SOME 200,000 members of the Government matchmaking agencies - the Social Development Unit (SDU) and Social Development Services (SDS) - have tied the knot in the last 25 years.

'While we cannot claim that all marriages are attributed to SDU and SDS, I am sure that over the years, many have found life partners through the social interaction opportunities created by the agencies, and a lot more others have benefited through their influence,' said Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports on Friday.

Speaking at a 'Partner Connection' trade seminar on Friday morning, she said that even though Singapore's marriage rates are falling, more people are getting married each year over the last five years.

A name change for matchmaking agency

Gone is the SDU-SDS moniker, which combined the graduates-only Social Development Unit and the Social Development Service for non-graduates.

In its place: The Social Development Network, or SDN, which will be a one-stop centre for dating information, relationship courses and services.

In another break from the past, the SDN will not be a members-only outfit. Instead, it will be open to all resident singles aged 20 and above, regardless of educational level. They will not have to sign up to join the organisation or pay annual membership fees.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.