Southeast Asia’s falling literacy: can cash and gamification fix it?

Southeast Asia is facing a decline in literacy, with individuals like Singaporean tutor Najwa Alhabshi experiencing a decrease in reading habits due to competing demands. Alhabshi, who once enjoyed literary classics, found that work commitments and the allure of smartphone screens led her to "fall out of reading." This trend highlights a broader challenge in the region where busy lives and digital distractions are impacting engagement with traditional reading materials. The article explores potential solutions, including financial incentives and gamification, to address this growing literacy concern.