SG Culture Pass book buys: 1,500 SingLit titles at 40 outlets islandwide

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans can choose from about 1,500 Singapore literature (SingLit) titles and use their SG Culture Pass credits to pay for these books from Mar 1.

The credits can be used at nine participating bookstores across some 40 outlets islandwide.

Eligible titles include fiction, poetry, plays and literary short essays in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil that are authored by a Singaporean or permanent resident, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said on Friday (Feb 27).

These books can be identified by the official SG Culture Pass sticker on the cover, and the eligible titles offered will differ among the bookstores.

Buyers will have to log in to their SG Culture Pass account on the official website to pay for the books.

If they do not have enough credits to cover the full amount, the remaining balance can be paid using cash, credit card or other available payment methods at the bookstore. 

No refunds will be provided for books bought using the credits, which are valid for use until the end of 2028.

Eligible books may also be available for sale at independently organised pop-up venues, book fairs and festivals, the ministry said.

They include the upcoming World Book Day and Singapore Chinese Book Fair from Apr 17 to 21, as well as the Asian Festival of Children's Content Book Fair from May 21 to 24. 

Interested SingLit authors may take part in the scheme through their publishers, MCCY added. 

The ministry had been working closely with publishers, bookstores and distributors on the use of the credits for eligible publications.

“With the introduction of book purchases, we hope to encourage more Singaporeans (to go to) bookstores to explore our diverse Singaporean voices and stories, and strengthen our local culture and identity,” it said. 

The credits cannot be used to buy books online or to get e-books.

Previously, Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, noted that in 2024, almost one in three adults here read a SingLit book. 

This was based on a poll for the National Library Board's 2024 National Reading Habits Survey.

MORE THAN S$13.8 MILLION WORTH OF CREDITS USED

The culture pass, launched last September, allows Singaporeans aged 18 and above to use S$100 (US$78) in credits to offset ticket costs for Singapore arts and heritage events such as cultural performances, museum exhibitions and more. 

The government has set aside about S$300 million for this initiative.

As of noon on Feb 24, more than S$13.8 million worth of credits have been used, with more than 1.2 million Singaporeans completing their registration for the pass, MCCY said.

Of those who have registered for the pass, 68 per cent have not previously attended a Singapore arts and culture event in the past five years. 

More than 1,000 arts and heritage programmes have been listed with the SG Culture Pass, with additions to come, the ministry said.

To register for the SG Culture Pass, go to its official website.