SingLit book purchases using Culture Pass top 235,000
More than half the 15,000 books bought at Singapore Book Street were paid for with credits, as local literature gains uptake under the scheme.
Purchases of Singapore literature using SG Culture Pass credits have exceeded 235,000 books since eligibility was extended in March, according to Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo. He gave the figures on Nov 13 at Victoria Theatre during the opening of the Singapore Writers Festival.
Pop-up book events have helped drive purchases. The week-long Singapore Book Street at VivoCity saw 15,000 books bought, with credits covering more than half of those purchases. Neo said the Government would maintain its support for Singapore literature.
Launched in September 2025, the pass gives Singaporeans aged 18 and above S$100 for approved arts and heritage events, books and films. Public demand prompted the inclusion of local literature. Eligible genres are fiction, poetry, plays and literary essays; non-fiction and self-help books are excluded.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth reported in September that users aged 18 to 35 were the most active in spending their credits. Across the scheme, about 10 per cent of its S$300 million allocation had been used.
Running until Nov 22, the writers’ festival has more than 200 talks, panels, workshops and interactive walks. Arts House Group organises it under a commission from the National Arts Council. Director Yong Shu Hoong is leading the 2026 edition, with fellow poet Yeow Kai Chai taking over for the next festival.
