Think you’ve seen it all in Singapore? You may be right, or you may be sorely wrong. From Chinese operas and Indian classical dances to a plethora of museums and galleries, our little island hides a treasure trove of rich cultural experiences — only if you know where to look.
But even if you’ve truly been to every nook and cranny, the new SG Culture Pass is a big reason to explore Singapore all over again. 👇🏻
What is the SG Culture Pass?
As part of the SG 60 initiatives, the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) will roll out the SG Culture Pass. The pass grants all eligible Singaporeans $100 worth of credits, which can be used to offset admission fees for any local arts and heritage programmes organised by authorised ticketing partners. These programmes include performances, exhibitions, learning tours, and workshops — so there’s definitely something for everyone.
The passes will be rolled out from 1 September 2025 and will be valid for up to 3 years.
Who's eligible to receive the SG Culture Pass?
If you’re a Singaporean citizen aged 18 and above in 2025, congratulations, you’re eligible to redeem the SG Culture Pass. You’ll receive an SMS from a gov.sg ID sender in September, informing you of your eligibility.
💡 Pro tip: With the rising prevalence of scam cases, please note that any SMS with external links requiring personal information or bank details for the redemption of the SG Culture Pass credits are fraudulent and should be reported to the police.
Where can I redeem my SG Culture Pass?
Once rolled out, your SG Culture Pass can be redeemed through 6 authorised ticketing partners: SISTIC, BookMyShow, GlobalTix, Pelago, Klook and Trip.com .
Where can I use my SG Culture Pass?
Here are my personal favourites for an enriching and entertaining experience.
01 • Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Catch one of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s many concerts, which can be covered by the SG Culture Pass. Enjoy classics such as Dvořák’s Cello Concerto by Yo-Yo Ma, or Die Fledermaus in a Pocket, an abridged version of a popular comic operetta that will make you laugh and cry.
If you have kids, the orchestra also has family-friendly picks like the Young Spacefarer’s Guide to the Orchestra. It is a fun storytelling concert with live actors and projected visuals, following Luna the Young Spacefarer as she explores the universe. Follow along her journey as she meets curious aliens and explores mysterious new planets. With themes of friendship and harmony, it’s a great way to introduce your children to the immersive world of classical music.
02 • Arts Workshop with Visual Arts Center
Use your SG Culture Pass to learn a new skill or appreciate a new culture by joining one of Visual Arts Center’s workshops. They offer various options that are beginner-friendly, including The Drawing Basics - Interior Spaces and Perspectives. It’s perfect if you’re interested in interior design or urban sketches.
In addition, you can also learn traditional art forms through courses like the Batik Painting Workshop, which is a fabric painting technique that originated in Indonesia.
03 • The Legend of White Snake - A Harmony of Four Operas
Chinese opera geeks, this one’s for you! Enjoy 4 opera styles in one show with this production hosted by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
The Legend of the White Snake is a timeless, drama-filled, and heart-wrenching Chinese folktale. The performance incorporates styles from Peking Opera, Wu Opera, Yue Opera, and Teochew Opera, showcasing the diversity of styles and techniques within Chinese theatre.
04 • Singapore Writers Festival 2025
Support our local up-and-coming talents in this year’s Singapore Writer’s Festival as they celebrate SG60 with the theme ‘Shape of things to come’. Reminisce about our humble beginnings while looking ahead to a vibrant future.
You’ll also get a glimpse into the complex and brilliant minds of established authors in one of the panel discussions and attend workshops that will take your writing to the next level. This festival is filled to the brim with events that enrich your mind.
05 • Kalaa Utsavam 2025
Known as Kalaa Utsavam, this annual Indian arts festival at the Esplanade is the perfect chance to witness the richness of various Indian cultures and their arts.
The festival features Carnatic and Hindustani classical music concerts, classical and contemporary Indian dance performances, theatres and plays involving Indian themes, and literary events like readings and discussions.
Esplanade has yet to drop this year’s festival details, but remember to go back to their website every now and then to look for updates.
06 • Wild Rice
Step into the world of raw emotion and artistry with Wild Rice and experience one of their original plays. From light-hearted comedy to thought-provoking commentaries, the theatre is a great platform for both entertainment and dialogue.
Consider experiencing Wild Rice’s original play, HOTEL, a multi-generational epic that delves into themes of empire, nationhood, migration, and identity. The play uniquely follows hotel guests every ten years, allowing you to witness their pivotal moments as they navigate their lives.
(Featured photo adapted from: NVCP, Wanderlust, TTG Asia, and homeanddecor )
