Singapore Tests State-Funded Dating Platform With Free First Meal

Singapore is exploring a government-run dating platform designed to help single people find partners and boost birth rates, with the state offering to pay for first dates. The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is surveying public opinion on the initiative through the CrowdTask online platform.

According to survey details, the platform is called Firstdate and targets singles under 35. Users complete a 10-minute questionnaire to be matched based on compatible interests and values. Successfully matched couples would receive free meals at selected restaurants for their first date. All users must verify their identity through Singpass to prevent fake accounts and catfishing.

A prototype website states: "We cover your first date. No fake accounts. No drama."

However, a GovTech spokesperson told The Straits Times that the concept is still in early-stage feasibility studies with no decision yet on full development. The idea originated from GovTech's annual Hackathon, where employees propose innovations to solve social problems. Most of the hundreds of prototype projects studied each year never advance beyond the concept stage.

In late April, a second survey was released asking Singaporeans about dating motivations and obstacles. The survey mentioned potential government measures including networking events, casual dinner matching, group activity trips, Singpass verification to reduce catfishing, and subsidies for dating expenses such as meals.

Both surveys have since been removed from CrowdTask.

The surveys come as Singapore faces a historic low birth rate crisis. The total fertility rate dropped to 0.87 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.24 a decade earlier. On April 29, the National Population and Talent Division established a task force to study declining birth rates, with findings expected in early 2027.