SINGAPORE – The sale of Eng Wah’s WE Cinemas operations in Clementi to mm2 Asia, which runs Cathay Cineplexes, marks the exit of one of Singapore’s smallest cinema operators – one with deep roots in the country’s history, especially its housing estates.shrinks the pool of one- and two-location operators with regular screenings of commercial films.Most of these indie players serve a niche, which helps explain their longevity.
The major chains Golden Village Multiplex, Cathay Cineplexes and Shaw Theatres continue to dominate in a business landscape challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic, falling attendance, Hollywood strikes and the rise of streaming services.Eng Wah Global’s cinema business began with the opening of Victory Theatre in Happy World Amusement Park just after World War II. The company was founded by businessman Goh Eng Wah, who died in 2015 at the age of 92.
Eng Wah’s movies were usually produced by smaller studios, with Hollywood fare and films by larger Asian studios going to chains run by Cathay and Shaw, adds Mr Wong.The company opened Empress Cinema in Clementi in 1980 and Jubilee Cinema in Ang Mo Kio in 1981. It also ventured into the city centre, operating cinemas at Marina Square from 1989 to 1998 and at Suntec City from 1998 to 2013.All outlets except the one in Clementi would eventually close for good.
Cinema operations there ceased in 2010, with the halls converted into retail space. The site was then revamped and reopened in 2012 as Jubilee Square. In a statement, Ms Goh Min Yen, managing director of Eng Wah Global, says: “We are very appreciative and grateful for the phenomenal support from our cinema patrons since the opening of WE Cinemas at 321 Clementi.
“Furthermore, they are an integrated entertainment company, and we are confident that our patrons can continue to enjoy the magic of movies and more at 321 Clementi.”A further question to the spokesman about whether the company might stage a return to the cinema business, as it did in 2015, did not get a response.
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