More than 9,000 single graduates will receive a joint invitation from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Community Development and Sports (MCDS) in May 2003 to join the Social Development Unit (SDU).

In support of MCDS’ objective of encouraging marriage and family formation, and to promote the social well-being of Singaporeans, these National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) graduates of 2002 will be offered the SDU complimentary membership for up to two years.

On the complimentary membership, Mrs Tan Hwee Seh, Coordinating Director, Family Development, MCDS said: "We encourage fresh graduates to continue their networking and relationship building even after they leave school and enter the workforce."

"There is a natural tendency for fresh graduates to focus on settling into their jobs at the expense of networking and socialising. The graduate’s development and growth could be hampered in the process and this might affect his or her chances of finding a life partner," Mrs Tan said.

"MOE supports MCDS’ objectives in encouraging marriage and family formation. Graduates can also enjoy the socialisation and networking opportunities offered by the SDU complimentary membership," said Mr Lim Chee Hwee, Director, Higher Education, and MOE.

MOE and MCDS will be sending out the joint invitation from 6 May 2003. Graduates have up to three weeks to decide if they wish to take up the offer. No action is required from those who wish to enjoy the SDU complimentary membership. Those who do not wish to accept the offer would just need to return the response slip.

After the closing of the membership drive, only the information of those who wish to be SDU members will be transferred to SDU for purpose of processing the memberships and future communication.

Fresh graduates from the Singapore Management University (SMU) will be invited from Graduation Year 2004 onwards.