From Gadget Review · · 1m 10s
Singapore Pays 20 Coins for 15 Minutes of Reading
Singapore’s ReadSG rewards daily reading with tiny cash prizes to build book habits.
In brief
Singapore’s ReadSG rewards daily reading with tiny cash prizes to build book habits. Singapore’s five-year reading program gives 20 virtual coins for 15 minutes of reading, redeemable for cash. Originally reported by Gadget Review.
ReadSG Launches
Singapore’s National Library Board launched ReadSG on September 6, 2026, a five-year reading campaign.
“Singapore’s National Library Board launched ReadSG on 6 September 2026, a five-year national reading campaign that converts logged reading time into virtual coins redeemable for cash.”
How It Works
Log 15 minutes of reading to earn 20 virtual coins, equivalent to S$0.02.
“Log at least 15 minutes of reading on GovTech’s CrowdTaskSG platform and you earn 20 virtual coins.”
Coin Mechanics
50 consecutive days of reading earns one Singapore dollar, with a fixed conversion rate.
“Fifty consecutive days of reading earns you a single Singapore dollar.”
Read for Good
7.5 million cumulative reading minutes unlock a S$150,000 charitable donation.
“The program targets 7.5 million cumulative reading minutes across all participants, a collective goal that would unlock a charitable donation of up to S$150,000.”
Pilot Phase
ReadSG is in a pilot phase with plans to refine the program based on user feedback.
“The National Library Board has described the current campaign as still in a pilot phase.”
Decade of Literacy
ReadSG builds on Singapore’s National Reading Movement launched in 2016.
“ReadSG follows Singapore’s National Reading Movement, launched in 2016, and a series of earlier literacy initiatives.”
Behavioral Nudge
Critics say the reward is too small to attract new readers, but supporters cite behavioral economics research.
“Critics note that the financial reward is too small to attract anyone who was not already inclined to read.”
Global Watch
Governments worldwide are watching ReadSG as a test of gamification shifting screen habits.
“Governments and educators are watching ReadSG as an early test of whether gamification and micropayments can shift public behavior at population scale.”
What It Means
ReadSG shows how small incentives can build reading habits without being a side hustle.
“The National Library Board has characterized the payout as deliberately modest, designed as a behavioral nudge rather than an income stream.”
In short
Singapore’s five-year reading program gives 20 virtual coins for 15 minutes of reading, redeemable for cash.
