Singapore has launched a new national reading initiative called ReadSG, designed to encourage citizens to read for 15 minutes each day over the next five years. The campaign, introduced by the National Library Board, aims to address what it calls "brain rot"—a term used to describe the decline in deep reading and critical thinking skills—while also fostering a stronger reading culture across the country. Through the program, participants can track their daily reading time and earn virtual rewards via the initiative’s website or mobile app. The campaign highlights that reading for just 15 minutes a day can be easily incorporated into daily routines, such as waiting for public transport or sipping morning coffee. The initiative emphasizes the value of long-form reading, which involves engaging with extended texts like novels, essays, and reports. Melissa Tam, chief of the National Library Board, explained that this form of reading helps develop important skills such as attention, critical thinking, and imagination. While short-form content like social media posts and news snippets can keep people informed, Tam stressed that long-form reading is essential for understanding complex issues in today’s fast-paced world. To make the program appealing to a wide range of readers, ReadSG offers different "flavours of reading," each with its own unique theme and style, such as Kueh Lapis, Kulfi, Ang Ku Kueh, and Tang Yuan—names inspired by traditional desserts and cultural elements. To incentivize participation, the program awards 20 virtual coins for every 15-minute reading session, with 1,000 coins equivalent to one Singapore dollar. Loh Chin Ee, from the National Institute of Education, highlighted that gamification—turning reading into a game with rewards—is central to the initiative’s success. She noted that while many people now read on digital screens, deep reading that requires focus and time is becoming less common. By using virtual rewards and interactive features, ReadSG hopes to make reading more engaging and accessible for all citizens, regardless of age or background. The campaign also aims to bridge the gap between traditional and digital reading habits. While screens are increasingly used for reading, the initiative encourages people to take a break from the fast-paced, often fragmented nature of digital content and instead engage in more thoughtful, in-depth reading. By promoting a variety of reading formats and offering a flexible approach, ReadSG hopes to create a more inclusive and sustainable reading culture in Singapore.