Regardless of gender, religion, or race, single individuals, or shall we say eligible bachelors, can never escape the ubiquitous question during festivities: are you still single? Be it Eid, Deepavali, Hanukkah, or, in our current proximity, Christmas!
There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to being single or feeling a tad fatigued upon hearing such inquiries. Let’s be honest; these questions can be quite puzzling even for the individuals facing them.
Whether you’re an extrovert, introvert, or ambivert, there’s nothing wrong with your relationship status. It’s all about fate, and love will find its way. However, who says we can’t nudge fate to hurry up a bit?
That’s precisely why Glitz sat down with an expert on the matter to delve deeper and extend a helping hand, infusing a bit of romance into the lives of all you singles out there. In case you’re wondering if now is a good time to make a move — yes, now is always the best time.
Let’s dive into this topic with Alex Tam, CEO of Paktor Group and GaiGai. Curious about GaiGai? You’re about to meet your matchmaker — read on till the end.
What is GaiGai?
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Hey Alex! Before we dive in, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to become the CEO of GaiGai. What’s the vibe behind the scenes at GaiGai?
In my role as the CEO of Paktor Group, I steer a dating company boasting ten diverse online and offline dating brands, all centred around the theme of modern romance. Our suite of services, with a special mention to the pride of Singapore, GaiGai, is crafted to foster meaningful connections for singles.
The journey began with the inception of the Paktor app in 2013 by Joseph Phua, often likened to the “Asian Tinder.” Joining the company in 2014, my focus turned to GaiGai, our answer to the yearning for more tangible connections.
GaiGai, our inaugural offline dating brand, emerged to cater to serious daters seeking life partners beyond the confines of the app.
Acknowledging the paradox of heightened online connectivity amid the challenge of finding true love, I envisioned a comprehensive dating ecosystem. GaiGai became the embodiment of this vision, integrating both online and offline dating into a centralised platform.
Picture us as a trusted friend, carefully curating and verifying profiles to facilitate genuine connections. Behind the scenes, our dynamic and creative team at GaiGai is passionately dedicated to the art of matchmaking.
Fueled by the excitement of bringing people together, we believe in and strive to contribute to the creation of love stories, one connection at a time
The ‘It’ Question
The holiday season is upon us! Navigating the festive season can be tricky for singles fielding questions from relatives. Is the dating scene during festive times a common challenge?
True enough, the holiday season brings a mix of challenges and opportunities for singles, marked by an increased desire to connect as the year wraps up.
The festive atmosphere, coupled with the sight of couples enjoying the season, can heighten feelings of loneliness. Many individuals, in reflecting on personal goals, including finding a partner, see the approach of New Year’s as a time for resolutions.
Amid the festivities, social events abound, offering singles more chances to meet new people. However, the season also brings family gatherings where the ‘single’ status may invite well-meaning but probing questions.
Just for fun, any quirky holiday-themed matchmaking stories or any advice for singles looking to ‘unsingle’ this Christmas?
At GaiGai, we’ve noticed a rise in attendance at our networking and dating events during this time. The holiday spirit encourages people to step out of their comfort zones, making them more open to meeting someone special.
We infuse a festive twist into our events, adding Christmas-themed mixers and New Year’s Eve countdown parties for a fun and engaging experience.
My advice to singles aiming to ‘unsingle’ this Christmas is to keep an open heart and mind. A potential partner may not check every box on a list, but the holiday season, with its magical aura, often surprises us with unexpected connections.
So, embrace the festive spirit, enjoy the social gatherings, and who knows, your holiday wish for love might just come true!
How Does Matchmaking Work?
In the realm of love, there’s no one-size-fits-all; sometimes, the most unexpected matches turn out to be the most harmonious.
-Alex Tam, CEO of Paktor Group and GaiGai
Let’s delve into Singaporeans’ dating preferences. From GaiGai’s POV, any surprising findings for you? And how do these insights influence matchmaking at GaiGai?
In delving into our clients’ dating preferences, we’ve unearthed intriguing patterns that often align with general expectations. However, the challenge lies in the subjective nature of traits such as an ‘interesting soul’ or ‘communicative,’ as these definitions vary widely from person to person.
While individuals possessing universally sought-after qualities often find success, we’ve observed that not everyone neatly fits into predefined checklists. This complexity is particularly evident for those with less conventional preferences, adding nuance to the matchmaking process.
That’s why we consistently encourage our members to approach matchmaking with an open mind. The beauty of human connections lies in their diversity and the unique qualities each individual brings.
In the realm of love, there’s no one-size-fits-all; sometimes, the most unexpected matches turn out to be the most harmonious.
Our role is to guide members through this intricate journey, helping them see beyond checklists to uncover the potential for personalised and meaningful connections.
It’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the complexity of human preferences in the pursuit of love.
Making Datings Smooth and Comfortable
Dating feels like an interview, and Tinder can be emotionally draining – we’ve all been there. How does GaiGai turn that around for its clients, making dating more like a smooth conversation over coffee?
We understand the pressures of modern dating and strive to make it a seamless, enjoyable experience for our clients. That is the reason we take on the role of a personal dating concierge, arranging dates on behalf of our busy members.
Our team carefully coordinates the logistics, from syncing schedules to selecting convenient meeting spots, ensuring a hassle-free setup for both parties.
We go a step further by providing pre-date guidance. This includes personalised messaging tips to help ignite engaging conversations, steering clear of repetitive small talk.
The aim is to create an atmosphere akin to a relaxed chat over a simple meal, where genuine connections can blossom naturally, away from the interview-like feel of typical dates or the emotional fatigue of endless swiping on apps.
Love is About Confidence
Alright, spill the beans! Any heartwarming or hilarious stories of clients who initially thought dating was a maze but ended up finding love through GaiGai?
Oh, we’ve seen our fair share of delightful turnarounds in love! Let me share one that particularly warms our hearts. There was this gentleman who initially approached us not with the intention of dating, but rather for self-improvement.
He enrolled in our image coaching service, Fleek, feeling somewhat disillusioned with the dating scene and focusing instead on personal growth.
As he progressed through the sessions, his confidence blossomed. Sensing this positive change, we gently nudged him towards giving dating another shot. He agreed, albeit with some hesitation.
On one of his first dates arranged by us, he met a woman who, while not fitting the conventional standards of beauty, had the kindest heart.
Their connection was instant and deeply genuine. The two of them together made a really cute match – a couple that radiated warmth and affection.
Fast forward to last year, and they tied the knot! It’s a beautiful reminder of how love often arrives in unexpected ways and how focusing on personal growth can open doors to the most fulfilling of relationships.
Do you have any other favourite love stories that started with GaiGai? And beyond just matching people, how does GaiGai make a lasting impact on the lives of its clients?
One of my favourite love stories that blossomed through GaiGai involves a couple who felt an instant connection on their first date.
It was one of those magical moments where the conversation just flowed effortlessly. After that initial date, they found no need to see anyone else; they knew they had found something special.
Their relationship flourished, and when one of them faced personal challenges, the other stood by their side, supporting them through every obstacle.
Now, they’re on the brink of a new chapter, with pre-wedding photos taken and their wedding just around the corner.
This story is more than just a testament to a successful match; it exemplifies the profound impact GaiGai can have. We’re not only about creating initial connections but also about fostering relationships that can weather life’s ups and downs.
Knowing that we’ve played a part in bringing people together who might not have otherwise met, and watching their relationships grow into lifelong commitments, is incredibly fulfilling.
It’s these stories that truly underscore the lasting impact GaiGai has on the lives of our clients.
The Recipe For The Perfect Match
So, high income, pleasant looks, interesting soul, communicative, and non-smoker — sounds like a checklist! How does GaiGai turn this into a recipe for a perfect match?
At GaiGai, we understand that while everyone has an ideal partner in mind, real-life connections often transcend these checklists.
Beyond the typical attributes like high income or good looks, we emphasise the importance of other qualities that are essential for long-term compatibility.
We often find that while chemistry initially draws people together, it’s the deeper compatibility that sustains a relationship over time.
Qualities that a partner may not possess right now could be developed together as a couple, especially if both individuals are committed to a common goal and willing to grow together.
Interestingly, many of our members have shared stories of how their relationships evolved. Some connections started off as friendships and gradually blossomed into lasting romances. This is why we advise our members not to rush their judgement.
Sometimes, the most enduring relationships are those that take time to develop and are built on a foundation of shared values and mutual respect, rather than just initial attraction.
How Can GaiGai Help You Find The Perfect Match?
We understand that there might be some differences in what guys and gals prefer education-wise. How does GaiGai navigate this educational rollercoaster to make sure everyone finds their match?
Navigating through educational preferences in our matchmaking process at GaiGai is quite intricate. We understand that when a client specifies a particular educational level, it often implies more than just holding a diploma.
This preference, especially notable among women, reflects a broader trend emphasising intellectual compatibility, ambition, and shared life aspirations.
Education, in our perspective, transcends mere academic achievements; it serves as an indicator of aligned values, life goals, and socio-economic aspirations — critical elements for a successful long-term partnership and a potential gauge of earning power.
Recognising the importance of these underlying reasons, we meticulously consider these preferences in our matchmaking. While we diligently follow our members’ specifications, we also encourage them to see the bigger picture.
We remind them that a person’s education is just one facet of their character, and other qualities may align more closely with their desired partner attributes.
Essentially, our approach strives for a balance between respecting specific preferences and fostering an open-minded perspective in the pursuit of love, ensuring every individual has the optimal chance of meeting their ideal match.
GaiGai’s in a league of its own. How do you keep things fresh and exciting in the world of matchmaking, especially when trends are changing faster than Instagram filters?
We keep hearts beating by striking a balance between staying current and honouring our core mission. While we’re always in tune with the evolving landscape of dating, our focus remains steadfast on connecting individuals seeking serious relationships.
Our team stays abreast of the latest developments in the dating world, ensuring our approach is modern and relevant.
We educate our members on the dos and don’ts of contemporary dating, arming them with the insights needed for successful interactions. However, we don’t just stop there.
GaiGai also adds a touch of spontaneity and fun to the mix. We regularly host relaxed social events designed not just for matchmaking but for mingling, friendship, and genuine connections.
These events offer a more light-hearted environment where singles can interact organically, often leading to lasting connections that go beyond the romantic.
It’s this blend of serious intent and a relaxed approach that keeps our matchmaking services fresh, exciting, and effective in the ever-changing world of love and relationships.
Future and Gratitudes
What’s in the cards for GaiGai’s future? Any upcoming features or projects we should be on the lookout for? Something that’ll make us go, “Whoa, that’s cool!”
As a prominent player in the Singapore dating scene, GaiGai is poised for continuous innovation in 2024, focusing on three key areas: partnerships, integrations, and community involvement.
This year, we’ve successfully collaborated with notable partners such as The Capitol mall, Mandai Zoo, and Klook for engaging social events.
Looking ahead, our aim is to diversify partnerships, bringing unique dating activities in varied formats, and even exploring the potential for connections within the metaverse.
In 2024, GaiGai will deepen integration across our brands and services to create a comprehensive dating ecosystem.
Regardless of the preferred dating service, our commitment is to understand each profile thoroughly, facilitating the perfect match through the right channel at the right time.
With a regional presence in Asia, we aspire to extend these opportunities, potentially connecting love-seekers during their overseas travels.
Recognising that relationships are a common topic at social gatherings, we’re eager to share more love stories within our community in 2024.
This serves as a platform for love seekers to relate, share experiences, and forge meaningful connections.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Before we wrap this up, Alex, does GaiGai have a motivational tagline to encourage singles not to give up on finding true love? Is there a slogan that you resonate with?
My favourite motivational tagline is common yet punchy – “You’ll never walk alone”. Not that I am an avid Liverpool fan, these words address the core part of our business – our native need. At GaiGai, we will always be here with you on your journey to find love.
Click here to find your love today! Just one click away.
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