World’s second-richest country offers nearly $400 in credits for youth to pursue hobbies and life skills

Singapore’s skyline featuring the Merlion fountain. Photo from Pexels

The S$500 curiosity credits will be available to youths aged 13 to 17 who are supported by self-help organizations including Mendaki, enabling them to take up non-academic activities and broaden their interests outside school.

The government will also add 8,000 places to the Asia-Ready Exposure Programme by 2030, increasing the total number of short-term overseas programs and internships for students at institutes of higher learning to 20,000.

The plan was developed after the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Youth Council consulted more than 60,000 young people between November 2024 and March 2026. The survey found that 76% of respondents were confident about Singapore’s future, but only 66% felt optimistic about their own prospects, Channel News Asia reported.

While 91% of respondents aspired to meaningful careers, 52% said they were concerned they lacked the skills to keep pace with a rapidly changing economy. Around 40% viewed artificial intelligence as a threat to future opportunities rather than an enabler, while 30% reported mental health concerns.

To strengthen social connections, the government will establish 12 free community “third spaces” across Singapore by the end of 2026. Two private co-living operators will also offer more than 100 discounted units, allowing young people to experience independent living while building community ties, according to Singapore news outlet Mothership.

The National Youth Fund will commit S$20 million over the next five years to support youth-led projects.

Youth Corps Singapore also plans to increase annual volunteering opportunities from 10,000 to 16,000 by 2030. A new SG Youth Policy Network will be launched in the first quarter of 2027 to give young people a platform to discuss public policy and social issues.