Not too late for a 'FirstDate': Government dating platform raises age limit to 45

Passed the age limit to get onto the Singapore Government's new dating platform FirstDate?

You might just be in luck — as the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) has raised the age limits on the pilot matchmaking initiative. 

According to its website, the service is now open to eligible public officers aged 21 to 45, up from the previous range of 21 to 35 when it first launched in September. 

The pilot remains open to those in the public service only.

The statutory board had previously gone with the original age requirements as it expected those in that age group to most likely be actively dating and interested in trying the service. 

Keeping the pilot to a more targeted age range would also help the team assess the product with a more focused user pool, it told The Straits Times. 

First launched on Sept 29, FirstDate is a pilot initiative by GovTech aimed at supporting eligible singles on their dating journey. 

The initiative comes as the number of marriages in Singapore continues to fall. 

Unlike conventional dating apps, the platform offers users one potential match at a time instead of allowing them to swipe through multiple profiles. 

According to GovTech, this is to end swipe fatigue and allow singles to focus on building thoughtful connections. 

To get started, eligible public officers must verify their identity using Singpass and complete a questionnaire covering their interests, habits, values and preferences. 

The platform then uses the Gale-Shapley Marriage algorithm to pair users based on compatibility, giving both parties three days to decide whether they would like to connect. Their contact details are only shared if both agree. 

From there, users can reach out and start getting to know each other more. If the pair is not compatible, users can receive another match in the next cycle. 

Sign-ups for the first cycle closed on Oct 5. Applications for the second cycle of FirstDate closes on Oct 26. 

AsiaOne has reached out to GovTech for more information.

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