Ashley Madison in Singapore

Ashley Madison,  a dating site for people already in relationship, has recently announced its plans for a launch in Singapore in 2014. The Canada-based website (whose slogan is "Life is short. Have an affair.") is already in Asia with launches in Japan and Hong Kong.

The reaction for plans, which may well be publicity stunt because it seems like nobody in Singapore knew its existence until the news broke, were naturally negative. Many people would be cheerful indeed but they will naturally not celebrate the news openly.

The news created buzz on the net and on Wednesday "Ashley Madison" was the most searched term in Google Singapore with 10,000+ searches. Today, Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing has posted his opinion on the dating site on Facebook:

Saw media reports on Ashley Madison, a dating website targeting married spouses, which has plans to launch in Singapore next year. 

I do not welcome such a website into Singapore. I’m against any company or website that harms marriage. Promoting infidelity undermines trust and commitment between a husband and wife, which are core to marriage. Our marriage vows make it clear that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. This includes staying faithful to one another.  

I’m heartened by the responses of many Singaporeans who also spoke up against such website. This reflects the significance we all place in commitment and fidelity in marriage. 

Previously a Singapore based Facebook group called "Block Ashley Madison - Singapore" was formed which has gathered 11,300 likes up to now. Trish McDermott, a consultant who helped found Match.com, accused Ashley Madison of being a "business built on the back of broken hearts, ruined marriages and damaged families". Biderman responded by stating that the site is "just a platform" and a website or a commercial will not convince anyone to commit adultery.

Ashley Madison slogan : "Life is short. Have an affair."

By the way, if you wonder who Ashley Madison is, the answer is no one. The name was created from two popular female baby names "Ashley" and "Madison".