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Singapore Launches ReadSG Program, Paying Citizens to Read Books
Key points
- ReadSG launched on September 6, 2026.
- Users earn 20 virtual coins for 15 minutes of daily reading.
- 1,000 coins equal S$1, making one session worth S$0.02.
- A communal goal, Read for Good, unlocks a S$150,000 charitable donation.
ReadSG Campaign Overview
Singapore's National Library Board initiated ReadSG on September 6, 2026. This five-year national reading campaign allows participants to log reading time and earn virtual coins. These coins are redeemable for cash, with the program designed to encourage reading habits among the population.
How the Incentive System Works
The program operates on a simple coin mechanic: logging at least 15 minutes of reading on the GovTech’s CrowdTaskSG platform earns 20 virtual coins. The conversion rate is fixed at 1,000 coins for S$1, meaning a single daily session is valued at approximately S$0.02. Only one session per day counts towards the coin balance, requiring 50 consecutive days of reading to earn one Singapore dollar.
The National Library Board states the payout is intentionally modest, functioning as a behavioral nudge rather than a significant income source.
Communal Reading Initiative
A parallel component, Read for Good, introduces a communal aspect to the campaign. This program sets a collective goal of 7.5 million cumulative reading minutes across all participants. Achieving this goal will unlock a charitable donation of up to S$150,000, adding a social outcome to individual reading efforts.
Building on Past Literacy Efforts
ReadSG is the latest in nearly a decade of national literacy initiatives in Singapore, following programs like the National Reading Movement launched in 2016. The current campaign is described as a pilot phase, with plans to refine it based on user feedback. The coin mechanic draws inspiration from gamified systems found in fitness apps and loyalty programs.
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Reporting from
Singapore's National Library Board launched ReadSG, a five-year national reading campaign that converts logged reading time into virtual coins redeemable for cash. The initiative aims to encourage reading habits through small financial incentives and a communal goal.