Yeap, the Ministry of Finance actually employed influencers to promote Singapore’s fiscal plans

In another sign that the government is trying so very hard to connect with millennials, actual social media influencers were employed to help promote the Budget 2018.

Oh sure, let’s get these self-centered, clout-hungry, plastic, basic AF youths (yeah, yeah, #notallinfluencers) to help spread the word about the multi-faceted issue of government revenue and expenditure projections for the current financial year. What’s next? Getting Phua Chu Kang to promote graciousness while commuting on MRT trains? Oh wait…

In any case, yes, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has indeed doled out some mad dough to more than 50 social media influencers for sponsored posts on their Instagram accounts to promote the Budget process. The Straits Times reported that the posts have actually been seen in the wild as early as December last year, with influencers writing some really clunky copy in an attempt to get their followers interested in the Singapore Budget.

To be fair, it’s pretty amusing to see how these influencers — conditioned to promote materialistic lifestyle-centric fluff — handle the hefty, monotonous topic of financial projections and public consultation processes. Take a gander at these odd fusions of narcissism and national fiscal matters.

《Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.》 Listening and being receptive to new ideas will lead you to new heights.  Now as Singapore’s Budget 2018 is approaching, The Ministry of Finance is seeking views and suggestions from Singaporeans to provide feedback on issues such as how our businesses can compete, how our people can seize new opportunities, how we care for and support one another, and how we plan for future needs. Want to know more on how you can give your feedback?  There will be 2 listening points for you to walk-in to: Date: 09 Jan 18 (Tuesday) Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm Venue: Covered area close to the Multi-Purpose Hall at Tanjong Pagar Complex (1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Singapore 082001) Date: 12 Jan 18 (Friday) Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm Venue: Singapore Management University, near Kou Fu Foodcourt (70 Stamford Road, Singapore 178901) From now till 12 Jan 2018, you can also give your feedback via the REACH Budget 2018 microsite (link in bio) #SGBudget2018, #MOFSG, #REACHSingapore #sponsored, #MOFSGxStarNgage . . . . . . . . . . #clozette #portrat #hydenco

A post shared by J I A x Travels (@jiahuimuses) on Jan 8, 2018 at 6:55am PST

Before we penned down our signatures to seal our union for #KenTingWeds, there were a lot of planning done to make sure we worked within our budget and planned our finances well for our future together. 💸 Similarly, the Singapore government has to plan the #SGBudget ahead to help us Singaporeans and support our businesses in the next Financial Year, and our President will pen down her signature as assent for the enactment of the Supply Bill. 🖋 If you didn’t know, the #SGBudget2018 is a strategic financial plan to position Singapore & Singaporeans; and you can actually voice your thoughts & needs to help the Government plan this! 💡 Read more on the Budget 2018 at http://bit.ly/kaitinghearts 📲 #sp #MOFSG #ministryoffinance #MOFxStarNgage

A post shared by Kaiting Cheng (@kaitinghearts) on Dec 30, 2017 at 10:37pm PST

Hey you guys! Have you heard about the new Singapore Budget website? Confused about what the budget is about? Well, simply put, it is a plan to position Singapore and Singaporeans for the future. The Budget is for Singaporeans. Therefore, we can work together with the Government to identify the most pressing needs and gaps, and how we can use our limited resources in the most effective way. To find out more, please visit the link in my bio! 📷: @royyzhang – #SGBudget2018 #MOFSG #MOFxStarNgage #ellesingapore #elleinsider #clozette #stylemepretty #shopmyenvicase #coupleootd #liketoknowit #liketkit #purpur #purpurootd #sponsored #ad #advertisement #sp #sponsoredpost #denisetaytaySP

A post shared by Mrs D. Zhang (@denisetaytay) on Dec 21, 2017 at 7:20pm PST

It's time to put on your thinking cap guys, and start reminiscing about not only what we've achieved over the years but also ponder on what can be improved. Just like for ourselves, the government is also thinking hard about how to we can all improve our future. We can now do our part by providing our personal views on how well we felt the past year has went and our aspirations for Singapore in the future! . Every year the Ministry of Finance seeks views and suggestions from Singaporeans in preparation for the Budget. Individuals, households, and businesses are welcomed to provide feedback on issues such as how our businesses can compete, how our people can seize new opportunities, how we care for and support one another, and how we can also plan for our future needs. . During the feedback period, REACH has organised Pre-Budget 2018 Listening Points across Singapore. These Listening Points are easily accessible, open booths for Singaporeans to give their views in person. . Date: 09 Jan 18 (Tuesday) Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm Venue: Covered area close to the Multi-Purpose Hall at Tanjong Pagar Complex (1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Singapore 082001) ————————————————— . Date: 12 Jan 18 (Friday) Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm Venue: Singapore Management University, near Kou Fu Foodcourt (70 Stamford Road, Singapore 178901) . Alternatively, you can give your feedback via the REACH Budget 2018 microsite (www.reach.gov.sg/budget2018).The last day to give feedback is on 12 Jan 2018. . #SGBudget2018 #MOFSG #REACHSingapore #sponsored #MOFSGxStarNgage

A post shared by кανιeʟ тeo (@kavielteo) on Jan 8, 2018 at 3:46am PST

Planning my own budget is stressful enough. What more for the folks at Ministry of Finance? Find out how our national budget is planned for and the rigorous process that it goes through at http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2018/DoYouKnow/BudgetFeatures/HowSingapore (link in bio) #SGBudget2018 #MOFSG #sponsored #MOFxStarNgage

A post shared by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo (@awinsomelife) on Dec 30, 2017 at 7:40pm PST

Monday 💚 Hey, are you concerned about your pockets & future? 💰Sg govt of finance are asking for citizen’s feedback to better understand our concerns and aspirations so as to help us create a better future together! 🙌🏻☀️ they are also giving us a hand in suggesting opportunities for improvement! Join me if you’re keen to know more about Budget 2018 on 9th Jan; 1130am-2pm @ covered area close to multi purpose hall at Tanjong Pagar Complex! See you! 😍 if not, you can also give your feedback through REACH Budget 2018 by 12th Jan! 💻✨ (link in bio) #shanelkiehls #SGBudget2018 #MOFSG #sponsored #REACHSingapore #MOFSGxStarNgage

A post shared by SHANEL LIM (@shanelkiehls) on Jan 8, 2018 at 3:13am PST

Cringeworthy, we know.

“With many Singaporeans obtaining information through online channels, especially younger audiences, MOF also publishes material on social media and partners other parties to share relevant content,” a ministry spokesperson explained to Channel NewsAsia. The aim here is to use online micro-influencers to promote “bite-sized” information about the Budget and get youths involved in the process as well, said the spokesperson, who added that the campaign is estimated to reach 225,000 users on Instagram.

Uh, sure, that’s why we all go on Instagram — to suddenly grow an interest in the state’s allotted finances.

Of course, we exaggerate. If the plan is to simply increase awareness of Budget 2018 among those who typically don’t give a damn about it, then sure, the method has potential. But is it successful? Neither reports by ST and CNA signal that the campaign was/is a huge success, and the MOF-sponsored posts haven’t exactly received as much engagement as the influencers’ other commercial posts.

In any case, if you really are interested in participating in the country’s budget process for some reason, check out the Singapore Budget website instead of relying on so-called influencers for serious info. And that’s on the house, MOF.