SINGAPORE LAUNCHES MATCHMAKING SERVICE

Singapore has rolled out a matchmaking service for its government workers, an initiative that comes as the country wrestles with a record-low fertility rate.

FirstDate, which launched this week for those aged 21 to 35, boasts "a different approach to dating", where it uses a Nobel-winning algorithm to match participants to one date at a time. "Swipe fatigue ends here," its website reads.

Participants sign in using the national digital identity system and answer a survey about their interests, habits and values.

FirstDate's launch drew mixed responses among Singaporeans, with some describing it as "dystopian" and others saying they would be keen to give it a shot.

"At the end of the day, I think the experience of meeting someone through an application doesn't change much across the [different types of] applications," Elizabeth, a 29-year-old who works in Singapore's defence ministry and is keen on trying FirstDate out told the BBC.

"But it is nice to know that the likelihood of being scammed is much lower. We're all public servants looking for a partner, right?"

But some social media users say the initiative, which is currently in its pilot phase, discriminates against those not working in government.

Others criticised the age limit. "They are only doing this to raise the total fertility rate. They don't actually [care] about whether we find a partner otherwise.

- Author: Kelly Ng, BBC

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