Commuters will soon have more than music and mobile screens to accompany their train rides, local poetry is making a bigger return to the MRT. From 6 November 2025, the National Arts Council (NAC), in partnership with SMRT Trains and Stellar Ace, launches the second edition of Poems on the MRT, expanding the popular initiative to bring Singapore literature into commuters’ everyday journeys.
This year’s campaign introduces more poems across more trains, new digital experiences, and a nationwide writing competition that invites the public to express their own stories inspired by Singapore’s MRT network.
Running until 4 November 2026, the campaign aims to make Sing Lit more accessible, multilingual, and interactive for all.
More Poems, More Voices, More Trains
Produced by Sing Lit Station (SLS), Poems on the MRT returns with an expanded curation of 145 poems displayed across 40 trains on the East-West, North-South and Circle Lines.
The 2025 edition adds 50 new works across English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, curated by respected literary names Joshua Ip, Zhou Decheng, Farihan Bahron, Noridah Kamari (Unggun Creative) and Inbha.
Reflecting the richness of Singapore’s literary tapestry, the line-up includes both established and emerging poets, with accompanying English translations by Alfian Sa’at, Shelly Bryant, Joshua Ip, Sulosana Karthigasu, Inbha, and Aravindan.
Commuters can access the full poem collection online or via QR codes displayed in trains.
Nationwide Poetry Writing Competition
From 7 November 2025 to 8 February 2026, the public is invited to take part in the Poems on the MRT Writing Competition.
Participants can submit original poems inspired by MRT stations, neighbourhoods, or moments on the train. On 15 November, an interactive MRT-themed poetry map will launch, showcasing submissions mapped to each station allowing Singaporeans to explore the city through poetry and vote for their favourites.
Four categories of winners will be recognised:
- Adult
- Secondary
- Primary
- Popular Vote
Winners will receive cash vouchers.
“Poetry Hunt”: A Commuter Scavenger Quest
For those who prefer spotting poems to writing them, the Poetry Hunt invites commuters to find and photograph as many different poem panels on MRT trains as possible.
Participants can submit their sightings online and stand a chance to win prizes such as customised stationery, bookstore vouchers, and for the most dedicated poem-spotters, a Kobo eReader pre-loaded with Sing Lit reads.
Pro tip: Circle Line trains feature poems across the full carriage, perfect for collecting multiple sightings in one ride.
Poetry Goes Social – Instagram Contest in 2026
To complement the on-ground activations, a social media campaign will roll out from December 2025 to February 2026 on Sing Lit Station’s Instagram page. A series of carousel posts will showcase all 145 featured poems to create a visual showcase of Singapore’s literary voices.
In February 2026, the public will be invited to share their favourite poem excerpt and why it resonates with them for a chance to win exclusive Poems on the MRT collectible magnets.
