GaiGai
GaiGai, founded in 2013, is a Singaporean offline dating agency that offers matchmaking services and dating events in Singapore.[1]. In the Chinese dialect Hokkien, the term 'GaiGai' refers to 'going out for a leisure walk' (Taiwanese Hokkien: 走街)[2]. The service is a subsidiary of Paktor and is also on the registry of accredited dating agencies[3] by the Social Development Network (SDN), a governmental body under Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) of Singapore.
Alongside with the other dating services under Paktor Group, GaiGai acts as a fully complementary service for singles with different needs[4]
Outside of Singapore, the agency also has active presence in Taiwan, Malaysia and Hongkong markets[2] where they are known as Paktor Premium (拍拖約會吧)[5], Datesmith and HeyDouble respectively[2]. In 2016, GaiGai introduced Fleek[2], an image and date coaching agency committed to help individuals create the best first impression[6].
Company Overview
Matchmaking
Applicant Requirements
GaiGai upholds a strict SDN Trust Accreditation[7] which means that all applicants will be screened with files of the Registry of Marriages to ensure that they are legally single[8]. While the matrimonial laws of Singapore state that individuals can get married at age 18 (by the date of solemnisation) with the consent of their parents or legal guardian[9], GaiGai only accepts applicants who are aged 21 and older[8]. Applicants who have declared bankruptcy will also be rejected[8].
GaiGai Matching Process
After applicants register for a profile on the GaiGai website, they will have a physical meeting with a GaiGai relationship manager for a detailed and in-depth profiling session[10]. All applicants become a basic member upon profile registration and profiling[11]. Applicants are also able to list their desired preferences for their matches[12]. All information gathered from profiling will be entered into the GaiGai database and a unique algorithm will be used to generate the top matches for each applicant[10]. The relationship manager will then hand-pick the most suitable match for each applicant[10]. When both parties consent to a date, GaiGai matchmakers[13] will then assist in the selection of venue and proceed to make reservations[14]. Both applicants will be guided by GaiGai throughout the process and follow-up will also be done after the dates[14].
Quality Matching
In 2017, a Weekender post that featured a professional matchmaker from GaiGai mentioned that Singaporean women are generally independent as well as global-minded and the men and filial, career-driven and confident[14]. Though applicants are able to list their personal preferences for their matches, the matchmakers at GaiGai look beyond physical attributes and aim for values, personality and interests compatibility, ensuring quality matches[14].
The founder, Alex Tam[15], shared that GaiGai was first started to provide an alternative channel for singles to meet in casual settings[16]. Now, the agency is headed towards changing the stigma against matchmaking agencies and singles' events by proving that GaiGai events are more than just finding love, participants can also make meaningful connections with other individuals[17]. In 2018, the firm also reported a seven fold increase in its members' registration rate, stating that more and more members of the public are willing to engage a professional dating service to help them settle down[18].
Events
Mega Singles' Events
While speed-dating events have been known to be romantic candlelight dinners[19], GaiGai has been holding events that feature a diverse range of activities to cater to different interest groups such as latte art workshop[19], a night visit to a water theme park and hawker food trails[20]. In 2017, a mega event[21] held by the SDNTrust-accredited agency at S.E.A aquarium attracted nearly 200 singles[20].
Later on in 2018, GaiGai celebrated its third anniversary with a mega singles' party where more than 150 guests and singles turned up.[22]
Reception
In the media
GaiGai has received widespread media coverage since its inception in 2013 and had been featured on CNA, Straits Times, SCMP and others. Its services have also been reviewed by Vulcan Post, Rice Media and Singaporean Influencer, Elizabeth Boon.
Concerns
In 2015, a Reddit post highlighted the vulnerability of the GaiGai website due to the lack of security encryptions[23]. GaiGai responded that it has since added SSL/TLS encryption. However, some Reddit users commented that more layers of encryption are necessary in order to provide better security for the clientele database. GaiGai has since updated their privacy and data protection policy in August 2015.
References
- ↑ "Paktor launches GaiGai to help step up your dating game". e27. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem". www.techinasia.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "Registry of Dating Agencies | Ministry of Social and Family Development". www.msf.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "The business of love: fierce competition between dating apps". Southeast Asia Globe Magazine. 2016-02-24. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ ENTERTAINMENT, M17. "Paktor | M17 ENTERTAINMENT". M17 ENTERTAINMENT. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "Want To Refine Your Personal Style? Try This Makeover Service". CLEO Singapore. 2018-07-17. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "Registry of Dating Agencies | Ministry of Social and Family Development". www.msf.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "GaiGai: This Date Via An Offline Matchmaking Service In Singapore Did Not Go At All As Planned". HYPE & STUFF. 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "eCitizen". www.ecitizen.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Dating Tips From A Real-life Cupid". Weekender Singapore. 2017-04-20. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem". www.techinasia.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "Are dating apps changing the love economy in Asia? - Tech Wire Asia". Tech Wire Asia. 2017-04-18. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "A Matchmaker In Singapore Tells Us How She Sets People Up". CLEO Singapore. 2018-05-30. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 "Dating Tips From A Real-life Cupid". Weekender Singapore. 2017-04-20. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "https://accountancy.smu.edu.sg/news-events/newsletter/soareach-issue-20-2017/soareach-alumni". accountancy.smu.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-07-25. External link in
|title=(help) - ↑ "GaiGai Tries to Change Singapore Stereotype of Dating Agencies & Singles' Parties - Global Dating Insights". globaldatinginsights.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "GaiGai Tries to Change Singapore Stereotype of Dating Agencies & Singles' Parties - Global Dating Insights". globaldatinginsights.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "有伴不牵绊 更多本地男女晚婚不婚". 早报. 2018-07-30. Retrieved 2018-08-07.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 hermes (2018-01-21). "A hand in romance: More men sign up to date". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Even as dating apps bloom, some singles still say yes to matchmakers". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "GaiGai Tries to Change Singapore Stereotype of Dating Agencies & Singles' Parties - Global Dating Insights". globaldatinginsights.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "GaiGai Celebrates its Third Anniversary - Global Dating Insights". globaldatinginsights.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ↑ "Paktor", Wikipedia, 2018-05-06, retrieved 2018-07-25
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