Kathmandu, October 1: In an unusual effort to help citizens break away from excessive smartphone use and short-video addiction, the Singapore government has launched a campaign that rewards people with money for reading books.
As part of the initiative, Singapore has introduced a five-year National Reading Mission, under which citizens are encouraged to read for at least 15 minutes every day. Participants can register their reading time through a government-linked platform and earn virtual coins, which can later be converted into cash rewards.
The main objective of the programme is to rebuild the habit of reading among people.
With the growing popularity of short videos and constant smartphone use, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate on books and longer articles for extended periods. The government wants to encourage citizens to change this habit by dedicating at least a small amount of time each day to reading.
15 Minutes of Reading Earns 20 Coins
Under the programme, participants receive 20 virtual coins for reading for at least 15 minutes a day. Reading time can be registered only once per day.
If a person reads for at least 15 minutes every day for 50 consecutive days, they can accumulate 1,000 coins, which can be exchanged for S$1, equivalent to around Rs 120.
The government has set a target of achieving a total of 7.5 million reading minutes this year. To encourage participation, it plans to distribute rewards worth approximately Rs 18.2 million.
Turning Reading Into a Game
Singapore's National Library Board (NLB) has designed the programme around a game-like reward system.
Participants can visit the CrowdTask SG website and register their reading time each day. The more eligible reading time they accumulate, the more coins they earn, which can eventually be converted into cash.
The gamified approach is intended to make reading more engaging and encourage people to develop a regular reading routine.
Books Instead of Reels
The government wants people to spend some of the time they currently use watching reels and short videos on reading books instead.
According to NLB chief Melissa Tham, short videos can provide information quickly, but continuously consuming large amounts of information in this format can leave the brain mentally fatigued.
By contrast, reading books and longer-form articles can help develop concentration, critical thinking and imagination. This is why the programme has initially set a modest target of just 15 minutes of reading per day.
Young People Often Read Only for Exams
Research analyst Isaac Neo says children and young people face significant academic and examination pressure. As a result, many of them read primarily to pass exams rather than for relaxation, personal enjoyment or mental well-being.
He launched the Modern Men's Book Club in 2025 with the aim of reconnecting young people with books and encouraging them to develop reading habits beyond academic requirements.
Can Money Really Create a Reading Habit?
Experts have expressed different views about whether financial incentives can encourage people to develop a long-term reading habit.
Psychologist Charissa Ng says financial rewards may motivate people who already have at least some interest in reading. However, she argues that money alone may not be enough to make people who have little or no interest in books become regular readers over the long term.
Book experts, meanwhile, believe that even a small reward can be useful in helping people get started. Someone may initially read simply to earn money, but over time, they may develop a genuine interest in reading.
Ultimately, the Singapore government's initiative is not simply about distributing small cash rewards. Its broader goal is to encourage people to spend at least 15 minutes a day away from their smartphones and short videos—and closer to books and long-form reading.
