Taiwan Expands “Culture Points” for Teens in 2026
Intermediate | January 15, 2026
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A Bigger Cultural Budget for Young People
Taiwan is making a smart move to get more young people into books, movies, museums, and live performances. Starting January 1, 2026, Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture (MOC) expanded its “Culture Points” program so that anyone aged 13–22 can claim 1,200 points (worth NT$1,200) to spend on cultural activities—an update the ministry framed as a way to strengthen youth engagement with culture and the creative economy. (MOC release)
What Changed in 2026
The government announced the expansion at a Dec. 29, 2025 press event attended by Premier Cho Jung-tai and Culture Minister Li Yuan (Focus Taiwan / CNA). The key change is simple: The program now includes 13–15-year-olds as a regular part of the program, not just a test group.
In 2025, the program gave 1,200 points to ages 16–22, and it also offered NT$600 to 13–15-year-olds on a trial basis. Officials said participation was strong. Over 80% of eligible young people used their points in 2025, and total spending reached about NT$1.5 billion. (MOC; Focus Taiwan / CNA)
Who Can Claim the Points (and How)
For 2026, the MOC says eligible citizens and certain eligible foreign residents born between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2013 can claim the points digitally through an MOC app. (MOC) The points are used through a QR code, and if a child doesn’t have a smartphone, families can contact customer service to apply for a paper-based QR code. (Focus Taiwan / CNA)
Where the Points Can Be Spent
The program isn’t designed for “random shopping.” It’s meant to support Taiwan’s cultural economy and help young people build the habit of cultural experiences. The points can be used at designated independent bookstores, record stores, live music events and venues, cultural parks, bazaars, and even for screenings of Taiwanese films—with the important rule that the points must be used during the 2026 calendar year. (MOC)
Why This Story Matters (Business Angle)
From a business perspective, this is also a demand-boosting strategy. When Culture Points eligibility expands in 2026, it widens the customer base for cultural businesses—and that can change sales patterns fast. When the government puts spending power directly into young consumers’ hands, local bookstores, film screenings, and performance venues can see more foot traffic—especially in slower seasons. It’s basically a culture-focused version of “stimulus,” but targeted at building habits and supporting creative industries—exactly the kind of policy that can quietly shape consumer behavior over time. (Focus Taiwan / CNA)
Vocabulary
- Eligibility (noun) – the right to receive or take part in something.
Example: “Age is the main eligibility requirement for Culture Points.” - Expand (verb) – to make something larger or include more people.
Example: “Taiwan decided to expand the program to include younger teens.” - Claim (verb) – to officially request something you are allowed to receive.
Example: “Young people can claim their points through the official app.” - Handout (noun) – money or benefits given by the government or an organization.
Example: “The points work like a cultural handout for youth spending.” - Trial basis (phrase) – a test period before making something permanent.
Example: “In 2025, 13–15-year-olds received points on a trial basis.” - Designated (adjective) – officially chosen for a specific purpose.
Example: “You can use points only at designated bookstores and venues.” - Venue (noun) – a place where events happen.
Example: “The concert venue accepted Culture Points at the entrance.” - Participation (noun) – taking part in an activity or program.
Example: “High participation showed the program was popular in 2025.” - Foot traffic (noun) – the number of people who visit a place.
Example: “Bookstores hope the program increases foot traffic.” - Calendar year (noun) – the year from January 1 to December 31.
Example: “People must use the points within the 2026 calendar year.”
Discussion Questions (About the Article)
- Why do you think Taiwan wants young people to spend money on culture?
- What changed in 2026 compared to 2025 in the Culture Points program?
- How does the government make it possible for kids without smartphones to use the points?
- Which approved spending options (books, music, films, etc.) seem most useful to you, and why?
- Do you think this kind of program could help local cultural businesses? How?
Discussion Questions (About the Topic)
- Should governments support culture with money or discounts? Why or why not?
- What kinds of cultural activities should count as “culture” in a program like this?
- How can culture programs help teenagers build better habits?
- If your city had a similar program, how would it change your free-time choices?
- What are the pros and cons of giving benefits based on age?
Related Idiom
“Put your money where your mouth is” – to support your beliefs with real action.
Example: “Taiwan put its money where its mouth is by giving young people Culture Points to spend on books, films, and live events.”
How it applies: Taiwan often says culture is important—this program is a clear way to back that up with real spending power.
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This article was inspired by
- Ministry of Culture (Taiwan) – MOC ‘Culture Points’ program to expand to youths aged 13–22 in 2026
- Focus Taiwan (CNA) – ‘Culture Points’ cash to be available for 13–22-year-olds in 2026
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