Implementation of Fixed Book Price Scheme for Sing Lit Books and Books Written by Singaporean Authors
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the potential implementation of a Fixed Book Price or minimum price scheme for Singaporean literature, as proposed by Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik. Referencing models in France and Germany, the MP suggested these measures, but Acting Minister David Neo responded that such schemes could limit price competition and affordability. Acting Minister David Neo highlighted the challenges of price controls in an open, digitalised market where readers utilize international e-commerce and parallel channels. He noted that targeted support is more effective, specifically announcing the expansion of the SG Culture Pass to include local literary works starting 1 March 2026. This policy shift aims to promote Sing Lit and increase its accessibility to citizens, particularly lower-income groups, without setting minimum book prices.
Transcript
25 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Ministry will consider implementing a Fixed Book Price scheme for Sing Lit books or books written by Singaporean authors, similar to countries like France and Germany; and (b) if not tenable, whether the Ministry will consider introducing a scheme that allows for local books to be set at certain minimum prices.
Mr David Neo: The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Arts Council continually review our strategies and support for the literary arts and Singapore Literature (Sing Lit) so that our writers are nurtured, and the impact of their work can be felt in Singaporeans' daily lives.
We also regularly study and learn from the strategies of other nations. We note that views on the Fixed Book Price scheme are mixed. Some claim that it has reduced deep discounting practices while others have cautioned that it limits consumers' ability to benefit from price competition, and that similar objectives could potentially be achieved through more targeted support measures, such as grants or direct subsidies. As Singapore is an open and highly digitalised market, readers also buy books through international e-commerce and parallel channels.
A Fixed Book Price scheme may also impact the affordability and accessibility of Sing Lit to local readers, particularly lower-income Singaporeans. Therefore, instead of setting a minimum price, MCCY has expanded the SG Culture Pass scheme to include local literary works from 1 March 2026. This will help promote Sing Lit to more citizens.