With the advancement of technology, cheaper entertainment alternatives slowly replaced the amusement parks. The New World succumbed to the threat that emerged from the widespread availability of radios and television sets, yet it was not the only one. Other amusement parks such as the Great World and Gay World were also victims of the technological progress of the society. Furthermore, the people’s interest had also shifted as time progressed. With the rapid modernisation of Singapore since the 1970s, shopping became the new popular leisure activity [1], especially when Japanese departmental such as Isetan [2] arrived in Singapore. At one time, a furniture showroom and a church even occupied its premises [3]. As such, New World faded into obscurity and closed in 1987 when the Shaw brothers sold the land to the City Developments Limited [4].

​