Of all the suggestions put forth in the newspaper, this will probably be the most effective, were it not so difficult to carry out.
Singaporean society is changing. People tend to marry later and have fewer children. Unfortunately, circumstances often prevent couples from marrying earlier. Decades ago, the average man in his early 20′s had a relatively stable job and could support a family with his income. Nowadays, the perception that educational qualifications and career are important has grown, so young people do not feel established or financially secure enough to pursue marriage early.
Undoubtably the busy lifestyles of young Singaporeans prevent them from spending more time to socialise. However, it is also possible that this generation has an unhealthy obsession with money such that they prioritise their financial future over starting a family.
It is therefore very difficult to persuade people to accept themselves marrying younger. Nonetheless the common complaint is that these young people are unable to meet their future spouse. Unfortunately matchmaking is largely taboo – to be matchmade by an aunt is the stuff of modern horror. In the past, a youth’s family would know him best, this is quite different for many youths today, and so traditional matchmaking is outdated. Fortunately, there is some interest in matchmaking events in the community or by private enterprises, though most singaporeans still shy aware from being seen as desperate.
In the end, most people probably know at least one person at work or from the past with whom they could have got together with. Unfortunately these people either do not take the time to be better acquainted, or simply set unrealistic standards for their partners. So it is a matter to opening our youth’s eyes so that they can learn to love the imperfect, because nobody is perfect anymore.
