Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Singapore Pays Readers to Build Lasting Reading Habits
Singapore wants people to spend less time endlessly scrolling on phones and more time reading.
It has started a programme that rewards people for reading for at least 15 minutes a day.
Each qualifying reading session earns virtual coins.
People can eventually exchange enough coins for a small amount of money.
Only one session can be counted each day.
The programme is also connected to a charity effort.
Officials say longer reading can help people concentrate, think critically and use their imagination.
Supporters think the reward can help people begin a habit.
Critics worry that people may stop reading when the money disappears.
Singapore has launched a five-year national reading campaign encouraging citizens to read at least 15 minutes daily.
Participants earn 20 virtual coins for one qualifying reading session each day and need 1,000 coins to receive S$1.
The programme is running as a pilot until the end of the year, with changes planned based on public feedback.
The National Library Board hopes to generate 7.5 million reading minutes and raise up to S$150,000 through a related charity drive.
Supporters say small rewards can help establish reading habits, while critics question whether motivation will last after payments end.
- Who
- Singapore's National Library Board is running the campaign for citizens and other participants.
- What
- A reading programme rewards participants with virtual coins that can eventually be exchanged for small cash payments.
- When
- The campaign launched this month and is being piloted until the end of the year as part of a five-year initiative.
- Where
- Singapore.
- Why
- The campaign aims to strengthen reading habits and sustained attention amid concerns about digital distraction, declining leisure reading and 'brain rot'.
Supporters
Critics and Cautious Observers
Using money to build a reading habit
Supporters
Small incentives can give people a useful nudge to begin reading regularly and compete with attention-grabbing digital platforms.
Critics and Cautious Observers
Cash may work mainly for people who already have some interest in reading and may not create lasting intrinsic motivation for others.
What counts as success
Supporters
Getting people to read for 15 minutes daily is a practical first step toward rebuilding a routine.
Critics and Cautious Observers
A reading culture should involve becoming more curious and reading beyond material that is immediately available or useful, not merely logging minutes.
Digital reading versus deep reading
Supporters
The programme can encourage people to spend more sustained time with longer-form material.
Critics and Cautious Observers
People may already read words online, so counting reading time alone may not ensure the deeper, focused reading the campaign seeks.
- Minimum reading time
- 15 minutes per qualifying session
- Daily limit
- One reading session can be recorded each day
- Reward rate
- 20 virtual coins per qualifying session
- Cash conversion
- 1,000 coins can be exchanged for S$1
- Pilot period
- Until the end of the year
- Charity target
- 7.5 million reading minutes and up to S$150,000
- Campaign duration
- Five years