FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2004
Nanny state brews love potion
AP
SINGAPORE: What does romance, Singapore-style, smell like?
Two new perfumes, a floral scent for her and a musky aroma for him , were launched on Friday in Singapore as part of an annual government-backed campaign aimed at boosting marriage and birth rates in the city-state.
The perfumes, both dubbed "Romancing Singapore Eau de Parfum" come in small Italian glass bottles and were created by local university students as "a gift to the nation," a statement on the Romancing Singapore campaign website said.
"These exquisite perfumes uniquely capture the spirit of romance and love ," the statement said. "Smooth over your pulse points or spray where your senses lead you."
Government officials are hoping that more Singaporeans will be led to the bedroom this year to help remedy the city-state's need for babies.
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that the falling birth rate was among the administration's top three priorities for 2004.
Singapore recorded its lowest-ever birth rate last year,with just 37,633 babies born - far less than the 50,000 it needs to meet its economic, defence and labour requirements.
The year-long romance campaign is backed by the Ministry of Community Development and Sports and will also sponsor social events such as a tango competition, a couple's marathon and a river race -all designed to promote family by bringing single people together.
Singapore, a self-confessed "nanny state," is well-known for its behaviour modification campaigns - where it advises citizens on everything from flushing toilets to speaking proper English and waving at a fellow motorists.
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