Singapore swipes right as FirstDate app courts civil servants to tackle record‑low marriage rates

Singapore, which has a population of just over six million people, saw record-low fertility rates last year. — AFP pic

First Published: Thursday, 01 Oct 2026 10:06 AM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 1 — Singapore has launched a dating platform for public officials, in the city-state’s latest experiment meant to tackle declining marriage and historically low fertility rates.

The algorithm-powered pilot initiative, unveiled on Tuesday and named FirstDate, targets employees aged between 21 to 35 and promises to end “swipe fatigue”, associated with some dating apps, while building a “thoughtful connection”.

Public officials can fill out details including interests, habits, religious preferences and “dealbreakers”.

The platform promises absolute privacy, saying “only your match sees your profile, and you decide if your contact details are shared”.

It does, however, also ask users to “Tell us how your date went!” with a star rating and an optional feedback box.

Applications to take part in the pilot close on Monday.

Singapore, which has a population of just over six million people, saw record-low fertility rates last year.

Fewer Singaporeans are getting married, with official figures showing that marriage registrations fell for the third consecutive year in 2025.

In August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a robust package encouraging larger families, including generous financial incentives.

Singapore also officially became a super-aged society this year, where at least 21 per cent of the population is aged 65 and above.

In Japan, an AI-powered dating app launched by the Tokyo government in 2024 to lift Japan’s low birthrate led to 265 marriages. — AFP