Singapore’s tourism board is enlisting a familiar local institution to woo American travellers this Valentine’s season: aunties.
Known for its state-led efforts to encourage dating and higher birth rates, Singapore is now taking its matchmaking ambitions overseas with “Aunties, Not Algorithms”, a campaign inviting single US residents to apply for a blind date in the city-state.
Unlike typical dating apps, matches won’t be made by software. Instead, they will be handpicked and approved by a trio of celebrity “aunties” – comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, astrologer-matchmaker Aliza Kelly, and Singaporean actress Tan Kheng Hua.
In Singapore, “aunties” is an informal term for older women who carry a certain social role as much as they are community fixtures and often dispense advice on everything from careers to marriage.
Celebrity “aunties” comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, astrologer-matchmaker Aliza Kelly, and Singaporean actress Tan Kheng Hua. Photo Credit: Fly Entertainment, Aliza Kelly, Facebook/Atsuko Okatsuka
The matched pair will also receive an “auntie-approved” first date in Singapore, including complimentary four nights' stay, return flights, and a local cooking class with Michelin-starred Chef Malcolm Lee of Candlenut restaurant.
Singles 21 years old and above who are legal residents of America can submit their profiles for a chance to be matched. Applications close on 13 March 2026.