New World pulls down shutters, students rue loss

Students said they would miss food selections from New World like fruit juices and fishball noodles, following its sudden closure.

By Louisa Tang, Chief Editor

Those attempting to enter New World on Monday (16 Mar) found themselves blocked off.
PHOTO: HILLARY TAN

The New World food court at North Spine has unexpectedly closed down, according to a Lianhe Wanbao report. Stall holders arrived at work last Saturday morning (14 Mar) only to find out that the electricity and water supplies were cut off, and subsequent attempts to reach the owner failed.

Four stall holders also claimed they are owed about S$100,000 in profits. The police have been contacted.

As reported in Lianhe Wanbao, the saga first began on 11 Mar when a cheque the four stall holders received for their monthly profits bounced, as it was dated 2014, rendering it invalid. Attempts to reach New World owner Mr Ho also failed. Even after the stall holders switched phones, Mr Ho hung up on them upon hearing their voices.

These stall holders previously used the central payment system. They then decided to switch to cash payment upon ordering on 12 Mar, in order to protect their earnings, but were told in a letter sent by the owner on 13 Mar that by doing so, they had breached a prior agreement in their contract. This resulted in their lease being terminated.

When Lianhe Wanbao reached Mr Ho on Saturday night, he said that while his company has been paying the stall holders on time for the past three years, the “cost of maintaining this place has been increasing. We have been unable to cope, unfortunately, and have to close the business”.

Mr Ho also told the Chinese paper that the stall holders can seek legal assistance to recover their lost profits.

“They can sue my company,” he said.

An NTU spokesperson told the Nanyang Chronicle that electricity supply to New World was cut off as the food court owner did not pay the utilities bills, despite repeated reminders.

“The stall owners have separate sub-tenancy arrangements with the operator, which NTU is not privy to. NTU is sympathetic to the stall owners’ plight and will extend help where possible. For example, the university can introduce the affected stall holders to other food courts on campus.

“The university is evaluating various options in accordance with the Lease Agreement, including taking back the premises and calling for a new tender.”

Said Tan Yuan Ting, 20, a second-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences: “I noticed that the Western stall was already closed at least a few days before Saturday when the whole food court closed. There wasn’t any explanation or notification of the stall holder taking a break, so I already felt that something was amiss.

“I just hope that the owner of New World can assume responsibility quickly, as the livelihoods of the stall holders depend on him,” she added.

A PROMISING START: New World when it first opened for business three years ago.
PHOTO: Li Zhuoda, Tan Si Hui and Wendy Yee

The New World food court opened its doors in 2012, with seven food stalls to choose from, ranging from Indian vegetarian chain Komala’s to Q Essential bubble tea.

Located near Canteen A, it was a popular lunchtime spot for students and faculty alike. Students the Chronicle spoke to said they would severely miss some of their favourite stalls.

“The fishball noodles there were the best, and it was also where I got my bubble tea fix. Now that it’s closed, I most likely wouldn’t be drawn to North Spine anymore unless I have something important to do,” said Melody Ann Gibson, 20, a second-year student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

Winne Chew, 20, said she would miss the coconut from the fruit drinks stall. The first-year student from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences added that she would never forget the stall holders, as “the auntie and uncle are very nice and friendly”.

“The auntie always chose the biggest coconut for me. It’s like I’m their friend instead of their customer!” she said.

For Teo Zi Jie, 22, not getting his avocado milkshake is the biggest drawback of the food court’s closure.

“In terms of what happened, I feel that NTU should have a better system to protect its tenants. Perhaps people might want to raise funds to support the tenants in case they’re facing trouble,” the second-year student from Nanyang Business School added.

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Follow this story for more updates as we bring them to you.

For a look into what New World was like when it first opened, watch the following video by student reporters Li Zhuoda, Tan Si Hui and Wendy Yee:

First published 16 Mar, 3.12am. Last updated 1.50pm.