hoe Hoe –
Melvin did a good job in creating this book. The physical book feels nice.
Mohd Firdaus –
I am planning to make a book video on your book. Check my channel soon! BookReads
Anta –
I decided to pick up this book after watching your videos.
Micha Hui –
Great concept! Great ideas too.
Leon Choo –
Worth every dollar for the hardcover experience.
Christopher Lee –
All books have a problem where they don’t really push you in the right direction. This don’t.
Lim Zee Wei –
Reading it slowly. let you know soon.
Ranjit Kishnu –
Excited to begin reading it because I just received it today =)
Bobby –
Very nice.
Aloysius –
Aesthetic, smart, and meaningful.
Teresa Ho –
I’m only two chapters in and already hooked.
Alicia Cheng –
The texture of the cover, the weight, it’s all perfect.
Tan Bee Hong –
What an incredible journey it has been, I been reaeding it for 2 weeks now and I feel like I overlook so muych in my life. Thank you melvin.
Ellen Vong –
Its one of those books that you read a bit every day.
Moka Ting –
I hope you know your work has made a difference in my life.
Henry Low –
Feels premium!
Erica Lim –
Hi Melvin! I am one of your fans.
Yoshika –
The book is hardcover with a really nice weight.
Michelle Leong –
Congratulations on your first book Melvin. I loved the note you left in it.
Lucas Ng –
Hi Melvin. The hardcover feels solid and premium. Very pleased!
Dani Topan –
Love the cover by the way!
Johnathan Yip –
I plan to finish this book this month.
Nigel Ng –
Gifted it to my husband and he loves it.
Jia Yi –
Started reading this last week. Seriously very nice. I love how you broke down some deep concepts in a personal way.
Mia Lim –
A very very very nice looking book with some profound words from Melvin himself.
Jet Tan –
Already feel like it’s going to change the way I see things.
Albert Lau –
Do you think you will write a sequel? I just received it by the way. Like it.
Chia Yi –
Melvin does his usual way of telliung philosophy but in a very personal way.
KC Teoh –
Book arrived in perfect condition!!! Looks elegant and thoughtful!!!
Daniel Tan –
Lets go Melvin!!!!
Arnesto –
Just started and I can already tell it’ll be a favourite.
Angus Liu –
Started reading it last night. Can’t put it down.
James Campbell –
I want to say that your voice speaks to me.
Lucas –
I like the illustrations!
Tim Ho –
Love this book! Already recommend to my friend.
Wesley Chu –
Thanks for writing this one Melvin.
Kevin Cong –
The hardcover is a joy to hold—solid, smooth, and beautifully designed.
Kaoru Ng –
It has that ‘slow down and think’ energy to it.
Emily Boey –
I wasn’t expecting to get emotional, but here we are.
Kelvin Khoo –
Even the smell of the pages is great.
Ravi Phua –
Looks minimal outside, says a lot inside.
Lydia Pang –
So glad I got the hardcover instead of Kindle.
Siang –
I’m already buying another copy as a gift.
Michelle Hasan –
Looks even better in person than in the photos.
Hakim Shahril –
Makes a great gift, especially in hardcover.
Vera Nazri –
Carrying this book makes me feel a bit smarter.
Xue Ting Nazri –
I’ve started underlining passages already.
Isabelle Mokhtar –
Subtle design but powerful presence.
Olivia Azmi –
Read it by the window with coffee—perfect match.
Xue Ting Mak –
Somehow it feels like a private conversation.
Bryan –
It’s one of those books that feels important just holding it.
Ren Sato –
Even before reading, it looked like something special.
Liyana Hew –
Arrived safely wrapped. Kudos to the packaging too.
Tanisha Ahmad –
It’s solid and elegant. Stands out from the rest on my shelf.
Yasmin Seng –
I like that it doesn’t scream design, but whispers it.
Umar Mokhtar –
Reading it on weekends has become a ritual.
Lo mai –
Gorgeous presentation. Looks fantastic on my shelf.
Nozomi –
The book made the reading experience felt premium. Very impressed.
Emily Khoo –
I like it.
Vanessa Rashid –
The moment I opened it, I knew it was something different.
Teng Wei Pang –
Holding it makes me want to read more.
Emily Mah –
This one made me pause after every chapter.
Daniel Kamal –
I didn’t expect to connect this quickly.
Mira Yeo –
Received it last week and already halfway through. Amazing read so far.
Yuna Lee –
The pages are thick and luxurious. Pleasure to read.
Haruki To –
Started reading it in the cafe, and people kept asking about it.
Faisal Hasan –
It’s the kind of book you don’t rush.
Reina Hew –
I love the feel of the matte cover.
Cassandra Liew –
Content aside, the physical book is beautifully made.
Hui Ying Ahmad –
Just a few pages in and already reflecting.
Daniel Chong –
Soft texture, strong message.
Kaz –
Halfway through and hooked. Book feels like a collectible.
Hakim Low –
Started reading last night. Feels like something I want to savour.
Vera Chai –
Beautifully bound. Definitely not your average print.
Aaron Mak –
High-quality binding and lovely matte finish. Worth the price.
Adrian Yeo –
Physical quality matches the philosophical depth inside.
Brenda Liew –
Some books look good but read poorly—this does both well.
Liling Toh –
I’ve read three chapters so far and can already tell this is special.
Celeste Tan –
Delivery was fast and the book was well-protected.
Aiden Chuah –
Just finished chapter 7 and it deeply resonated with me.
Xinyi Tsang –
Haven’t finished it yet but already loving the tone.
Ashraf Koh –
It’s the kind of book you keep on your desk, not your shelf.
Xinyi Rafiq –
Packaging was so neat I didn’t want to open it.
Bernice Kamal –
Even flipping through feels meditative.
Natalie Lau –
No frills. Just quality through and through.
Teng Wei Nazri –
Feels personal. Like it was made just for me.
Zhi Hao –
I love gifting books and this hardcover edition is now my go-to. Thx Melvin
Ken Chew –
It’s a physical reminder to unplug and reflect.
Valerie Saiful –
Printed with care, written with intent.
Ming Ng –
This is the kind of book you keep for life.
Celeste Chew –
Reading it by the window with coffee feels poetic.
Benji –
LIke most of his videos. A hardcover that speaks to the soul.
Ethan Lim –
The kind of book you can re-read without getting tired.
Xiang Sim –
Hardcover feels luxurious but not pretentious.
Aqil Mah –
Exactly the kind of hardcover I’ve been looking for.
Ummi Toh –
Quietly impactful. The format helps it shine.
Kaon –
Didn’t expect the hardcover to be this well-made. It exceeded expectations.
Emily Chew –
Started underlining passages from the first few pages.
Xue Ting Bahari –
Lays flat easily, which makes reading much more enjoyable.
Emily Ahmad –
Just finished chapter two. Already thinking differently.
Ummi Soh –
My cousin picked it up and couldn’t put it down.
Deepa Ang –
Smartly built and thoughtfully written.
Zachary Mokhtar –
Pages are thick and smooth, easy to read under warm light.
Chee Keong Rahman –
I’ve read four chapters already. Loving the experience.
Samuel Boey –
It has that ‘slow down and breathe’ quality.
Lydia Nor –
I keep it by my bed. It helps me think.
Nadia Chee –
The hardcover format adds emotional weight.
Faisal Seng –
Bought it for aesthetics, stayed for the depth.
Kara Chew –
Started reading immediately. Pages turn smoothly and the print is sharp.
Yee Lin Chong –
Great condition upon arrival, and the words inside are even better.
Bryan Abe –
The weight and texture of the book add to the reading experience.
Reina Chee –
Feels like a piece of art. And the words match it.
Vera Azmi –
Already recommended to two colleagues.
Ismail Lee –
It calmed me. Both the design and the writing.
Sylvia Rafiq –
Didn’t expect the quality to be this premium.
Siang Chong –
The content inside feels even more timeless in this hardcover form.
Melvin Soh –
Heavy enough to feel substantial, light enough to carry daily.
Qi Hao Chai –
I read the first few pages and had to pause to think.
Ulysses Sim –
The structure of the book supports the message well.
Farah Hoon –
Every detail feels intentional—from cover texture to font choice.
Samuel Hoon –
The font is well-sized and easy on the eyes.
Olivia Chua –
You can tell care was put into this edition.
Pei Wen Chong –
This is how books should feel.
Leon Lau –
Would buy again in a heartbeat.
Hongbak –
Received compliments from friends just by carrying it around.
Wei Chang –
Aesthetically pleasing and emotionally rich.
Putra Wan –
Delivery was quick and the book feels amazing in the hands.
Tanisha Azmi –
I was skeptical about paying more, but it’s worth every cent.
Denise Lee –
A true writer
Liyana Lim –
Perfect for deep realisations.
Faisal Teo –
Elegantly wwritten.
Oscar Toh –
Good job. Love it.
Hannah Lau –
Wow Melvin! Thank you!
Nadia Lee –
Been reading it on the train, love it.
Qistina Fong –
I didnt think you were such a good writer. You should write more.
Eng Hwa Chan –
Worth the purchase. Not cheap but super worth it.
Hazel Fong –
I am planinng to get into philosophy now.
Yi Lin Ng –
Changes your mind on many things.
Tracy Low –
Love his work! This is amazing.
Zachary Seow –
Feels like a bible to me but like a modern philsoophy bible
Joanne Sulaiman –
Congrautlations
Nadia Khoo –
This is incredibly well written.
Adrian Chan –
Very touching and deep to read.
Hui Xuan Khoo –
Cover is nice.
Wayne Fong –
I wish I can see things that way too.
Jasmine Tan –
Best book I’ve read recently.
Isaac Salleh –
This book really showed me something I didnt see.
Umar Lau –
Its deep in the right way.
Rachel Sulaiman –
This is such an amazing book Melvin I really enjoyed reading it.
Xinyi Koh –
I liked it.
Lydia Toh –
You get attached reading it because Melvin shares so much.
Ronald Mak –
Will buy again for my friends now 🙂
Chee Keong Low –
Maybe sometimes life is about finding connection.
Caleb Lau –
Love the quality of the book.
Liyana Rashid –
Satisfying click when it shuts. Unexpected detail.
Zachary Fong –
Heavy book but beautiful. He writes a note on the first page too.
Owen Goh –
Wow I am just really processing it.
Bella Teo –
Powerful.
Wen Jie Kamal –
I feel like I learnt a lot…
Isaac Loke –
Lovely…
Liyana Yap –
Melvin writes in a way that feels really sincere. Its clear he was emotional when he wrote this.
Belinda Lee –
Meh start but increidbly ending
Kelvin Teo –
I dont know if I would ever see things the samer again.
Darren Wan –
Everyday I read about 6 pages and so far I feel I became smarter.
Xinyi Lau –
If you are looking for answers, amybe try religion but otherwise this book is nice too haha
Belinda Quek –
I appreciate how sturdy the spine feels.
Gerald Sim –
You write about restarting in life, now I want to restart too.
Gan Wei Chan –
Good job on it.
Yasmin Nazri –
Deep but nice.
Indra Nazri –
Beautiful book to be honest. Cover is so nice.
Isaac Ng –
You inspire me a lot but after reading the book even more!
Belinda Ong –
Got it for work. Ended up using it for everything.
Xinyi Lee –
Felt premium the second I opened the package.
Ismail Chee –
I didnt know I liked it.
Gan Wei Mak –
Congratulations Melvin! =)
Caleb Wong –
Book arrived well-packaged and pristine. Beautiful hardcover.
Gerald Gan –
If you are looking for the way in your life then maybe his writing can help.
Qistina Lee –
nice book. nice writer. nice ideas.
Gavin Koh –
I want to be the person who reads all your books Melvin
Yasmin Liew –
Love flipping through it even when I’m not reading.
Farah Wong –
The cover texture adds to the experience.
Marcus Low –
Looks even better in real life than in the photos.
Gavin Fong –
I read physical books a lot—this one stands out.
Qistina Ong –
Currently halfway through. Very insightful book.
Yasmin Teo –
It’s a pleasure to hold and read. Feels made to last.
Xiang Rashid –
Unboxing was neat, tidy, and satisfying.
Tracy Teo –
I love his writing style, so fresh.
Eugene Yap –
I never thought I would read philosophy. Thank you
Melvin Kamal –
If you enjoy Melvin’s videos then you will enjoy this book.
Pei Ling Chee –
Impressive philosophy. Not hard. makes sense.
Farah Taufik –
I feel so lost before I found your work Melvin. Thank you.
Valerie Pang –
Nice work melvin
Xiang Pang –
Glad I bought the physical version, way better than Kindle. Also we must support Melvin work!
Yi Lin Ong –
Melvin left me a personal message wow!
Rachel Pang –
This book was so amazing to read. It changed my mind.
Ronald Ibrahim –
Very nice writing.
Joanne Sani –
Book is nice.
Marcus Pang –
Philosophy shouldnt be difficult! I love it!
Tracy Bakri –
First time buying from this author. Won’t be the last. Write more.
Zachary Salleh –
Didn’t expect to be so impressed by a book’s physical form.
Umar Hew –
Smooth to touch, solid in hand. Very happy with it.
Alvin Mansor –
Been reading a bit every night. Feels like a ritual.
Liyana Fadzil –
Amazing book. I really really loved it.
Melvin Yap –
I have zero regrets in supporting you. Also we have same name, hahahahaha
Oscar Jamal –
Looks beautiful. More importantly, feels good in use.
Xinyi Nazri –
Elegant book.
Qi Wei Yap –
One of the better hardcovers I’ve owned.
Wen Jie Suhaimi –
A beautiful hardcover that matches the beauty of the writing.
Khai Saad –
Solid construction and emotionally resonant content.
Wayne Nazri –
Printed on thick, luxurious paper. Loved it from the first page.
Yong Jie Lau –
Cover is soft to touch. Feels like a gift.
Khai Wong –
Started it last week and already re-reading parts.
Joanne Aziz –
The printing is so clean. Just a joy to hold.
Tracy Mansor –
Makes you want to slow down and read slowly.
Hui Xuan Sulong –
A good-looking book that holds deep thoughts inside.
Caleb Aziz –
Reading this book felt like listening to an old friend.
Rachel Hew –
Elegant on the outside, thoughtful inside.
Farah Sim –
Minimalist layout lets the writing shine.
Fazira Chan –
Hardcover gives the whole thing more gravity.
Qi Wei Basman –
Substantial and sincere.
Hafiz Nazri –
Everything about it is considered.
Aqil Ghafar –
The layout, spacing, even font—just right.
Fazira Wan –
Bought it for the design, stayed for the writing.
Wen Jie Lee –
Gorgeous binding. Every detail feels intentional.
Lydia Saad –
So easy to fall into the rhythm of this book.
Natalie Rashid –
It’s rare a book feels this good in the hand.
Samuel Koh –
The kind of book you want to keep visible.
Belinda Ong –
I started underlining halfway through chapter one.
Xiang Chua –
Makes me want to sit and read instead of scroll.
Yi Lin Teo –
Impressive from the cover to the closing chapter.
Yi Lin Wan –
Every part of this book reflects the message.
Hazel Amir –
Best reading experience I’ve had this year.
Pei Ling Halmi –
So well made. Definitely keeping this one out.
Gan Wei Pang –
Design matches the tone—calm and intelligent.
Khai Sim –
The hardcover gives it a timeless feel.
Fazira Hew –
Great balance of thought and presentation.
Ronald Halim –
Content + form = perfect match.
Diyanah Lau –
Clean aesthetic, powerful message.
Caleb Sulong –
Love how it opens and stays open.
Elaine Roslan –
Not just a book—an object worth keeping.
Natalie Sharif –
Even the smell of the paper is great.
Kenny Koh –
Hardcover makes it easier to focus, somehow.
Munirah Halim –
I’ve recommended it already to five friends.
Qi Wei Bakri –
Read it slowly over two weeks. Worth every page.
Phoebe Wan –
It’s quietly elegant.
Kenny Khalid –
The pages absorb ink well—yes, I annotate everything.
Pei Ling Amir –
Just beautiful. In every way.
Marcus Wan –
A hardcover that earns its spot.
Gerald Quek –
Better in real life than I expected.
Bella Yap –
This made me pause after every few pages.
Eugene Wong –
The binding is strong and thoughtful.
Rizal Taufik –
Each section feels like its own conversation.
Ismail Lim –
A real physical joy to interact with.
Umar Yap –
Sits well in the hand. Reads better.
Sylvia Goh –
I couldn’t stop showing it to people.
Lydia Halim –
You’ll want to own it physically.
Xinyi Lee –
Holding it adds to the reading experience.
Phoebe Salleh –
Can’t imagine reading it on Kindle.
Ronald Latif –
Will definitely re-read with a pen next time.
Rizal Ong –
I just finished and I already want to start again.
Gavin Yassin –
Simple, but incredibly well-made.
Tracy Wong –
The hardcover makes it feel ceremonial.
Kelvin Rumi –
No fluff—just beauty and depth.
Hannah Aziz –
Bought it for the shelf, stayed for the insight.
Zachary Shukor –
Absolutely loved both the feel and the message.
Nora Amir –
Wasn’t expecting this level of quality.
Joey Chan –
This book made me crave more books like it.