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Kyodo) _ A dating agency launched earlier this year to help Cambodian men and women find their perfect match is raising government fears that such a service will jeopardize the country's cultural traditions.
Seng Leakhena, general manager of Couple Service, said that since debuting in January, nearly 100 Cambodian men and women have registered.
Of them, four couples are dating, with the agency already inspiring two marriages.
Seng Leakhena said she initiated the business with experience she gained from Singapore.
The dating agency, she said, is designed to help women find their partners rather than waiting for men to approach them, as is customary in this country.
"Some women, they see men they like, but are afraid to seek them out," she said.
The service, however, has not been warmly welcomed by the government, which fears fake marriage arrangements and women being dragged into the country's thriving sex trade.
"The ministry is not welcoming the service because it contradicts Khmer culture. It is not yet time for Cambodia to accept such a service," said Women's Affairs Minister Ing Kunthaphavy.
"It must be reviewed whether the service is serving in good faith and reaching the right target of real couples or exploiting them into the sex trade," she told Kyodo News.
Seng Leakhena responded that her service simply aims to offer more opportunities and choices to anyone seeking a spouse.
About 10 people visit her office daily, with about 10 to 15 telephone enquiries.
Clients are required to pay $30 for their first introduction, and are strongly encouraged to provide full disclosures of their living status, working experience and income. Subsequent introductions cost $10 each.
Prince Sisowath Kola Chhat, secretary of state of the Culture and Fine Arts Ministry, also frowned on the service, saying it may lead to social anarchy.
"I do not agree with this...It should be held off for another 50 years," he said.
Traditionally, a Cambodian man approaches a woman for marriage, and is required to go through their both sides' parents and/or elderly relatives.
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