SINGAPORE: Dating in Singapore received a boost this week after the government approved new dating platforms for residents. The new accreditation for dating agencies raises the total in the country to 11, local news reports said. The new approvals come as Singapore pushes a new framework to encourage private dating agencies “to enhance standards and service delivery.” It also comes as the Singapore government has urged its citizens to get married and have more children as the country's birthrate continues to drop. All the accrediting comes under the framework SDNTrust Mark, which aims to ensure the “highest standards of practices.” Residents in the city-state told Bikyamasr.com that the new services are “likely to be widely successful.” Monica Tilani, an Italian expatriate living in the city, said that for many people, “getting out and meeting people is so difficult that they need these kind of services to get in touch with potential partners.” According to the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry's Social Development Network, the new agencies approved will “offer offer various services for singles, some of which are in niche areas such as dance classes, travel opportunities and a dating mobile application.” The ministry's agency has been pushing similar agencies in recent years to battle the low marriage rate and couples not having children. They also hope that it will deliver for single Singaporeans the opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of others in a social atmosphere. “The SDNTrust Accreditation Council provides the Social Development Network with advice on the accreditation standards and processes developed under the SDNTrust Accreditation Framework,” the ministry said.
