Citizens and residents of Taiwan age 13 to 22 can claim 1,200 Culture Points beginning Jan. 1, 2026, highlighting government commitment to encouraging the younger generation to pursue cultural experiences.
The Ministry of Culture said that the points, each equivalent to NT$1, can be redeemed at designated bookstores, exhibitions and museums, or for screenings of Taiwanese films and arts and cultural performances. Points can be maximized by shopping at independent bookstores and taking advantages of activities, like inviting friends, that yield bonus points, the ministry said, adding that more special offers will be provided next year.
The MOC went on to explain that effective 8 a.m. Jan. 1, citizens of Taiwan and eligible resident foreign nationals born between Jan. 1, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2013, will be able to claim NT$1,200 (US$38) through an MOC app. The points are spent with a QR code and must be used by the end of 2026. Those without smartphones can contact the MOC’s customer service line to apply for a paper-based QR code, the ministry added.
Speaking at a news conference Dec. 29, Premier Cho Jung-tai said that the initiative was launched in 2023 to boost Taiwan’s cultural and creative sectors by providing 18- to 21-year-olds with 1,200 Culture Points. It was expanded in 2024 to include 16- to 22-year-olds, and in 2025 began offering 600 points to teenagers from 13 to 15 years old.
Culture Minister Li Yuan said that the Culture Points enable young people to explore cultural experiences, and reminded them that the points are also an investment in Taiwan’s arts and cultural industries to encourage the development of films, performances, published works, visual arts and other forms of creative output.
Statistics from the MOC showed that over 80 percent of those eligible had used their 2025 Culture Points to date, spending nearly NT$1.5 billion. (YCH-E)
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