Singapore's Innovative Reading Incentive Program
Singapore has launched a new initiative encouraging its citizens to read daily while reducing time spent on social media platforms. Participants earn 20 virtual coins for every 15 minutes of reading, which can be redeemed for cash at a rate of 1,000 coins per dollar. Reading time is tracked through an official government platform, ensuring accurate monitoring of engagement. This program aims to tackle the growing habit of doomscrolling—endlessly scrolling through negative news and social media feeds.
Alongside this, Singapore’s government is considering imposing daily limits on social media usage for young people as part of a broader effort to enhance citizens’ quality of life. This initiative follows previous successful campaigns, such as offering supermarket vouchers and rewards for meeting daily step count goals, promoting healthier lifestyles.
Achievements and Efforts in Ukraine
According to the upcoming PISA 2025 results, 15-year-old students in Singapore have topped the global reading rankings, surpassing peers from China and Taiwan. This highlights the effectiveness of Singapore’s educational strategies. Meanwhile, starting in the 2026/2027 academic year, Ukraine plans to introduce a course titled "Reading as a Superpower" for fifth-grade students. The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, together with the Believe in Yourself Foundation and Gradus company, is also launching a nationwide reading study to emphasize the importance of literacy development.
“We live in a world overflowing with content and information. At any moment, we can browse hundreds of headlines, videos, or summaries on almost any topic. We understand that habits form through small, consistent actions. So we start with a simple goal: just read for 15 minutes a day. Whether on the bus, before bed, or during lunch.”
Melissa Tam
Singapore’s approach underscores the critical need to foster a strong reading culture amid the distractions posed by rapid digital growth, especially for younger generations. This model could inspire other countries aiming to enhance youth literacy and reduce social media dependence. In Ukraine, programs like "Reading as a Superpower" may play a vital role in cultivating positive reading habits among students, which is essential for developing critical thinking and communication skills in today’s world.