What is the objective of the merger?
While catering to their respective memberships, both SDU and SdS have already embarked on initiatives that serve all singles. Merging SDU and SdS will allow us to reap economies of scale and provide enhanced interaction opportunities for all singles.
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Would SDU and SdS still provide separate membership between now and the formation of the merged entity?
Yes, SDU and SdS will still provide membership in the interim. Memberships that exist prior to the merger will be transferred to the new entity automatically from January 2009.
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What can singles expect after the merger? How would things be different?
Singles who are members will have more options and activities to choose from based on their different needs and preferences. They can look forward to more opportunities to meet other singles. The merged organisation will also set up a network of contacts through which singles will have the opportunity to meet other singles in the workplace or community. The merged organisation will also provide funding to enable singles to try out various services, including those provided by accredited dating agencies.
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Will the merged entity still provide services specific to different groups of singles, e.g. graduates and non-graduates?
The merged organisation will have activities open to all singles, as well as activities that cater to specific preferences as indicated by members.
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Will singles have to pay more to sign up with the merged entity?
Membership fee for the new merged entity is $10 per annum for new applications and renewals.
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Who is eligible to apply for membership in the new entity?
The eligibility criteria for SDU-SDS are as follows:
a) Singaporean or Permanent Resident
b) Single aged 20 and above
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How do I apply to join the new entity? How will my current membership be affected by the new entity?
Singles who wish to join SDU-SDS can log on to http://www.lovebyte.org.sg/ or email mcys_sdu@mcys.gov.sg or call 1800-6838 3988 to register. Currently memberships prior to the merger will be automatically transferred over to the new entity.
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What will the new merged entity be called?
The name of the new entity will be announced at a later date.
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What is this network of contacts or Social Development Officers network? Why is there a need for this?
The merged organisation will set up a network of Social Development Officers (SDO) who will work with different organisations in programmes catering to singles within the organisations. The organisations include the various Ministries and Statutory Boards in the Civil Service, community partners and interested private firms.
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What will the network of contacts or SDOs be doing?
These SDOs will plan intra- and inter-organisational activities and programmes, facilitate talks and workshops, and encourage singles to be proactive in socialisation. They can act as referrals for services, such as private dating agencies for singles, or funding channels for companies.
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Who or what types of programmes will qualify for enhanced funding from the merged organisation?
The merged organisation will also provide funding to enable singles to try out various services, including those provided by accredited dating agencies. Details on funding are still being worked out and will be made known later.
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