"Please Start Dating"...Singapore Uses Nobel Prize-Winning Algorithm to Tackle Falling Birth Rate

Singapore's Experiment Aimed at Reversing the Decline in Birth Rate
Pilot Program Targets Public Sector Employees Aged 21 to 35

Singapore is piloting a government-led dating platform in response to declining birth rates. Unlike conventional dating apps, the platform features a matching system based on a Nobel Prize-winning algorithm, which is drawing particular attention.

The Singapore government recently launched the dating platform 'FirstDate'. Currently in pilot operation, this service is targeted at public sector employees aged 21 to 35. Getty Images

According to the BBC and the Financial Times (FT) on September 30 (local time), the Singaporean government recently launched the dating platform "FirstDate." Currently in its pilot phase, this service is aimed at public sector employees between the ages of 21 and 35.

This platform utilizes the 'Gale-Shapley algorithm' by Lloyd Shapley, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2012. The algorithm efficiently matches two equally sized groups according to their individual preferences. It is also used for allocating students to public schools and assigning medical residents to hospitals, among other applications.

This platform utilizes the "Gale-Shapley algorithm" developed by Lloyd Shapley, who won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2012. Getty Images

Unlike typical dating apps, users are introduced to just one dating partner in each matching cycle. After completing a survey on interests, lifestyle habits, and values, users are recommended a partner who fits their profile. A key advantage is the ability to verify the other person's identity through the national digital ID authentication system.

The FirstDate team emphasizes this difference by asking, "Does having more potential matches guarantee you will find a better one?" distinguishing their service from existing dating apps.

Date platform 'First Date'. Screenshot of First Date homepage

The backdrop to the government's introduction of this dating platform is the declining birth rate. Singapore recorded an all-time low total fertility rate of 0.87 last year, down from 0.97 in 2024. This figure comes close to Korea's world-lowest level of 0.8.

Last month, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a policy to support parents with more than 55,000 dollars (approximately 74.8 million won) per child until the child reaches the age of 17 as part of countermeasures for the falling birth rate.

FT described this initiative as "the government's latest social engineering experiment to address sharply declining fertility rates."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.