PUBLISHED ONSeptember 02, 2026 4:00 AMBYDana LeongMore than $30 million worth of SG Culture Pass credits have been used in the scheme's first year, with 68 per cent of the 1.4 million Singaporeans registered for the SG Culture Pass having not attended a local arts and culture event in the past five years, according to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).
In a press release on Wednesday (Sept 2), MCCY said that around 411,000 Singaporeans had utilised their credits as of Aug 31, noon.
Of the more than $30.4 million spent, approximately $2.9 million went towards Singapore literature (SingLit) books, while around $1.6 million was used on local films.
"Arts and heritage partners have seen encouraging signs of audience growth such as first-time visitors to performances, new readers of SingLit and increased participation in local cultural experiences," said MCCY.
Since its launch on Sept 1, 2025, the scheme has grown to support more than 1,400 cultural programmes, 3,100 books and 23 films, involving over 900 arts and heritage partners, 76 publishers and 17 bookstores.
Live events accounted for the largest share of credit utilisation across all age groups.
"The SG Culture Pass has been a valuable initiative in making the arts more accessible. Around half of our audiences have used their Culture Pass credits to attend our productions," said Nelson Chia, the co-founder of Nine Years Theatre, a local Mandarin theatre company.
Ibrahim Tahir, founder of Wardah Books, also lauded the SG Culture Pass for raising awareness of the local literary scene and introducing SingLit to more readers.
"More people are actively seeking and browsing the eligible titles, with some expressing surprise at the range and richness of our home literature," he said.
"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," the ministry said, adding that interested organisers, publishers, bookstores and distributors can apply to participate in the programme.
All eligible Singapore citizens aged 18 and above as of 2025 are entitled to $100 in SG Culture Pass credits, which are valid till Dec 31, 2028.
MCCY also announced that it will introduce a new Group-Assist Portal from mid-October 2026 to support organised group outings to arts and heritage programmes.
The ministry said the initiative was developed with seniors in mind, noting that many prefer to enjoy cultural activities with friends and loved ones.
Through the portal, more community partners — such as Active Ageing Centres, Community Clubs and nursing homes — will be able to organise group outings and make cultural experiences more accessible to seniors and, over time, more Singaporeans.
The portal also aims to remove digital barriers and simplify the redemption of SG Culture Pass credits for organised outings.
Karen Wee, executive director of Lions Befrienders, said: "This initiative goes beyond simple accessibility — it is about honoring our seniors, strengthening our social fabric, and building a more cohesive, loving Singapore where everyone can celebrate our nation's story together."
The solution will be piloted from November to December 2026, in partnership with organisations such as Lions Befrienders and Care Corner Seniors Services.
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