from IBT website

Taipei, Nov. 23 (CNA) The majority of single people in Taiwan are interested in meeting potential marriage partners though matchmaking services, with teachers, flight attendants and civil servants among those most eager to participate, according to an online survey.

The poll by IT Bridalnetwork of Taiwan (IBT) found that more than 70 percent of Taiwan's unmarried while-collar workers have gone on group dates organized by matchmaking services, with 50 percent having done so more than twice in the past six months.

Among those singles interested in matchmaking group dates, 32 percent said they would prefer to go on weekday evenings, while 25 percent favored Saturday afternoons, and 21 percent Saturday night, according to the poll.

Teachers, flight attendants and civil servants were some of the main categories of employees that expressed keen interest in organized group dating, the poll showed.

IBT, a joint venture between the Taiwanese dating service Sunfun Info. Co. and Japan-based IBJ Inc., said that since its opening in Taiwan in May, about 40 percent of the over 2,000 people who have participated in its more than 100 organized group dates have succeeded in starting relationships.

As for the type of setting for the dates, IBT said nearly 55 percent of singles in the 22-30 age group like big gatherings, while those 30-40 prefer boutique style venues that allow them to have one-on-one interaction.

It said most of its clients are in the 30-36 age bracket, while people 36-42 make up the second largest group.

The company said it decided to launch a matchmaking service in Taiwan in view of the observation that Taiwanese were getting married even later in life than Japanese.

"Through our matchmaking services, we hope to help Taiwanese men and women find their other half and get married," IBT said.

(By S.W. Luo and Flor Wang)
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