Singapore opens matchmaking institute in May
By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 April 2008 1847 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Singapore will have a new institute that provides matchmaking services from next month.

Called the Matchmaking Institute Southeast Asia, it also provides training to matchmaking companies.

Finding love is getting more difficult because many Singaporeans simply do not have the time. So the new matchmaking institute aims to give singles a hand.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) received 44 feedback and queries about matchmaking agencies in 2007. This was up from 37 in 2006 and just 16 the year before. Most were complaints about unsatisfactory services.

A key concern among customers is how their personal data will be used. So the institute plans to have two databases, both accessible with consent. One will hold all the personal information submitted by interested singles, and another will be shared with companies.

"All the companies or matchmakers... have to let their clients know that some of the information, but not (their) personal information or contact information, might be shared with other matchmakers," said Violet Lim, Executive Director, Matchmaking Institute Southeast Asia.

The new institute aims to raise the standards of matchmaking service in Singapore. It is offering a S$1,000 scholarship to the first 10 people to sign up for the courses offered.

Currently, more than 200 businesses are registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority providing friendship, matchmaking and dating services, up from 192 in April last year. - CNA /ls