Singapore’s vibrant arts and heritage scene is about to become more accessible with the launch of the Culture Pass credits initiative. This groundbreaking programme represents the government’s commitment to fostering appreciation for local culture whilst supporting the creative community.

Understanding Culture Pass Credits

The Culture Pass credits form part of Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, serving as the government’s latest initiative to boost participation in arts and heritage activities. Every eligible Singaporean citizen aged 18 and above will receive $100 worth of credits, providing an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the nation’s rich cultural landscape.

Unlike previous voucher schemes, Culture Pass credits specifically target cultural experiences, encouraging citizens to venture beyond their comfort zones and sample Singapore’s diverse artistic offerings. The initiative, announced during Budget 2025, allocates approximately $300 million to support this ambitious cultural programme.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Culture Pass credits, individuals must meet specific criteria. Eligible recipients include Singapore citizens who were born on or before 31 December 2007 and held citizenship status as of 31 December 2024. Importantly, income status and housing type do not affect eligibility, ensuring the programme reaches Singaporeans across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Permanent residents, employment pass holders, and student pass holders are not eligible for the scheme. The government estimates that approximately three million Singaporeans will benefit from this initiative.

Accessing Your Credits

From 1 September 2025, eligible Singaporeans can access their Culture Pass credits through the official website at sgculturepass.gov.sg. The process requires logging in via SingPass for verification, followed by a simple profile setup.

Citizens will receive an SMS notification from gov.sg informing them about credit availability, though waiting for this message is unnecessary. The verification process includes confirming personal details and answering a brief question about previous arts and heritage participation.

Redemption Process

Using Culture Pass credits involves a straightforward booking system through authorised ticketing partners. The six official partners include Sistic, BookMyShow, GlobalTix, Klook, Pelago, and Trip.com. When purchasing tickets, users select “SG Culture Pass” as their payment method, complete SingPass verification, and the credit amount is automatically deducted.

If ticket prices exceed available credits, the remaining balance can be paid using credit cards or PayNow. The system deducts the maximum possible amount from credits first, simplifying the payment process for users.

Eligible Activities and Experiences

Culture Pass credits can be used across an impressive range of more than 400 arts and heritage programmes. Live performances account for approximately 40% of available offerings, with workshops and educational talks comprising another 30%.

Eligible activities span diverse categories including theatrical productions, musical concerts, visual arts exhibitions, heritage tours, and hands-on workshops. Popular venues such as the Esplanade, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and National Gallery Singapore participate in the scheme.

Specific experiences include batik painting workshops, heritage walking tours through Chinatown, traditional tea ceremonies, and contemporary art exhibitions. The programme also encompasses literary events like the Singapore Writers Festival and theatrical productions by established companies such as Wild Rice.

Pricing Structure and Value

Approximately 70% of eligible programmes are priced at $50 or below, allowing participants to experience multiple events with their $100 allocation. This pricing strategy ensures Culture Pass credits provide substantial value whilst encouraging broader participation across different activity types.

The programme includes both premium experiences and accessible workshops, catering to varying interests and budgets. For instance, participants can attend Singapore Symphony Orchestra concerts, intimate heritage tours, or hands-on craft workshops, all eligible for credit redemption.

Duration and Expiry

Culture Pass credits remain valid for an extended period, from 1 September 2025 until 31 December 2028. This three-year validity period provides ample opportunity for thoughtful programme selection and ensures credits don’t expire prematurely.

The extended timeframe acknowledges that cultural engagement often requires planning and allows users to spread their experiences across multiple years. However, credits cannot be exchanged for cash or resold to other individuals.

Supporting Accessibility

The government recognises that not all citizens can easily access digital platforms independently. To address this, assistance is available at 18 community clubs and nine ServiceSG centres. Active ageing centres and nursing homes also provide support for elderly residents.

Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth is collaborating with partners to organise group outings for seniors and discussions are underway to support differently-abled individuals and lower-income families.

Cultural Impact and Objectives

The Culture Pass credits initiative serves multiple strategic objectives beyond individual cultural enrichment. It aims to foster pride in Singapore’s heritage whilst providing direct support to local arts organisations and practitioners. By offsetting ticket costs, the programme removes financial barriers that might prevent cultural participation.

The scheme particularly targets individuals who are curious about arts and heritage but haven’t taken the initial step towards engagement. Research suggests that positive first experiences often lead to continued cultural participation, potentially transforming Singapore’s cultural landscape.

Safety and Fraud Prevention

With the programme’s popularity, scam attempts have emerged. The government emphasises that legitimate Culture Pass credits are only available from 1 September 2025 through the official website. Citizens should be wary of any SMS or website offering earlier redemption or requesting personal banking details.

For assistance or to report suspicious messages, citizens can contact the Culture Pass Help Centre at 6338 3632 or use the ScamShield app. The 24/7 ScamShield helpline (1799) provides additional support for scam-related concerns.

Future Developments

The programme continues expanding its offerings, with regular additions of new programmes ensuring fresh options for participants. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth is also considering adding film screenings to the eligible activities list at a later date, potentially broadening the scheme’s appeal further.

This dynamic approach ensures the Culture Pass credits remain relevant and engaging throughout the three-year validity period, supporting Singapore’s evolving cultural scene whilst meeting diverse citizen interests.

The Culture Pass credits represent more than a government initiative—they embody Singapore’s commitment to cultural vibrancy and community engagement. By making arts and heritage more accessible, the programme promises to enrich individual lives whilst strengthening the nation’s cultural fabric for years to come.