With video streaming platforms just a tap away, most of us today probably can’t imagine a time when watching a movie meant physically heading out to buy a VCD or DVD. But not too long ago, browsing shelves of movie discs and music CDs, and bringing home a stack for the weekend was practically a ritual.
That era has sadly mostly faded into memory, but a few places are still holding on. One of them is South Win Laser Pte Ltd, located near Marsiling MRT, which might just be one of the last old-school CD shops in Singapore.
Note: Prices are accurate at the time of writing, but are subject to change.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
South Win Laser Pte Ltd is a small CD, VCD, and DVD shop tucked within Fuchun Neighbourhood Centre at Marsiling, among other small neighbourhood businesses like snack stores, fruit stands, and barber shops.
Screenshot from: Reddit
When I went down for a visit, old Chinese KTV hits were echoing from the store speakers. And just like what this Redditor has commented, walking into the store feels like a blast from the past, taking you back to 20 years ago.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
Mr Ang Lay Teck, who is currently 64 years old, has helmed the store since November 1995. With no employees and no one lined up to take over, the shop remains very much a one-man operation.
Despite having issues with his leg, he still singlehandedly opens and runs his store daily, even on weekends and public holidays. The only time he takes a proper break is during Chinese New Year, when the store closes for about 3 to 4 days.
Mr Ang is also known for being friendly and generous with his customers. During my visit, he let another customer borrow a disc to test if it would work with their device before deciding whether to buy it. He even offered me a drink from his fridge and refused to take any money for it.
Screenshot from: Reddit
Many Singaporeans also recall browsing and renting VCDs and DVDs from his store in their childhood. Although Mr Ang no longer rents out the discs, he still sells them at more affordable prices.
Image adapted from: Ong Rui En
Business used to be better for Mr Ang at the prime of VCDs and DVDs. Now, his only customers are people in their 50s to 70s, who frequent the store to enquire about and purchase the latest Chinese music releases.
When these popular discs are just restocked, he could sell up to $500 worth of discs in a day. Otherwise, he usually sells around $100 worth of discs daily. This is excluding the cost of the discs, rental, and upkeep of his store, so when those are accounted for, it’s not a big amount.
Screenshot from: Facebook
This shop is one of the last few VCD and DVD stores in Singapore still standing, among a few others like D2000 Pte Ltd, Everlasting Entertainment Pte Ltd, and Guan Hin Records.
So, of course, I had to ask the question that’s probably been on your mind since the start of this article: Is he planning to close the shop anytime soon? Mr Ang shared that he intends to keep the store running for as long as he possibly can – until the day he really can’t sell any more discs.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
You will be able to find DVDs and karaoke DVDs of English rock classics featuring the likes of Michael Jackson, Michael Learns To Rock, Backstreet Boys, Linkin Park, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and ABBA. Mandopop fans can also find titles from icons like Jay Chou.
DVDs and karaoke DVDs catering to the older generation (left), and one of the bestsellers in the shop the week we visited (right).
Image adapted from: Ong Rui En
The store also sells karaoke DVDs and song collections catering to the older generation, including tracks in dialects like Hokkien, Teochew, and Cantonese, as well as classics from veteran Chinese singers. Neatly wrapped in plastic, these are among the bestsellers and often restocked, especially whenever newer releases arrive.
Prices for these music DVDs range from about $4 to $14. Most are on the cheaper side, while the more expensive ones are typically discs that Mr Ang’s friends have left in his shop to sell on consignment, which explains the slightly higher price tag.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
Other than oldies, there are VCDs and DVDs of movies and TV series. You’ll spot childhood favourites like the Barbie Movies, Dora the Explorer, Hi-5, Finding Nemo, and Pokémon. You may want to consider grabbing a few off the rack to reminisce about your childhood and save them for your children before they can never be found for sale outside.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
There are also many classic movie series and standalones like Tom Cruise movies, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Jurassic World, Men in Black, The Twilight Saga, and Harry Potter.
The best part? They are priced at only $1 per VCD and $3 per DVD. Most movie discs are sold for over $10 anywhere else, so these are a steal. It’s hard to even find pre-owned VCDs for that price online.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
You can also spot the Recommended Retail Price on some casings – for example, this copy of The Sound of Music VCD used to cost $19.90, but is now going for $1 only.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
At the back of the store, you’ll also find many Chinese, Japanese, and Korean TV series like Dong Yi (2010), Oh! My Lady (2010), Secret Garden (2010), The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), Three Kingdoms (2010), and Atashin’chi (我們這一家). These are priced at only $3 per series.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
There are even free discs up for grabs – for instance, I found The Sims 3 on a bottom rack, which Mr Ang said he was giving away for free. Most of the freebies are discs Mr Ang isn’t familiar with, which is why he does not take any money for them.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
At the storefront is a fridge, containing bottled and canned beverages for $1 to $1.50.
Screenshot from: Facebook
A Facebook user even joked that Mr Ang probably earns more from the sale of drinks than DVDs, seeing how DVDs have been on the decline since streaming services took over.
If there is anything you want but cannot find in the store, you can put in a request with Mr Ang – he’ll track down the VCDs and DVDs you want. Usually, it takes no more than 1 week before your CDs are ready for collection.
If you have any VCDs and DVDs at home but can’t use them as you don’t own a DVD player, donate your discs to his shop rather than let them collect dust at home. To avoid clutter in his already crowded shop, avoid donating broken discs or discs with signs of rot, like tiny holes, discoloured areas on the reflective side, or separated edges.
Image credit: Ong Rui En
Remember to bring some cash when visiting because Mr Ang does not take PayNow or credit cards. Good news: the store also accepts CDC vouchers, so you can spend them here before they expire.
Do note that DVD players are not sold in his store, so you’ll have to borrow or purchase one if you’re planning to get some VCDs and DVDs for yourself.
If you have any queries, drop Mr Ang a text via WhatsApp at 9337 9987. Take note that this is his personal handphone number – avoid spamming calls or flooding his chats outside of his working hours.
Address: 304 Woodlands Street 31, #01-143, Fuchun Neighbourhood Centre, Singapore 730304
Opening hours: 11.30am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 9337 9987
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Cover image adapted from: Ong Rui En
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