Only around S$30.4 million of the S$300 million allocated to the SG Culture Pass has been spent after its first year, prompting one man to suggest that the money could instead be used to support cancer patients and people in need.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said on Sep. 2 that more than S$30.4 million worth of SG Culture Pass credits had been used since the scheme was launched in September 2025.
That works out to roughly 10 per cent of the S$300 million allocated to the programme.
The SG Culture Pass provides every Singaporean aged 18 and above with S$100 in credits, which can be used for eligible local arts, heritage and cultural experiences.
More than 400,000 Singaporeans have used credits
According to MCCY, about 411,000 Singaporeans have used their SG Culture Pass credits so far.
Around 1.4 million Singaporeans have registered for the scheme, meaning a significant proportion of registered users have yet to spend their credits.
MCCY said the scheme has supported more than 1,400 cultural programmes, as well as the purchase of around 3,100 books and 23 local films.
More than 900 arts and heritage partners, 76 publishers and 17 bookstores have been involved.
Of the credits used, approximately S$2.9 million went towards Sing Lit books, while another S$1.6 million was spent on local films.
Live events accounted for the largest proportion of credit utilisation across different age groups.
Man suggests alternative use for unused funds
The relatively low proportion of the S$300 million allocation used after the first year has also sparked discussion over whether the money could be redirected towards other causes.
One man suggested that the unused funds could instead be channelled towards cancer treatments or assistance for needy Singaporeans.
The suggestion reflects a broader question over how public funds should be prioritised, particularly when a large amount of the allocation remains unused.
However, the SG Culture Pass is a government scheme specifically designed to encourage Singaporeans to participate in local arts and heritage activities. The S$300 million allocation is therefore intended to support this objective rather than serve as a general-purpose social assistance fund.
“What’s there to culture if someone is ill and dying?”
The credits are currently valid until Dec. 31, 2028, giving Singaporeans several more years to use them.
Government looking at ways to increase usage
MCCY said it will continue working with arts and cultural organisations to encourage more Singaporeans to use their credits.
The ministry noted that 68 per cent of the 1.4 million people who registered for the SG Culture Pass had not attended a local arts and culture event in the preceding five years.
Young adults and Singaporeans in their 30s made up the largest groups of credit users.
Those aged between 18 and 35 accounted for 43 per cent of credits used, while those aged 36 to 54 accounted for 38 per cent. Singaporeans aged 55 and above made up the remaining 19 per cent.
MCCY is also developing a Group-Assist Portal aimed at helping seniors participate in cultural activities through organised group outings.
The portal is expected to be piloted in November and December 2026, with organisations such as Active Ageing Centres, Community Clubs and nursing homes helping seniors arrange suitable outings and redeem their credits.
The government has not indicated that the S$300 million allocation will be redirected to other causes.
Instead, MCCY said it will continue reviewing the SG Culture Pass and working with sector partners to ensure the scheme remains relevant, inclusive and effective in encouraging participation in Singapore’s arts and heritage scene.