Singapore has launched a programme encouraging people to put down their smartphones and spend at least 15 minutes a day reading a book, with participants able to earn points that can be converted into cash.
The initiative, launched in September, is designed to encourage reading habits and help improve concentration, critical thinking and imagination amid growing reliance on smartphones and digital content.
How the Reading Rewards Work
Under the programme, participants can earn 20 virtual coins for every reading session lasting 15 minutes or more through a government website.
According to the information provided, 1,000 virtual coins can be exchanged for S$1. Participants who complete 50 reading sessions can therefore earn one Singapore dollar.
The programme encourages people to fit reading into everyday routines, including while travelling by bus, before bedtime or during lunch breaks.
Small Daily Goal to Build a Reading Habit
Melissa Tam, head of Singapore’s National Library Board, said developing a reading habit requires simple and achievable steps.
She noted that people are surrounded by large amounts of digital content, allowing them to scroll through hundreds of headlines, watch videos or consume summaries at any time.
The initiative therefore sets a relatively simple target of reading for 15 minutes each day, according to Tam.
Singapore Examines Digital Well-Being Measures
The reading initiative comes as Singapore considers other measures aimed at reducing potential harms associated with social media use among young people.
These include possible measures to limit time spent online, with the broader goal of addressing concerns about the effects of excessive digital engagement.