30/06/2022
28/06/2022
Record 45 years’ jail for Singapore Child sex offender
Update 19 Dec 2022: Should Rapists above 50 yrs old be spared caning?
Rapists above 50 years old should not be spared caning, says President Halimah Yacob
On Monday, Madam Halimah brought up the idea again, writing in a Facebook post: "Rapists should not be spared the cane just because they are fifty years old. It’s ironic that they could escape from the pain caused by caning despite the lifetime of severe trauma and irreparable damage that they cruelly inflicted on their victims which will last a lifetime. "In some cases, the rapes were committed earlier but reported only after the perpetrator reached fifty years old. It’s timely that we review this law," she added. "It’s our duty to protect our young and we must not fail them."
Last week, CNA reported a case of a 54-year-old man who was sentenced to jail for molesting his daughter repeatedly from when she was 10 years old. In November, a man admitted to trying to rape his four-year-old daughter twice, while another father went on trial for allegedly grooming his daughter over eight years before raping her when she was 12. "I find the recent spate of cases involving rapes of children in their own homes by their male relatives highly disturbing and sickening," Madam Halimah said. "We need to better protect our children from such sexual predators."
‘Tutor’ who raped, sexually abused 8 children in ‘exceptionally sickening’ case
The perpetrator claimed selective memory loss and that he heard voices occasionally asking him to perform sexual acts on the victims. — TODAY pic
Over a span of 16 years, a man sexually preyed upon children with learning or physical disabilities by posing as a qualified educational therapist to gain their parents’ trust. Today, the Singaporean, now aged 54, was sentenced in the High Court to 45 years’ jail — the longest sentence ever meted out here for sexual offences, prosecutors said.
Justice Ang Cheng Hock described it as an “exceptionally sickening sexual abuse”, with the prosecution branding it “one of the worst cases of paedophilic sexual abuse that has come before the courts”. The man’s offences came to light only by accident in 2018 when a woman bought his old laptop. Several obscene photos and videos, showing him sexually assaulting the victims, were automatically imported from a cloud drive into the laptop. He later admitted to investigators that he would watch child abuse material online and wanted to “try” the same on real-life subjects. He has since been diagnosed with paedophilic disorder. Two of his eight victims were only five years old when he began raping them. This typically took place in their own homes, his home or in public locations such as toilet cubicles in malls.
He pleaded guilty to six counts of aggravated rape. Another 80 charges — including sexual exploitation of a minor, molestation and attempted aggravated rape — were taken into consideration for sentencing. He cannot be named due to a court order imposed to protect the identities of his victims, who were aged between five and 13 at the time of his offences from 2002 to May 2018. He was aged between 35 and 50 at the time. He also dated the mother of two of his victims, whom he met while volunteering at a cultural dance group from 1998 to 2004. The man will be 80 if he is released from prison upon being granted one-third remission for good behaviour.
Singapore man who preyed on disabled children jailed for record 45 years in ‘exceptionally sickening’ case
A man who posed as a therapist to rape disabled children as young as five in what prosecutors described as “one of the worst cases of paedophilic sexual abuse” ever heard by a Singapore court has been jailed for a record 45 years. The 54-year-old, who cannot be named due to a court order imposed to protect the identities of his eight victims, pleaded guilty on Monday to six counts of aggravated rape. Another 80 charges – including sexual exploitation of a minor, molestation and attempted aggravated rape – were taken into consideration for sentencing.
Prosecutors told the court that the man committed his crimes over the span of 16 years, including from 2005 to 2018 when he worked as a part-time tutor to “gain access to a ready pool of children”. He had previously volunteered as the chairman of a youth executive committee and helped to teach a cultural dance group, where he met the mother of two of his victims – a woman he later went on to date for some eight years, during which time he repeatedly assaulted her son and daughter.
Almost half the charges against the man – 38 in total – related to his abuse of a girl aged between six and nine who needed speech therapy. The court heard how he had claimed to be an educational therapist to win the trust of her family, but instead of helping the girl he sexually assaulted her multiple times over a period of three years. Some of the girl’s soft toys later tested positive for his semen. Police were only alerted to the man’s crimes in 2018, after a woman bought his old laptop and discovered a cache of obscene photos and videos that were automatically downloaded onto the device from a cloud drive.
Record 45 years' jail for 'tutor' who raped, sexually abused 8 children in 'exceptionally sickening' case
Over a span of 16 years, a man sexually preyed upon children with learning or physical disabilities by posing as a qualified educational therapist to gain their parents’ trust. On Monday (June 27), the Singaporean, now aged 54, was sentenced in the High Court to 45 years’ jail — the longest sentence ever meted out here for sexual offences, prosecutors said.
Justice Ang Cheng Hock described it as an “exceptionally sickening sexual abuse”, with the prosecution branding it “one of the worst cases of paedophilic sexual abuse that has come before the courts”. The man’s offences came to light only by accident in 2018 when a woman bought his old laptop. Several obscene photos and videos, showing him sexually assaulting the victims, were automatically imported from a cloud drive into the laptop.
He later admitted to investigators that he would watch child abuse material online and wanted to “try” the same on real-life subjects. He has since been diagnosed with paedophilic disorder. Two of his eight victims were only five years old when he began raping them. This typically took place in their own homes, his home or in public locations such as toilet cubicles in malls. He pleaded guilty to six counts of aggravated rape. Another 80 charges — including sexual exploitation of a minor, molestation and attempted aggravated rape — were taken into consideration for sentencing.
related:
'One of the worst rape cases': 33 years 2 months' jail for man who molested, raped 4 young daughters
'Extensive and sickening': Man jailed 45 years for sex offences against 8 children
A man was on Monday (Jun 27) sentenced to 45 years' jail for committing sex offences against eight children, some of whom had learning difficulties. The 54-year-old man cannot be named to protect the identities of the victims.
His offences came to light in 2018 when a woman who bought his laptop found photos and videos of the man sexually assaulting various children. The man pleaded guilty to six charges of aggravated rape against three victims, then aged five to nine. They were among eight victims he preyed on between 2002 and 2018. Eighty other charges involving sex offences against children and making and possessing obscene films were considered for sentencing.
The offender had a history of watching pornography, including child sexual abuse material, on the Internet. "(He) admitted that he found child sexual abuse material interesting and that he wanted to 'try' the same on real-life subjects," said Deputy Public Prosecutor Andre Ong. "This is one of the worst cases of paedophilic sexual abuse that has come before the courts," said the prosecutor, describing the man's crimes as "extensive and sickening".
related:
Tutor jailed 45 years for sexually abusing 8 kids, including some with special needs
The man will be 80 when he is released from prison, if he is given the usual one-third remission for good behaviour. PHOTO: ST FILE
A 54-year-old man who sexually abused multiple children with learning or physical disabilities after offering to tutor them was sentenced to 45 years' jail on Monday (June 27). The prison term handed down to the man - who lied to the victims' parents that he was a qualified educational therapist - is the longest imposed here for sexual offences.
In a case described by prosecutors as the "worst case of sexual offending against pre-pubescent children", the man admitted sexually abusing a total of eight victims over a period of 16 years, from 2002 to 2018. He pleaded guilty to six charges of aggravated rape committed against three of the victims. Two of the girls were five years old when they were raped, while the third was eight. The man recorded videos of numerous attacks, which lasted for as long as 17 minutes. Another 80 charges were taken into consideration during sentencing. They include various sexual offences committed against the seven girls and a boy when they were between the ages of five and 13.
The man cannot be named owing to a gag order, as he was in a relationship with the mother of one of the victims. The offences came to light only after he sold his laptop in June 2018, and the buyer lodged a police report after finding obscene images in the device.
Singapore's heaviest punishment for sex offences ever for man who raped and filmed multiple children
A 54-year-old man who sexually abused multiple children with learning or physical disabilities after offering to tutor them was sentenced to 45 years' jail on Monday (June 27).
The prison term handed down to the man — who lied to victims' parents that he was a qualified educational therapist — is the longest imposed here for sexual offences.
In a case described by prosecutors as the "worst case of sexual offending against prepubescent children", he admitted sexually abusing a total of eight victims.
'One of the worst rape cases': 33 years 2 months' jail for man who molested, raped 4 young daughters
A man sexually preyed on four of his five daughters over 14 years. Some of them turned up in court at his sentencing and were in tears after the hearing was over
A 45-year-old man who repeatedly sexually abused his daughters, which a judge said was "one of the worst cases" of rape and sexual assault to come before the courts, was jailed 33 years and two months and given 24 strokes of the cane in the High Court on Friday (March 18).
Also among his slew of crimes was physically abusing his wife and children, including his younger son. The court also heard how he starved some of his children for almost a week as punishment for not doing household chores to his satisfaction. He sexually preyed on and molested four of his five daughters over 14 years, raping three of the girls until they reported him to the police.
High Court judge Tan Siong Thye said: "He destroyed the cherished values of (his victims') sanctuary and turned their home into a living hell. He caused unimaginable misery and untold torment for years." Before the man was finally arrested on Nov 17 in 2018, he worked as a freelance camp instructor for children’s adventure camps. His sentence was backdated to his date of arrest. He cannot be named due to a court order to protect the identities of his victims. Some of them turned up in court and were in tears after the hearing was over.
related:
Child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse, also called child molestation, is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. Forms of child sexual abuse include engaging in sexual activities with a child (whether by asking or pressuring, or by other means), indecent exposure (of the genitals, female nipples, etc), child grooming, and child sexual exploitation, including using a child to produce child pornography.
Child sexual abuse can occur in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work (in places where child labor is common). Child marriage is one of the main forms of child sexual abuse; UNICEF has stated that child marriage "represents perhaps the most prevalent form of sexual abuse and exploitation of girls". The effects of child sexual abuse can include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, propensity to further victimization in adulthood, and physical injury to the child, among other problems. Sexual abuse by a family member is a form of incest and can result in more serious and long-term psychological trauma, especially in the case of parental incest. The global prevalence of child sexual abuse has been estimated at 19.7% for females and 7.9% for males. Most sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims; approximately 30% are relatives of the child, most often brothers, fathers, uncles, or cousins; around 60% are other acquaintances, such as "friends" of the family, babysitters, or neighbors; strangers are the offenders in approximately 10% of child sexual abuse cases. Most child sexual abuse is committed by men; studies on female child molesters show that women commit 14% to 40% of offenses reported against boys and 6% of offenses reported against girls.
The word pedophile is commonly applied indiscriminately to anyone who sexually abuses a child, but child sexual offenders are not pedophiles unless they have a strong sexual interest in prepubescent children. Under the law, child sexual abuse is often used as an umbrella term describing criminal and civil offenses in which an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor or exploits a minor for the purpose of sexual gratification. The American Psychological Association states that "children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults", and condemns any such action by an adult: "An adult who engages in sexual activity with a child is performing a criminal and immoral act which never can be considered normal or socially acceptable behavior.
Pedophilia
Pedophilia is an ongoing sexual attraction to pre-pubertal children. It is a paraphilia, a condition in which a person's sexual arousal and gratification depends on objects, activities, or even situations that are considered atypical. Pedophilia is defined as recurrent and intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children—generally age 13 years or younger—over a period of at least six months. Pedophiles are more often men and can be attracted to either or both sexes.
Pedophilic disorder can be diagnosed in people who are willing to disclose this paraphilia, as well as in people who deny any sexual attraction to children but demonstrate objective evidence of pedophilia. For the condition to be diagnosed, an individual must either act on their sexual urges or experience significant distress or interpersonal difficulty as a result of their urges or fantasies. Without these two criteria, a person may have pedophilic sexual desires but not pedophilic disorder. The prevalence of pedophilic disorder is unknown, as the social stigma around it does not invite people to self-identify. Estimates of its prevalence range from one to five percent of the male population. There are believed to be only a small fraction of a percent of women, if any at all, who experience pedophilia.
Pedophilic sexual offenders are usually family, friends, or relatives of their victims. The types of pedophilic activities vary, and may include just looking at a child or undressing and touching a child. However, acts often involve oral sex or touching the genitals of the child or the offender. Studies suggest that children who feel uncared for or lonely may be at higher risk for sexual abuse.
WHAT IS PEDOPHILIA AND WHO IS A PEDOPHILE?
Pedophiles are adolescent boys or girls or adult men or women who feel sexually attracted to prepubescent children (i.e. those who have not yet reached puberty). Some pedophiles are attracted only to girls, others only to boys. Some are attracted to both, and some are equally attracted to children and teenagers or adults.
Pedophilia exists everywhere, all around the world and in all environments regardless of wealth, education or religion. Just because nobody talks about it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist! No one chooses to be a pedophile, and the vast majority of pedophiles will never abuse a child.
No one is responsible for their fantasies, but everyone is responsible for their actions and their deeds. Also, any sexual act involving a child is forbidden: it is forbidden to tell children that you are in love with them, to make remarks of a suggestive nature to them, to show them a pornographic image or to show them your own sexual organs or ask to see theirs, to watch them undress, caress them, touch their private parts (pubic area, buttocks, chest), to put them on your knees when you have an erection, thereby imposing upon them your own sexual desire.
Spate of child abuse cases
A 19-year-old teenager was on Wednesday (March 2) charged in a district court with the rape of his younger sister.
His sibling was between the ages of eight and 11 when he allegedly committed the sex offences.
He faces two charges each of rape and sexual assault by penetration, one count of attempted rape and another two counts of voluntarily causing hurt to the victim.
related:
Record 45 years’ jail for Singapore Child sex offender
Protecting Our Minors from Underage Sex Crimes
Public disquiet over underage sex case
Children Handcuffed And Arrested By Police
Teen Found Dead After Police Investigation
Toddlers died after abuse by mum
Pre-school teacher who humiliated 5-year-old boy suspended
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Protecting Our Minors from Underage Sex Crimes
Public disquiet over underage sex case
Children Handcuffed And Arrested By Police
Teen Found Dead After Police Investigation
Toddlers died after abuse by mum
Pre-school teacher who humiliated 5-year-old boy suspended
Convention on the Rights of the Child
27/06/2022
26/06/2022
Iconic Cathay Cineplex to close after Jun 26 2022 after 83 Years
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road, one of Singapore's oldest cinemas, to close after June 26
The Cathay Cineplex has been in operation since 1939 and many Singaporeans have fond memories of watching movies there. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road, one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, will cease operations from June 27 and taking over the space is a pop-up by independent cinema operator The Projector.
In a statement, media company mm2 Asia, which runs the Cathay Cineplexes chain in Singapore, said the closure of the iconic cinema, close to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, is “part of the cost rationalisation process for its cinema operations”.
Mr Chang Long Jong, group chief executive for mm2 Asia, said: "The cinema's closure was a business decision. Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex."
Many gathered in the front compound of The Cathay to take one last picture
Operating since before the Second World War, The Cathay is one building in Singapore that is close to our hearts.
Be it sneaking out to catch one of the Avengers movies or booking tickets with the family, we all have our unique memories of the iconic cinema. Unfortunately, The Cathay closed down on Sunday (26 Jun). Many were here to witness its last day, either to watch a screening or simply immortalise the classic signage at the front in photographs.
Here are some Singaporeans’ fondest memories of the cinema — and their opinions on the closure. The wistfulness of seeing one of Singapore’s few cinema halls go was certainly tangible that night. Moviegoers started thronging the area in front of The Cathay, taking one last shot of the striking vertical neon sign.
A subdued final day as The Cathay Cineplex draws the curtain on operations
Friends Diana and Fred, who only wanted to be known by their first names, said they decided to watch Jurassic World Dominion there on Sunday for old times' sake. "I knew we'd be catching this movie and since we want to watch it, we might as well watch it over here. Especially since it's the last time The Cathay Cineplex will be here," Fred told CNA. "After that... I think it's quite sad. Because this is quite iconic, The Cathay has been around for a very long time, for moviegoers like me it's like we want to keep a piece of history with us." Diana recalled the first movie she ever watched at The Cathay almost 30 years ago - the 1994 version of Little Women starring Winona Ryder. "I watched it here a long time ago, I was in primary school. But ever since they renovated this place, we did come for a few shows, but that's about it," she added. "They've taken away one of the historical cinematic places that people in Singapore would come to watch movies. Definitely, they've taken that away."
When CNA visited the Cathay Cineplex - located at the iconic Cathay Building on Handy Road - at about 2.30pm, there were lines forming at the box office and snack counters, just in time for the 2.45pm screening of Jurassic World Dominion. Staff at the box office counter were also handing out small boxes of complimentary popcorn to patrons. Most of the patrons CNA spoke to knew it was the last day of operations.
Singaporeans reminisce their good times at The Cathay shortly before it closes for 1.5 years renovation
The building seems deeply steeped in so many people’s youthful memories
It was announced at the beginning of the year that The Cathay, one of the country’s iconic buildings, would be closed for a year and a half for a major revamp, its first in 20 years.
Its cinema closed after 83 years on June 27, 2022, and The Cathay’s tenants were told they needed to close their doors by Aug 18. But the building seems deeply steeped in so many people’s youthful memories.
DJ Joakim Gomez posted a video on TikTok of the things he’ll miss about The Cathay last week, writing that the building had been the site of some of his best memories, but it’s now “Its now a completely ghost (t)own, everything’s shut and torn down.” He thanked The Cathay for his fond memories.
Cathay Building (国泰大厦) Singapore Revisited
While the main structure of the Cathay Building has been demolished to make way for the development of The Cathay, the front façade has been preserved and gazetted as a national monument.
It was opened on 3 October 1939 by Dato Loke Wan as Cathay Building, with a 1,300-seat Cathay Cinema, and the tower block as Cathay Hotel. It was the island's first air-conditioned cinema and public building, and where one could sit in an arm chair to watch a film, which was rare in those days. It was then a technological marvel and the first to be built in Singapore. Cathay Building is also the first and tallest skyscraper not only in Singapore but also in South-East Asia. Height of 79.5 metres.
The Cathay Building was temporarily suspended, not demolished after the Japanese surrender in 1945. It was almost a ghost-town during that sad period of doom in Singapore. With the confidence, "never say die" spirit of the peoples in a rugged society to persevere and strive to work together for stability, peace, harmony and prosperous as a vibrant nation for everyone. Cathay Cinema back in business and normal life of daily routine returned to Singapore after the Japanese Occupation.
The Cathay Building
Completed in 1939, the Cathay Building was the first high-rise building in Singapore. Designed by Frank Brewer, it had a 1300-seat cinema with black marble pillars, green-tiled floors and gold ceilings. Restaurants and luxury apartments were added by 1941.
During the Japanese Occupation, it was used by the Japanese for broadcasting and propaganda purposes. Subsequently, it served as the headquarters of Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was the Supreme Allied Commander after Singapore was handed back to the British.
Today, the brown-tiled facade has been restored. Renamed ‘The Cathay’, a shopping mall and an eight-screen cineplex are now occupied within this historic building.
5 things you may not know about the Cathay Building
Situated successful 1 of the oldest cinema buildings successful Singapore, The Cathay Cineplex volition make its last curtain telephone connected Jun 26.
Upon proceeding the news, galore Singaporeans person taken to societal media to reminisce stories of the iconic Cathay Building connected Handy Road, wherever the cineplex is located.
It seems the storied gathering has witnessed a large deal, with immoderate recalling its usage by some the British and Japanese during World War II and others remembering fondly their first dates astatine the cinema.
Here are 5 things you whitethorn not cognize astir the Cathay Building:
- IT'S A NATIONAL MONUMENT - The Cathay Building - present known arsenic The Cathay - was gazetted arsenic a nationalist monument successful 2003.
- SINGAPORE'S FIRST "SKYSCRAPER" - At much than 80m tall, the Cathay Building was Singapore's archetypal "skyscraper".
- IT WAS USED BY THE BRITISH DURING WWII - Although the Cathay Building was built arsenic an amusement location, it served a overmuch darker intent during the war.
- THE JAPANESE ALSO USED IT DURING THE WAR - It has been estimated that the cinema was deed by astatine slightest 14 shells successful February 1942, with 1 striking connected Feb 15 aft noon.
- A POPULAR HOTEL - After the war, the Cathay Building became the office and bureau of Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia Lord Louis Mountbatten, who had accepted Japan's surrender successful 1945.
Historic Singaporean cinema Cathay Cineplex to close: “A business decision”
The Cathay, an iconic grand dame from 1939
The historic Singaporean movie theatre Cathay Cineplex, located at 2 Handy Road, will cease operations this month. Independent cinema The Projector will then open a pop-up there in August. The movie theatre will have its final screening on June 26, but independent cinema The Projector will start a pop-up there in August.
The news of the closure was announced June 17 by its operator mm2 Asia, which acquired Cathay Cineplexes in 2017. Its last screening will take place on the night of Sunday, June 26. The cineplex’s lease concludes July 23, according to a Cathay Organisation press release. The closure comes “as part of the cost rationalisation for its cinema operations”, read a mm2 Asia press release, with Group CEO Chang Long Jong calling it “a business decision” in a statement.
“Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex,” he added. (Cathay’s other cinema in the Orchard shopping belt is located at Cineleisure on 8 Grange Road.) The Projector, which has its primary location at Golden Mile Tower on Beach Road, will open a pop-up dubbed Projector X: Picturehouse in The Cathay on August 23, where it will curate films and live performances and operate a cocktail and craft beer bar. A press release did not state when the pop-up will end.
Cathay Cineplexes Yesterday at 03:30
Dear Guests, after a significant number of years and many unforgettable memories, Cathay Cineplexes will be closing the doors of its Handy Road outlet. All other Cathay Cineplexes remain open as usual.
Mr. Chang Long Jong, Group CEO for mm2 Asia stated "The cinema’s closure was a business decision. Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our cinema patrons, studio partners and suppliers for their continued support."
We look forward to continuing to serve you at Cathay Cineplexes locations across Singapore. See you soon!
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road, one of Singapore's oldest cinemas, to close after June 26
The Cathay Cineplex, one of Singapore's oldest cinemas, will cease operations from June 26, 2022. PHOTO: ST FILE
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road, one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, will cease operations from June 27 and taking over the space is a pop-up by independent cinema operator The Projector.
In a statement, media company mm2 Asia, which runs the Cathay Cineplexes chain in Singapore, said the closure of the iconic cinema, close to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, is “part of the cost rationalisation process for its cinema operations”. Mr Chang Long Jong, group chief executive for mm2 Asia, said: "The cinema's closure was a business decision. Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex."
The company also operates the nine-screen Cathay Cineplex Cineleisure outlet at the Cathay Cineleisure building on Grange Road. He added that it will be "business as usual" at the chain's other outlets. The Handy Road location has been in operation since 1939 and many Singaporeans have fond memories of watching movies there. It was Singapore's first air-conditioned cinema and is housed in a landmark building that is today a protected national monument.
related:
That's a wrap: Iconic Cathay Cineplex at Handy Road to close on June 26
Cathay Cineplexes announced today (June 17) that it will be ceasing operations at its Handy Road outlet after its last screening on June 26.
"The cinema's closure was a business decision," said Group CEO for mm2 Asia Chang Long Jong, who added that as the years went by, the "retail traffic demographics have changed". Cathay Cineplexes "have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex," he explained.
Chang also expressed his gratitude to the cinema patrons, studio partners and suppliers who have supported the business till now. But he assured that it'll be business as usual at Cathay Cineplexes' seven other outlets in Singapore.
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road to close on Jun 26, independent cinema The Projector to enter as pop-up
A view of The Cathay at Handy Road in Dhoby Ghaut. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Nlannuzel)
The Cathay Cineplex, located at the iconic Cathay Building on Handy Road, will cease operations on Jun 26. This decision is part of "cost rationalisation for its cinema operations", Cathay Cineplexes and mm2 Asia said in a media release on Friday (Jun 17). Media company mm2 Asia acquired Cathay Cineplexes in Singapore in 2017.
The Handy Road outlet in the Dhoby Ghaut area is one of eight Cathay Cineplexes in Singapore. The last screening will be held on a Sunday night, Jun 26. All the existing employees will be redeployed to other Cathay Cineplex outlets, said mm2 Asia in response to CNA's queries. "Cathay Cineplexes has not had any layoffs, including during the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.
The cinema’s closure was a business decision, said mm2 Asia's group CEO Chang Long Jong. "Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex," he added. Cathay Cineplexes' other cinema in Orchard is at Cineleisure. The Handy Road outlet is near Plaza Singapura where Golden Village operates a cinema.
Indie cinema operator The Projector to take over Cathay Cineplex at Dhoby Ghaut from Aug 23
A view of The Cathay building on Handy Road, which houses a cineplex, retail shops, offices and private residences
The Cathay Cineplex along Handy Road in Dhoby Ghaut will be screening its last movie on June 26 before it draws the curtains and hands over the space to independent cinema operator The Projector. The Cathay Organisation said in a news release on Friday (June 17) that The Projector will begin operations from Aug 23 "as a pop-up". It will be The Projector’s third cinema venue after the ones at Golden Mile Tower and Riverside Point.
The Projector’s latest cinema will be known as Projector X: Picturehouse — named in tribute to the building’s arthouse cinema past, Cathay Organisation said. The Cathay Cineplex on Handy Road is housed in The Cathay building, which had its beginnings in the 1930s. It was reconstructed after it closed in end-June 2000 and reopened in 2006 to house the present cinema halls, a mall, offices and private residences. Only the art deco facade of the historic building was preserved.
The cineplex is now operated by the Singaporean film and distribution company MM2 Asia. The lease for the cineplex ends on July 23. Cathay Organisation sold its cinema business to MM2 Asia in 2017, but retained some assets such as The Cathay building on Handy Road and the Cathay Cineleisure Orchard mall, both located in or close to the Orchard Road shopping belt.
The Cathay Cinema To Close After 83 Years, Business As Usual At Other Theatres
The Cathay Cinema To Close After 83 Years, Restaurants & Shops Not Affected
The cinema at The Cathay is arguably one of the most iconic theatres in Singapore, not only due to its illustrious history but also its convenient location.
Sadly, after 83 years, the Cathay Cineplex along Handy Road will close for good after 26 Jun as part of the group’s “cost rationalisation process”. Operations at other Cineplexes, however, will continue. Media company mm2 Asia, which runs the Cathay Cineplexes chain in Singapore, announced the closure via a press release today (17 Jun).
In the statement, mm2 Asia’s group chief executive Mr Chang Long Jong said the move was a “business decision”. As retail traffic demographics change over the years, the media company has had to evaluate the commercial viability of running two cinemas 1.5km apart along the Orchard shopping belt. The other outlet in question is likely Cineleisure Orchard. mm2 Asia also took into consideration the existence of another multiplex just 300 metres away — probably The Golden Village outlet at Plaza Singapura.
Milestones of The Cathay building in Handy Road
The Cathay Cineplex has been in operation since 1939 and many Singaporeans have fond memories of watching movies there. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road is closing after June 26 after entertaining moviegoers for more than 80 years. Here are the milestones in the history of the iconic building and cinema:
- 1935 - Associated Theatres, founded by Dato Loke Wan Tho is incorporated. It later becomes Cathay Organisation.
- 1939 - In October, the Cathay Building opened at Dhoby Ghaut with a 1,300-seat cinema and a hotel in a 16-storey tower block. The opening premiere featured Sir Alexander Korda's The Four Feathers (1939). Singapore's first skyscraper was designed by architect Frank Brewer from Swan & McLaren, and the tallest building in South-east Asia. It was the first air-conditioned cinema and the first cinema to screen American and British films.
- 1942 - At the beginning of World War II, the final show was screened and Cathay Cinema was turned into a Red Cross casualty station.
- 1945 - Cathay Cinema reopens with screening of first post-WW2 movie The Tunisian Victory.
- 2000 - Cathay Building at Dhoby Ghaut has its final curtain call in September.
- 2003 - The building is torn down, with its front facade gazetted and preserved to its 1930s state to serve as a remnant of the past.
- 2006 - The Cathay reopens and buzzes again with activity as a cineplex, private residence and mall.
- 2015 - Cathay celebrates its 80th anniversary,with films such as Our Sister Mambo - a tribute to the Cathay classic Our Sister Hedy (1957) - and The Greatest Civil War On Earth (1961).
- 2017 - Cathay Cineplexes comes under entertainment company mm2 Asia as part of a $230-million deal. mm2 Asia buys eight cinemas across Singapore, comprising 64 screens. Cathay Organisation sells only its cinema business and retains assets like The Cathay building in Handy Road and the Cathay Cineleisure Orchard mall.
The Cathay Cineplex At Handy Road, Singapore, Is Closing After 83 Years
Thank you for the memories, The Cathay Cineplex! You will be missed
It’s the end of an era, as one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, The Cathay Cineplex, is closing down after 83 years in the business. Starting 26 June, the Handy Road theatre will cease operations, with media company mm2 Asia — which runs the Cathay Cineplexes chain locally — attributing the reason to being “part of the cost rationalisation process for its cinema operations”.
“The cinema’s closure was a business decision. Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed,” group chief executive Mr Chang Long Jong said in a statement. “We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex.” The closure will not impact the other chain outlets, with day-to-day business proceeding as usual. The news comes amidst tough times for the industry, and follows in the footsteps of Filmgarde Cineplexes at Bugis+ and Century Square, both of which had shuttered earlier this year.
The Handy Road location has been around since 1939, and made its mark as the Singapore’s first air-conditioned cinema. The shops and restaurants in the building are understood to be unaffected by the shutdown and will resume their normal operations, which means customers can continue to drop by if they wish. Still, it’s sad to see that the cinema is taking its final bow, even if the news doesn’t come across as a surprise. Taking its place will be The Projector’s third outlet known as Projector X: Picturehouse — named in tribute to the building’s history in arthouse cinema — with operations expected to begin on 23 August. Alongside curated films and live performances, it will also feature a bar on its premises for patrons to enjoy cocktails and craft beer while waiting for their show or performance timings.
Cathay Building
Cathay Building, located at the foot of Mount Sophia in the Dhoby Ghaut area, was once the tallest building in Singapore. It used to house the Cathay cinema, Cathay Hotel and Cathay Restaurant. The cinema was opened in 1939 in the front building, while the main tower behind was completed in 1941. In the early years of World War II, Cathay Building housed the offices of the Malayan Broadcasting Corporation. After Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, the building became home to the Japanese Propaganda Department. On 10 February 2003, Cathay Building was gazetted as a national monument. Following a major redevelopment, the building was reopened in 2006 as The Cathay.
At the foot of Mount Sophia (originally known as Bukit Selegie), where the Cathay Building now stands, there once stood a Victorian-style building. It housed the family of prominent businessman Teo Hoo Lye6 as well as a confectionery and cake shop run by a European, Louis Molteni. The property was later purchased by the family of the late Loke Yew, and in 1937 the land was cleared for the construction of Cathay Building. The 16-storey Cathay Building was designed by architect Frank Brewer and cost $1 million to build. Sitting on the slope of Mount Sophia, Cathay Building was 87 m high from the street level to the top. However, minus the height of the slope at the rear of the building, the actual height of the building was 70 m. It stood as the tallest building in Singapore at the time when its main tower was completed in 1941. This status was overtaken by the Asia Insurance Building in 1954.
Cathay Cinema, located in the front block, was the first section to be completed.10 Opened on 3 October 1939, the 1,321-seat cinema had black marble pillars, green-tiled floors and gold ceilings. It was also the first public space to be equipped with air-conditioning in Singapore. The opening film was the British adventure movie, Four Feathers, starring Ralph Richardson and C. Audrey Smith. The band from the 2nd Battalion (North Lancashire) Royal Regiment performed before the 9.15 pm premiere. The Cathay Restaurant, located on the fourth floor of the front block, was opened in early 1941, while the main block was completed in August 1941. The tallest building in Singapore at the time, the 16-storey main tower stood above the cinema and restaurant and had a total of 80 apartments.
The Cathay
An iconic building synonymous with classic entertainment, Cathay Organisation has been entertaining generations for more than 80 years. The Cathay was established by Cathay Organisation and founder Dato Loke Wan Tho in 1939. Since opening, it has been a distinct landmark attaining many firsts – including the first skyscraper, the first air-conditioned cinema and the first cinema to screen American and British films in Singapore.
Situated in Singapore’s arts and heritage district of Bras Basah Bugis, The Cathay, formerly the Cathay Building, has seen many changes. It reopened in 2006 in its current form. To mark its opening, The Cathay hosted an Oscar-style private party that included the screening of a re-mastered digital version of the timeless classic, ‘Gone with the Wind’, which was released in the same year the building opened on Handy Road.
Today, The Cathay is a protected national monument that embraces both linear Art-Deco design and modernism with a rich history. The youth-oriented shopping mall boasts a myriad of retail, dining, leisure and entertainment options. A long-time fixture in Singapore’s urban entertainment landscape, Cathay Cineplexes’ nine cinema halls, including The Grand Cathay and Platinum Movie Suites, make it the definitive entertainment hub for young adults. The Cathay Gallery located on level 2 is a space that celebrates the history behind Cathay’s movie empire and the Loke family’s business ventures in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as their contribution to Cathay Organisation, their properties, film production studios, film distribution, hotels and cinemas. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturdays, 11am – 7pm. The Cathay Residences is situated on the 6th to the 17th floors of The Cathay.
The Cathay, an iconic grand dame from 1939
The Cathay Building in Singapore in 1947. Credit: J. R. T. Richardson/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Cathay Cineplex on Handy Road is one of eight Cathay cinemas in Singapore. The Cathay Building was first established in 1939 by Cathay Organisation and founder Dato Loke Wan Tho. It was the first air-conditioned cinema in Singapore and the first cinema to screen American and British films in the country, according to its website.
The Cathay has a colourful history, having housed the offices of the Malayan Broadcasting Corporation early on in World War II. When Singapore fell to the Japanese, the Cathay Building was used to house the Japanese Propaganda Department, which took over the existing broadcasting equipment, and its restaurant became a dining room for Japanese military officers stationed in the building. After WWII, it became the headquarters for notable British officers, including Admiral Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia.
In 2003, The Cathay Building was gazetted as a national monument, preserving the building’s iconic art deco facade. After redevelopment, it reopened in its current form as The Cathay in 2006, with a new complex designed by Japanese architect Paul Tange.
Remembering the good old days
Cathay Building circa 1955-1956 Photo: Cathay Organisation
Three months ago, behind closed doors, participants at an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) event had a discussion with members of the Government’s much-vaunted machinery to anticipate wild cards and black swans — the latter a buzz phrase among civil servants these days, referring to unpredictable and rare occurrences that nevertheless have great impact.
On the agenda were sousveillance — or the watching of the Government by the general population — and the impact of automation on jobs. But the group was also trying to dissect and make sense of another trend: A longing for the good old days.
“The sense of nostalgia among Singaporeans seems to have become more pervasive ... Singaporeans are finding new ways to build the community ties that characterised kampung life and mobilising to preserve green spaces and heritage buildings that provide a link to the past,” read the synopsis for the IPS session, organised for its corporate associates and featuring some members of the Government’s Strategic Futures Network.
The Iconic Cathay Building
The Building, located at the foot of Mount Sophia in the Dhoby Ghaut area, was once the tallest building in Singapore. It used to house the Cathay cinema, Cathay Hotel and Cathay Restaurant. The cinema was opened in 1939 in the front building, while the main tower behind was completed in 1941. In the early years of World War II, Cathay Building housed the offices of the Malayan Broadcasting Corporation. After Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, the building became home to the Japanese Propaganda Department. On 10 February 2003, Cathay Building was gazetted as a national monument. Following a major redevelopment, the building was reopened in 2006 as The Cathay.
At the foot of Mount Sophia (originally known as Bukit Selegie), where the Cathay Building now stands, there once stood a Victorian-style building. It housed the family of prominent businessman Teo Hoo Lye as well as a confectionery and cake shop run by a European, Louis Molteni. The property was later purchased by the family of the late Loke Yew, and in 1937 the land was cleared for the construction of Cathay Building.
The 16-storey Cathay Building was designed by architect Frank Brewer and cost $1 million to build. Sitting on the slope of Mount Sophia, Cathay Building was 87 m high from the street level to the top. However, minus the height of the slope at the rear of the building, the actual height of the building was 70 m. It stood as the tallest building in Singapore at the time when its main tower was completed in 1941. This status was overtaken by the Asia Insurance Building in 1954.
Jurong Bird Park to close 3 Jan 2023 after 52 years
Asia's largest bird park to close
Jurong Bird Park, one of Singapore's oldest and most iconic attractions, has announced that it will cease operations and shut its doors after more than 50 years.
However, there is some good news. The world-famous park -- home to some 3,500 birds including parrots, flamingos, penguins and eagles -- will join the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, as well as a new luxury Banyan Tree resort, to form an eco-tourism hub in northern Singapore. Jurong Bird Park's last day of operations at its current location will be January 3, 2023, 52 years to the day since opening in 1971. The upcoming Mandai eco hub is slated to open in 2023.
"There are many of us who joined the organization in its early days and have been here over the decades," the park's vice president Daisy Ling said in a statement on Tuesday, August 30, announcing the closure. Built at an initial cost of $2.5 million, the 20.2-hectare park draws about 850,000 visitors annually who flock to see its famed waterfall aviary, bird shows and exhibits. According to Singapore Tourism, it's the largest bird park in Asia. Since its 1971 opening, when there were just 1,000 birds from 60 species, the bird park's capacity has expanded greatly and is now believed to house birds from more than 400 species. Park officers have also been involved in several high profile rescues and rehabilitation efforts over the years.
The iconic Golden Mile Complex - Singaporeans Bid Farewell To ‘Little Thailand’
Golden Mile Complex Tenants To Move Out By May 2023 Following Successful En Bloc Sale
Known for its Thai eateries, supermarkets, and night establishments, Golden Mile Complex has a special place in many Singaporeans’ hearts, especially for those who frequently head down for their late-night mookata fix.
But with the S$700-million en bloc sale finalised earlier this year, some feared that ‘Little Thailand’ may soon be no more. Recent developments have now proven this to be true. On 10 Aug, Edmund Tie & Company, the real estate firm in charge of the sale, announced that the building would be vacated and handed over to the developers by May 2023.
In other words, the renowned Thai establishments in the complex will soon have to move out of the iconic mall. While some stall owners plan on retiring, others plan on relocating. Regardless of their decisions, most of them will leave the iconic mall with feelings of nostalgia. Some Golden Mile Complex tenants mull retirement while others relocate.
The iconic People’s Park Complex 珍 珠 坊
For more than 40 years, the iconic People’s Park Complex stands proudly along Eu Tong Sen Street. At 31 storey high, the yellow-and-green building is easily noticeable from far.
The complex consists of a shopping center situated below its residential block, which was completed in 1970 and 1973 respectively. There are three gigantic Chinese characters on the side of the block that faces the main road. It reads “Zhen Zhu Fang” which literally means “Pearl’s Center”. The complex was designed by a local company called Design Partnership, spearheaded by chief architects Tay Kheng Soon and Koh Seow Chuan.
According to architectural experts, the design of residential block was injected with British Brutalist element, which was hugely popular in the sixties and seventies. Buildings with Brutalist concept usually expose large areas of concrete on their exterior. It resembles some of those residential blocks found in Hong Kong. The original colour of People’s Park Complex was brown and blue. It was given a complete makeover years ago, turning it into the yellow and green appearance that we see today.
Remembering Rochor Centre
A passerby taking snapshots of the iconic colourful blocks at Rochor Centre. These colourful blocks will be slated for demolition at the start of 2017.TNP FOTO: GARY GOH
While almost all of the residents have moved out, those left have until the end of this week to hand over the keys. TNP speaks to one resident, Mr Tan Chai Hock, who had lived there since it was built. He recalls how much it has changed in 40 years.
From only the 7th storey of the Rochor Centre, you could have a clear view of the sea. Hard to believe these days.
Back in the 70s, Mr Tan Chai Hock never thought that he could own a flat, let alone one in a prime area like the Rochor Centre.
Singapore's Iconic Buildings & Landmarks
Capitol Theatre, briefly Kyo-Ei Gekijo, is a historic cinema and theatre located in Singapore. It was adjoined to four-storey building known as the Capitol Building. The Capitol Theatre was considered one of Singapore's finest theatres in the 1930s during that time.
In 1929, Mirza Mohamed Ali Namazie, a Persian businessman of the Namazie family, commissioned the theatre to be built in Singapore, with S. A. H. Shirazee, an Indian-Muslim merchant and community leader, and the South African brothers Joe and Julius Fisher from First National Pictures, joined in to form Capitol Theatres Ltd as its operator. Namazie would serve as the theatre company's chairman with Shirazee as director, Joe Fisher as managing director and his brother Julius Fisher as the publicity manager. Architecture and equipments
Joe Fisher travelled overseas to acquire the materials for the theatre's furnishings, decorations and design. The Capitol Theatre was designed neoclassical architecture by British architects Keys and Dowdeswell, with its general plan, seating arrangements and lighting inspired from the Roxy Theatre in New York, United States. Builders Messrs Brossard and Mopin began construction of the foundation around July 1929. Messrs Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. in collaboration with local partner Messrs Lohmann and Co., designed the theatre's walls' and ceilings' detailing. Although installed with ventilation system, the theatre's roof was able to slide open which leave a 40-foot aperture for more ventilation.
The first layout of the theatre could accommodate at least 1,600 people, with 1,100 seated on the ground floor. Another 500 seats were available at the circle that could be accessed via lifts or staircases. The seats were a few inches wider than normal British cinema seats, and the upholstery was supplied by a New York company. The theatre had a large projection room located below the balcony and ran the length of the building instead of being traditionally sited in the rear. It housed the latest Simplex projector installed with fireproof protection shutters. The theatre's acoustics and soundproofing were said to be exceptional at that time. Special expensive sound installations costing at least 40,000 Straits dollars were imported from Western Electric Company. The theatre's stage was also designed for stage productions, with changing rooms and organ chambers built into the theatre. It was also the first to equip multihued lighting system using concealed lamps with a dimmer function, which was never used in other existing theatres in Singapore at that time. Besides having the floodlit main entrance at the junction of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, there are also two side entrances from Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, with a parking lot to accommodate at least 200 cars. There were several food outlets at the theatre. The main café on the first floor had a dance floor where cabaret was held at the selected nights, and adjoining the café was a restaurant known as the Capitol Restaurant. A café lounge was located at the circle. A special cooling room for making French pastries was built in the kitchen on the ground floor. Its adjoined building known as Namazie Mansions, which was named after the Chairman Namazie, was completed in the early 1930.
National Monuments of Singapore
Our National Monuments are an integral part of Singapore’s built heritage, which the National Heritage Board (NHB) preserves and promotes for posterity. They are monuments and sites that are accorded the highest level of protection in Singapore.
Cathay Cineplexes @ mm2 Asia
Cathay Cineplexes 2 d
We wish to inform you that Cathay Cineplex Parkway Parade will be closing its doors this August.
All other Cathay Cineplexes remain open as usual.
Thank you for choosing Cathay Cineplexes as your go-to venue for movie magic! We look forward to continuing to serve you at our other locations across Singapore. See you soon!
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