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07-03-2004, 11:55 AM
Singapore Launches Love Potion
Perfumes
By YEOH EN-LAI
Associated Press Writer
SINGAPORE (AP) -- What does romance,
Singapore-style, smell like?
Two new perfumes, a floral scent for her and a musky aroma for him, were
launched 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 Web site 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 the falling birth rate is 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, defense and labor requirements.
The
yearlong 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 behavior
modification campaigns - where it advises citizens on everything from flushing toilets to speaking proper English
and waving at a fellow motorists.
Perfumes
By YEOH EN-LAI
Associated Press Writer
SINGAPORE (AP) -- What does romance,
Singapore-style, smell like?
Two new perfumes, a floral scent for her and a musky aroma for him, were
launched 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 Web site 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 the falling birth rate is 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, defense and labor requirements.
The
yearlong 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 behavior
modification campaigns - where it advises citizens on everything from flushing toilets to speaking proper English
and waving at a fellow motorists.