Utilisation of ActiveSG$100 Credits
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the utilization of ActiveSG$100 credits and potential top-ups or free facility access for the Pioneer Generation. Mr Zainal Sapari asked about credit usage since 2014 and if the Ministry would increase the amount to further encourage active lifestyles. Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that nearly two-thirds of the 980,000 members have used their credits and confirmed that the government has no plans to top up existing accounts. She clarified that credits no longer expire if used annually and highlighted the affordability of facilities, including discounted admission rates for seniors aged 55 and above. Furthermore, the Minister mentioned that seniors received a $25 top-up in 2015 and that certain community sports programmes, such as Sundays @ the Park, remain free for all.
Transcript
31 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what has been the utilisation of ActiveSG$100 since its launch in 2014; (b) whether the Ministry has intentions to top up the amount to encourage Singaporeans to lead active lifestyles; and (c) whether a special concession for Pioneer Generation cardholders can be allowed for them to use sports facilities for free.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: ActiveSG, the national movement for sport, was launched in April 2014. We are encouraged to see a growing membership that stands at more than 980,000 today. Thus far, almost two-thirds have started to utilise their $100 ActiveSG credits to book a sports facility or sign up for a sports programme.
The ActiveSG credits were intended to encourage members to kick-start an active lifestyle and for them to experience the various sports facilities and programmes. Originally meant for a limited period, we announced in November last year that the credits will not expire so long as members continue to use them at least once a year. The $100 ActiveSG credits will be provided to new members who joined after 2015. We do not have any plans to top up the accounts of existing members.
Sport Singapore is committed to ensuring that ActiveSG sports facilities and programmes are kept affordable to encourage Singaporeans to lead active lifestyles. For example, admission to swimming pools does not cost more than $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends, whilst walk-in gymnasium admissions cost $2.50. Several of the programmes organised by ActiveSG, such as Sundays @ the Park, are free.
As part of the SG50 Seniors Package, we gave an additional top-up of $25 ActiveSG credits to ActiveSG members aged 55 and above in 2015. This is on top of the $100 ActiveSG credits received by all new members. All senior citizens aged 55 and above who are ActiveSG members also enjoy special discounted rates for admission to our gymnasiums and swimming pools.