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Singapore. Teacher Karen Lin had never been to a singles' event - she often found the settings too contrived.

But in February, the 28-year-old paid $30 to spend half a day with about 30 other singles learning archery and sports chanbara, a freestyle form of Japanese fencing.

That the event, organized by the Singapore Sports Council (SSC), marketed itself as a sports clinic first instead of a singles' activity had all to do with Lin taking the plunge.

"There was a task at hand, so it was not awkward - unlike over a meal where you might not have much else to focus on except your date," she said, comparing the experience to traditional matchmaking activities.

While she was not hit by Cupid's arrow, she felt that the classes helped widen her social circle. She formed her own sports interest group, comprising four other classmates - male and female - to practice archery. She is also keen on registering for other sports clinics later this month.

More singles like Lin are warming up to the idea of singles' events that focus beyond getting young adults to meet and greet.

The SSC clinics, for example, have attracted more than 200 participants since they started in February. Supported by the Social Development Network (SDN), they include other sports such as in-line skating and badminton.

In fact, the role of playing matchmaker is no longer solely associated with the SDN; more government agencies have also come up with singles' activities, but with a twist.

More than 100 singles took part in the National Heritage Board's (NHB) workshops in basket weaving and batik painting in August last year, and a museum trail to learn caricature drawing and how to build an art installation in April.

Said Jean Wee, director of the Preservation of Monuments Board under the NHB: 'These events are planned such that participants have a lot of fun and enjoy one another's company, while learning about a facet of heritage and history.'

Similarly, the National Library Board has a Book Lovers' Club, set up in February last year. Its members comprise about 30 singles, brought together by their love for books, who meet regularly every month.

These new initiatives were launched in the last two years with the aim of getting singles to mingle through common interests, and in doing so, removing the stigma associated with joining singles' events.

It seems to be working - singles who shun traditional dating agencies say they are open to the initiatives.

"In our busy lives, perhaps it is good that we combine activities - dating and learning something new," said executive Tan Kai Ling, 26.

"It also makes more sense timewise, and meeting new people will not feel too contrived."

Using a common platform to attract singles to mingle is a brilliant idea, say sociologists.

National University of Singapore sociologist Paulin Straughan said it was important to set the stage for a conducive environment for singles to expand their social networks, and create opportunities for like-minded individuals to meet.

Dating experts, however, have mixed feelings.

Lydia Gan, president of the Association of Dating Agencies and Matchmakers, said such events may bring in the numbers because they cost less than traditional dating services; at dating agencies, she explained, attending events can cost up to $100.

"(But these) may attract a certain kind of crowd - those who want things cheap and are just there for the goodie bag, and are not serious about dating."

But these events may also brush away the stigma associated with traditional matchmaking activities.

Matthew Chan, director of Love Express Services, said: "Some singles feel uncomfortable participating in events organized by the SDN or the accredited agencies, as they perceive such activities to be 'unnatural' and would feel somewhat awkward if their friends and relatives found out."

Reprinted courtesy of Straits Times Indonesia. To subscribe to Straits Times Indonesia and/or the Jakarta Globe call 021 2553 5055.