SINGAPORE, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Two leading dating services in Asia, Lunch Actually and Paktor have come together in a perfect match, merging to create enriched dating experiences, spark more romantic connections, and support singles in their journey to find love. Both agencies were founded and headquartered in Singapore, with over three decades of combined experience in connecting singles across the region through their respective strengths in online and offline dating services. Paktor has approximately 20 million users regionally while Lunch Actually Group has approximately 1.2 million members regionally.
Both Lunch Actually and Paktor will continue to operate independently, and the holding entity will be known as the Lunch Actually Paktor Group. Leveraging upon the companies' combined dating expertise and strengths, the merger aims to offer singles more opportunities and support them in finding and nurturing lasting, meaningful romantic connections. The merger further demonstrates Lunch Actually's commitment to helping singles forge romantic relationships as it marks its 20th anniversary this year. The integrated entity will extend its operations across six key Asian markets – Singapore, Taiwan region, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, combining a total of 30 years of industry experience.
Given the increased dating app fatigue faced by users, Lunch Actually and Paktor have spotted a growing need for a holistic suite of integrated online and offline dating services, to boost singles' chances of finding aligned partners. To help singles overcome hurdles, including difficulty in putting themselves out on the dating scene, and desire to meet more eligible, quality singles, the agencies will offer enhanced personalised solutions blending traditional dating wisdom with technology such as relationship coaching. Likewise, existing clients will also benefit from a wider range of services and a larger pool of potential matches, enhancing higher chances of finding the right match.
"We recognise the various pain points singles face in the digital dating scene, and Paktor has always strived to provide a safe platform for singles to connect meaningfully. Our strength lies in connecting people through technology and digital dating experiences. This merger is a timely one, enabling us to complement our online services with a wider range of offline services. We hope to offer singles fun and authentic dating experiences that lead to lasting romantic connections," Alex Tam, Group CEO of Paktor.
"This year marks our 20th anniversary, and we are proud to commemorate it with the merger. Having been in the dating scene for the past two decades, Lunch Actually has matched countless happy couples. While we are proud of our achievements, we recognise that digitalisation is a necessary evolution so that we can continue to meet the needs of singles. The merger is the start of a new chapter for Lunch Actually, Paktor and the local dating scene. Through the perfect match of Lunch Actually and Paktor, we hope to continue playing Cupid for singles in Singapore and across the region," said Violet Lim, CEO of Lunch Actually.
Taking on the role of Group CEO of Lunch Actually Paktor Group, Violet added, "This strategic merger will demonstrate the company's commitment to charting a path towards sustained growth and market leadership in the ever-evolving dating landscape, paving the path for future acquisitions and continuous growth in the regional market. This merger amplifies our capabilities, expands our reach, and enhances our resources, empowering us to touch more lives and craft more love stories across Asia than we ever dreamed possible."
To celebrate their perfect match, Lunch Actually and Paktor will each offer exclusive benefits to their clients, as an additional boost in their journey to find love:
- Singles who sign up in the month of September and October will enjoy a 30% discount on any membership packages.
- All existing active members will receive an additional coaching session.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
A Perfect Match Between Lunch Actually and Paktor
HONG KONG, Aug. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Singapore Good Soil Foundation successfully concluded the third edition of its Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at The University of Hong Kong, marking the program's first international edition since its launch.
Centered on the theme "Art + AI for Social Good," the five-day immersive program brought together 58 in-person Student Fellows and 45 online participants from Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and Kenya. Through interdisciplinary learning in artificial intelligence, leadership, social innovation, and the arts, Student Fellows explored how technology and creativity can be harnessed to address real-world challenges and create lasting social impact.
Following two successful editions at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, the program continues to grow into an international platform connecting young people who aspire to lead with purpose and create positive change in their communities.
The Singapore Good Soil Foundation believes that education is not simply about transferring knowledge. It is about empowering young people to use knowledge, technology, and creativity in service of humanity. Philanthropy is not merely about giving. It is about expanding human possibility.
A Classroom Without Borders
This year's program welcomed three scholarship recipients from remote rural communities in China.
Coming from under-resourced communities, they received full scholarships covering travel, accommodation, and program expenses, enabling them to learn alongside outstanding students from around the world.
Beyond learning about artificial intelligence, leadership, and social innovation, the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program aims to equip Student Fellows to become future philanthropic leaders who will one day return to their communities and create opportunities for others.
For the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, philanthropy is about more than transforming individual lives. It is about empowering individuals to become catalysts for positive change within their communities and beyond.
Young People Inspiring Young People
Nine alumni from previous cohorts returned as Teaching Assistants, mentoring student teams throughout the program.
Outstanding university students from Nanyang Technological University, Yale University, and Xiamen University also returned to share their experiences of university life, leadership, and community engagement.
The Singapore Good Soil Foundation believes that some of the most meaningful learning happens when young people inspire one another.
Education Beyond the Classroom
The program featured speakers from the fields of philanthropy, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, design, and communication.
Participants also visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong Sikh community, M+ Museum, and The University of Hong Kong, gaining first-hand insight into Hong Kong's multicultural society, religious inclusivity, and the role of civic institutions in building a more compassionate and connected community.
One of the most highly praised sessions of the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program was the Improvisational Speaking Masterclass.
After the session, a first-year Yale University undergraduate shared, "I wish I had taken this class in high school."
For the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, that reflection was more meaningful than any accolade. It affirmed a belief at the heart of the program: education is not only about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating independent thinking, authentic communication, meaningful collaboration, and the confidence to navigate an uncertain future.
Technology Should Always Serve Humanity
The Charity Pitch Challenge remained the centerpiece of the program.
Working in interdisciplinary teams, Student Fellows designed innovative solutions to real social challenges by integrating artificial intelligence, art, and human-centered design.
Throughout the program, students were reminded of one simple belief:
AI is not the goal. It is a tool.
The future will not be shaped by technology alone, but by the values of the people who choose how to use it.
Five Days. Leadership in Action.
The program also celebrated the continued impact of Silver Sayang, a student-led initiative launched during the Singapore Good Soil Foundation's inaugural Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program.
Today, its members continue organizing visits to nursing homes, bringing companionship and care to elderly residents.
Their journey is a reminder that meaningful education does not end when the program concludes. Sometimes, one conversation, one project, or one act of kindness can shape a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the world, the Singapore Good Soil Foundation believes one question has become more important than ever:
What does it truly mean to be human?
The answer is not found in technological progress alone, but in the choices we make, the compassion we show, and the responsibility we take for one another.
This belief is the foundation of the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program: to equip young people not only with the skills to innovate, but also with the character to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
At the heart of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation's mission is a conviction often expressed by its Founder, Ms Faye Lo:
"Our goal is not simply to help young people succeed. It is to help them become people who expand human possibility."
The Singapore Good Soil Foundation aspires to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, and AI innovators who are equally defined by their compassion, integrity, global outlook, and commitment to the common good. Ultimately, the future will not be shaped by technology alone, but by those who choose to wield it with wisdom and purpose.
For more information about the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, you can follow them on :
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nextgenprogram/
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@nextgenphilanthropist
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569021872399
Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgen.program
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Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
