Remember Tuas TV World? It was Singapore’s own Hollywood. Right here stood a sprawling 6.6-hectare site a mini-Singapore. Imagine old shophouses a railway station even a river. All meticulously recreated for period dramas.
Built in 1990 by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation at a cost of S$35 million it was a marvel. Five sets depicted old Singapore. Three others portrayed scenes from China. This wasn’t just a studio. It was a whole world. A world where actors like Chew Chor Meng spent countless hours filming. He even fished in the nearby water during breaks.
Tuas TV World wasn’t just about the sets. Think of the stories. The dramas filmed there. Shows like Strange Encounters 3 Tofu Street The Price of Peace and many more brought Singapore’s history to life. These productions showcased the talent and skill of Singaporean actors and crew. Many fondly remember the camaraderie on set. They spent entire days together meals shared stories exchanged.
The site wasn’t just for filming though. After a decade the facility became too expensive to maintain. In 2001 the Singapore Police Force took over. They turned it into the Tuas Training Village. Police units used it for training scenarios. Think public order exercises forensic investigations. They even practiced public security responses here. In 2009 the training stopped and the land went back to the state.
Even in its later years Tuas TV World made a comeback. In 2012 Mediacorp filmed Joys of Life there. It was a fitting tribute to the site’s role in Singaporean television history. The location itself held unique appeal. The architecture was unmatched anywhere else in Singapore.
Sadly this unique part of Singapore’s history is gone. Demolition happened between 2023 and 2024. The land awaits a new purpose. But the memories of Tuas TV World its dramas its people and its unique atmosphere will always remain. A reminder of Singapore’s creative past.