Only 10% of S$300 million SG Culture Pass fund spent after 1st year

Over S$30.4 million worth of SG Culture Pass credits have been spent since the scheme's launch, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said on Sep. 2.

This is about 10 per cent of the S$300 million allocated to the scheme.

The scheme gives all Singaporeans aged 18 and above S$100 in credits to encourage participation in local arts and heritage activities.

The credits are valid from Sep. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2028, and can be used to purchase tickets from authorised ticketing partners for eligible local performances, exhibitions, and other cultural experiences.

Over S$30.4 million worth of credits have been used

In its one-year update, MCCY said the scheme has supported more than 1,400 cultural programmes, 3,100 books and 23 films since its launch, involving over 900 arts and heritage partners, 76 publishers and 17 bookstores.

More than S$30.4 million in SG Culture Pass credits have been used by about 411,000 Singaporeans, said the ministry.

Of this, around S$2.9 million was spent on Sing Lit books, while about S$1.6 million was used on local films.

"We have seen a big uptick in people who have never read Sing Lit being open to trying and giving our local authors a go," said Alex Chua, the founder of Book Bar.

"Hopefully this will raise awareness on the local literary scene and promote a good reading culture across all age groups."

Of the 1.4 million Singaporeans who have registered for the SG Culture Pass, 68 per cent had not attended a local arts and culture event in the previous five years, MCCY said.

Young adults and those in their 30s made up the largest share of credit users.

Those aged 18 to 35 accounted for 43 per cent of credits used, followed by those aged 36 to 54 at 38 per cent.

Those aged 55 and above accounted for the remaining 19 per cent.

Across all age groups, live events accounted for the largest share of credit utilisation.

New portal to encourage seniors to use credits

MCCY said it is also developing a new portal to help seniors make greater use of their SG Culture Pass credits.

Called the Group-Assist Portal, it will support organisations in arranging group outings to arts and cultural programmes for seniors.

The ministry said it recognises that seniors prefer to experience social activities with friends and loved ones, and has therefore been working with partners such as Active Ageing Centres, Community Clubs and nursing homes to organise group outings for them.

These partners help to identify suitable events for seniors, redeem SG Culture Pass credits, and make arrangements for the outings.

The portal will be piloted in November and December 2026.

MCCY will continue to review the scheme

MCCY has also partnered other organisations to broaden the reach of the SG Culture Pass.

As part of a National Day campaign with Klook, eligible SG Culture Pass bookings unlocked a matching local arts and heritage experience for migrant workers through local charity ItsRainingRaincoats.

The ministry also partnered dating app Coffee Meets Bagel to promote cultural activities suitable for couples.

MCCY said it will continue to work with partners to reach new audiences and encourage more Singaporeans to participate local arts and heritage activities.

"MCCY will continue to review the SG Culture Pass and work with sector partners to ensure that the scheme remains relevant, inclusive and effective in fostering participation," it said.

"This includes continuing to refresh the range of eligible offerings and exploring ways to expand the network of authorised ticketing platforms."