TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — At the start of the year, Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture announced it will be expanding eligibility requirements for the Culture Points program to include citizens and permanent residents aged 13 to 22 years old. 

First launched in 2023 for those aged 18 to 22, the Culture Points program is an initiative to encourage cultural education for Taiwan’s youth. Last year the program was expanded to include those aged 16 to 22, and now students aged 13 are eligible.

Eligible citizens and permanent residents can receive 1,200 culture points per year with each culture point equal to NT$1. These can be used for museums, art exhibits, independent films, and at certain book stores, and handicraft markets, according to a press release.

The points can be collected and spent by using the government’s Culture Point app (文化幣). Culture points for this year were made available on Jan. 1 and will be valid for use until Dec. 31.

There are over 10,000 businesses participating in the Culture Points program. The program is designed to enrich the life of young people while also promoting the cultural industries, artists, and independent businesses.

Some venues and vendors offer additional incentives for young people to utilize the Culture Points, with select seating and early bird tickets for live performances or extra rewards at participating bookstores.

The Culture Points App has also received a few upgrades to gamify the experience. Users can now collect badges, advance their membership rank, and try to complete daily tasks suggested by the app.