3-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) Agencies that connect Singaporean men with foreign brides have become a familiar option for those who have had no luck with dating apps. However, one such agency recently stirred up controversy when it posted the profile of a 17-year-old bride on its Facebook page, with a requirement that her potential husband must earn a minimum of S$4,800 per month.
The young age of the bride and her upfront salary demands have caused a buzz online, prompting the founder of the agency to address the issue.
The 17-year-old bride, according to the listing, prefers a husband who is below 36 years old. On Christmas Day, a Vietnamese bride agency in Singapore shared the bride’s profile on its Facebook page, featuring three photos of the young woman. The post also included details such as her height, weight, and educational background, which mentioned that she is currently attending high school.
The agency stated that the bride needs to spend nine months getting to know a potential match before officially getting married, ensuring that she will be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage. Additionally, the candidate must be below 36 years old and have a minimum monthly income of S$4,800.
The agency concluded the post by advising people to carefully consider the decision to marry a foreign spouse, as financial issues often lead to the breakdown of such marriages. They suggested that individuals should only pursue such arrangements if they are financially stable. Furthermore, the agency encouraged Singaporeans to marry fellow citizens to enjoy the benefits of a dual-income household, which would provide greater financial security.
Reactions to the post have been mixed, with some expressing interest in the bride and others criticizing her requirements. Several potential candidates have requested private messages to inquire further about the bride. However, a detractor suggested that anyone earning a monthly salary of S$4,800 would be better off living alone rather than sharing their income with her, going so far as to label her a “gold digger.” Another commenter deemed the bride too young and expressed their inability to accept the situation.
The agency’s founder, Mr. Eric Koh, clarified in an interview with Shin Min Daily News that the S$4,800 minimum salary requirement was his idea and not the bride’s. He stated that the requirement was intended to ensure the well-being of the young girl. Considering the cost of living, a monthly income of S$4,800 would be sufficient to cover expenses in a one-income household if she were to marry and come to Singapore. Mr. Koh also highlighted that the salary requirement is not unreasonable, as it aligns closely with the median salary of approximately S$5,200 reported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Additionally, he mentioned that the bride’s preference for a husband below 36 years old was to avoid a significant age gap.
