Over S$30 million in SG Culture Pass credits used; new portal to help seniors access cultural outings
Youths accounted for the largest share of SG Culture Pass credit usage, at 43 per cent.
Singaporeans have utilized over S$30.4 million in SG Culture Pass credits within the scheme's first year, with youths accounting for 43 percent of the usage, according to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). As of August 31, S$2.9 million was spent on Singapore literature books and S$1.6 million on local films. Of the 1.4 million registered Singaporeans, 68 percent had not attended a local arts and culture event in the past five years.
The ministry is partnering with Active Ageing Centres, community clubs, and nursing homes to organize cultural outings for seniors, addressing barriers such as digital literacy and mobility challenges. A new Group-Assist Portal will launch in mid-October, allowing more community partners to organize group outings and simplify the redemption of SG Culture Pass credits, piloting for outings from November to December.
Nine out of ten survey respondents who attended a program using their credits expressed willingness to attend another local cultural offering. Live events are the most common type of programme supported, with the highest credit usage across all age groups. Dr Hoe Su Fern, principal research fellow at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, emphasized that the SG Culture Pass serves as a crucial first exposure to arts, which can help normalize activities such as watching a play or learning pottery.
However, she noted that a single visit may not build lasting habits and that sustained engagement depends on practitioners, organizations, and supporters fostering long-term relationships. Introduced in September 2025, the SG Culture Pass supports over 1,400 cultural programmes, 3,100 books, and 23 films. Over 900 arts and heritage partners, 76 publishers, and 17 bookstores participate in the scheme.
Eligible Singapore citizens aged 18 and above receive S$100 in SG Culture Pass credits, valid until December 31, 2028. MCCY will continue to review and refine the scheme to ensure its relevance, inclusivity, and effectiveness in fostering participation.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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