On average, they owe S$55,000 (US$41,000) to about seven creditors, according to Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS).

The under-30s made up 13 percent of all cases handled by the non-profit group last year, up from 9 percent in 2006, said the findings in The Sunday Times. During the first three months of this year, the under-30s mired in debt climbed to 15 percent.

CCS told the newspaper that most of the young adults are snared by materialism and splash money on cars, branded goods, overseas holidays, clubbing and gadgets. Gambling is also a strong lure.

It is a “definite cause for concern to see more young people with bigger debts,” CCS president Kuo How Nam was quoted as saying. Succumbing to the temptations of consumerism while knowing little about financial and credit management are to blame, he said.

The Credit Bureau of Singapore noted that young adults between 21 and 29 are more likely to miss credit card payments, or not pay them in full, compared to other groups.

Counselors suggest schools start equipping students with credit and financial management skills. Financial institutions should also practice more responsible lending and not encourage a proliferation of cards among the young, they said.

But bureau general manager Mark Rowley said it was difficult to criticize the banks, “as they’re in the business of lending money.”

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