Gold Only? S'pore’s Silver & Bronze SEA Games Medallists Receive No Cash Incentives

With Singapore’s impressive haul of 202 medals at the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, some netizens are discussing how much money do our medallists actually take home?

The answer surprised many, as it seems only gold medallists at the SEA Games receive cash incentives.

Our silver and bronze winners simply walk away with bragging rights.

Instagram user @machaspieze93 was one of those taken aback and in an IG post swiped from the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and wrote, “Silver and Brone medals [have] no reward. Are you kidding me? This is some b**lshit”.

He added that he hoped the chart was outdated, especially given Singapore’s boxing strong showing of two silvers and three bronzes, its best performance since the 1980s.

Here’s another fun fact: even Singapore’s much talked about S$1 million (known to be the highest in the world) Olympic gold payout, only applies to an athlete’s first Oympic gold

Subsequent wins are pure glory, and nothing else.

In a CNA article in 2024, it is noted that the Singapore government refers to long-term investment in sports development (coaches, facilities, academies) rather than setting aside large sums for potential medallists at every games, making funds unusable if not won.

8days.sg has reached out to SNOC for comment but has yet to hear back at press time.

It seems netizens were on the fence when it came to this.

While some agreed that some remuneration should be considered, adding that they should also be rewarded for their effort.

“High time this was changed. They also contributed to the medal count,” read a comment.

But others disagreed and feel the current system is quite fair, with one writing, “I don’t want my taxes going to bronze and silver for a regional event like SEA Games,” read a comment.

For context, the cash incentives are not government-funded.

They are private awards managed by the SNOC and sponsored by the Tote Board Group (including Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club).

Basically, your 4D and TOTO money.

Others offered suggestions that extend beyond just cash incentives.

“Even giving them tax breaks is better than nothing, right?”

Photos: SNOC, machaspieze93/IG