Milestones
1940s
Starts
business of operating cinemas with various partners; the Happy Theatre
and the open-air Victory Theatre, both in Happy World.
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1960s
Becomes
one of the leading distributors of Chinese movies (form Taiwan
and Hong Kong) in Singapore, and is among the first film distributors
of Chinese movies (from Taiwan and Hong Kong) in Singapore.
It is also among the first film distribution companies to, besides
bringing in mega movie stars (Fong Po Po, Ivy Ling Po, Si Kar
Yin, Siu Fong Fong and Tang Lang Hua) for stage appearances
together with the screening of their respective films, also
bring in top Cantonese opera troupes and stars (the late Sir
Tang Weng Cheung, better known as Sun Ma Sze Tsang) from Hong
Kong to perform in Singapore. |
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In
conjunction with the grand opening of the National Theatre,
it specially brings in top Hokkien film stars to officiate as
well as to perform in this national event.
EW ventures into film production in Hong Kong and produces some
highly acclaimed films, garnering numerous awards in the Asian
Film Festivals.
Incorporate companies to acquire and operate the Jubilee Theatre
(1966) at North Bridge Road and the King's Theatre (1968) at
Kim Tian Road; both became two of the more popular cinemas among
the regular Chinese movie goers. |
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1970s
The
Group begins operating cinemas in the HDB satellite towns. Becomes
one of the top three Chinese movie distributors in Singapore. |
1980s
The
entire cinema industry is hard-hit by video piracy. However, the group
remains steadfast and maintains its position as one of the leading
Chinese movie distributors and cinema operators in Singapore.
Instrumental in introducing the early movies of A-list including Jackie
Chan, Samo Hung,Yuen Piao, Michael Hui and Michelle Yeoh.
Contributes to promoting the then upcoming movie idols like Nicky Wu, Aniki Jin
and Charlie Yeung for local appearances.
Becomes Singapore's sole licensee of TVB International (Hong Kong),
distributing their top programmes and highly popular TV serials.
Begins its first screening of English movies at Marina Theatre and
surges on to secure a fair share of the city's market. |
1990s
Becomes
public listed in 1994.
Keeping in line with the government's plans to rejuvenate the town
centres in the older HDB estates, EW marks another milestone by redeveloping
its single-screen theatres in Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh into multi-faceted
entertainment centres, and converting Empress Theatre into a 3-screen
hall cineplex.
Diversifies into businesses of operating amusement arcades and popcorn
concession stands.
Sets up new cineplexes at Bukit Batok (EW - West Mall), Suntec City
(EW - Suntec), and Sembawang (EW - Sun Plaza).
2002
First Cinema Exhibitor in Singapore to implement an on-line loyalty
program.
First Cinema Exhibitor
in Singapore to provide the SMS-a-movie service.
2003
First Cinema Exhibitor outside of the USA to deploy a full 2K Digital Cinema system.
First Cinema Exhibitor in the world to commercially screen a full 2K-enabled digital movie.
2004
First Cinema Exhibitor in the world to operate a full 2K enabled cineplex.
2005
First Cinema Exhibitor in Singapore to offer WAP Ticketing service in 2005
Placed among the top 100 Asian companies in CIO Asia’s CIO 100 List.
2006
First Cinema Exhibitor to launches movie ticketing service with SingPost on SingPost’s 250 Self-service Automated Machines (S.A.M.) islandwide.
Best Service, Best Snack Bar, Best Sound – The Sunday Times
SPBA Heritage Brand Award Winner
2007
One of the 1st in the World to showcase 4K Digital Cinema technology with “SpiderMan 3”.
Introduces industry’s 1st Personalised Movie Gift Card in May
EW Cinemas is Principal Partner of National Day Parade 2007
EW Cinemas launches 1st of a kind fund raising initiative in Singapore; funds are raised through an auction of EW Movie Gift Cards, specially designed by members of the public. All proceeds from the online charity auction held at eBay Singapore, go towards The Straits Times (ST) School Pocket Money Fund.
2008
EW Cinemas is 1st Cinema Chain to pledge support to Singapore’s bid for the Youth Olympic Games 2010
EW Cinemas is Principal Partner of National Day Parade 2008
2009
EW Cinemas is Principal Partner of National Day Parade 2009
2010
Selected as one of the “100 Singapore Icons”; a representation of logos, symbols, trademarks and icons that are significant to Singapore’s social history and visual culture.
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