Citizens To Be Paid For Reading Books Instead Of Wasting Time On Smartphones
Mian Nadeem | September 16, 2026
Singapore’s government has launched a unique initiative where citizens can earn up to $1,000 by choosing books over smartphones. Under this program, readers are rewarded for spending at least 15 minutes reading daily.
In the modern era, where people often scroll through their devices instead of engaging in productive activities like reading, Singapore aims to encourage a culture of literacy and focus through this innovative approach.
The program, started in September, allows participants to earn points that can be redeemed for cash. Individuals who complete 50 reading sessions daily on the government website can earn one Singapore Dollar (SGD).
Here’s how it works:
- Participants receive 20 virtual coins for a reading session lasting 15 minutes or longer.
- 1,000 coins are equal to one Singapore Dollar.
Melissa Tham, the head of Singapore's National Library Board, emphasized the importance of building a reading habit in today’s digital age.
"We are living in a world where an incredible amount of content is available," she stated. "At any given time, we can scroll through hundreds of headlines, watch videos or view a summary of anything."
She suggested that establishing a reading habit requires small and achievable steps, hence the 15-minute target. This simple change, according to Tham, can positively impact people's concentration, critical thinking, and imagination.
Singapore’s government is also exploring ways to make social media less harmful for young individuals, including limiting screen time to protect them from negative influences.