One Lucky Duck - expand your social circle, be introduced to unique experiences and maybe even meet that special someone!

JASSMIN PETER chats with SANDY KENG owner of ONE LUCKY DUCK, an exciting new social gathering platform for singles which promises to expand your social circle, introduce you to unique experiences and ensure you have the time of your life!

One Lucky Duck was conceived by Sandy Keng about a year ago with an agenda - to bypass the awkwardness and stress that comes with a date orchestrated by traditional matchmaking services. Sandy strongly believes you are the best judge of who's a good match for you, so she creates the ideal environment for a great time while introducing you to a bunch of new and interesting people who are there for the same reason. And yes, there's always the possibility you might bump into that special someone. But if you don't, you still walk away with a positive experience.

TF: How would you best describe the experience you offer?
SK: One Lucky Duck is more about socialising and meeting new people. Imagine a dinner party where you're surrounded by people you've never met before. That's the atmosphere I set out to create. My events are intimate but never one-on-one so as to avoid awkward situations.

TF: How did you come up with this unique concept?
SK: Being single in Singapore is not always easy. Many expats move here as a couple and it can be hard to get into that kind of social circle. With this in mind, I decided to organise casual events where you meet singles without the pressure of having to meet someone special.

TF: What type of events do you plan?
SK: Mostly dinners or drinks with a twist. It could be a chef's table, wine tasting or an event called Trash & Treasure where everyone attending invites a friend of the opposite sex they aren't interested in romantically. It's become quite the hit. I get ideas for new events when I'm out and in a social setting.

TF: Any pre-requisites to becoming a member?
SK: There's no membership. You pay only for the events you RSVP to on the website. There are no pre-requisites to attend the events, I don't do any background checks and I don't set limits in terms of age, nationality and such.

TF: Any success stories to share?
SK: So far feedback has been positive and everyone seems to enjoy the opportunity of meeting other singles without the awkward pressure of having to follow up if there's no chemistry. Also, since all the events are organised in a group setting, you're never stuck in a situation where you can't escape someone. In terms of success stories, it's hard to say. I follow up the day after the event but it's usually a little too soon to tell. Or if it's been very successful those concerned tend to downplay things. But I do know some contact details have been exchanged and more intimate one-on-one dates have been arranged.

TF: What do you enjoy most about heading One Lucky Duck?
SK: Definitely meeting people when they're out for a good time. People are always happy when they come out for an event like this and everyone's in a positive frame of mind.

TF: What do you like best about Singapore?
SK: I moved here from Denmark almost five years ago and I love the great lifestyle and weather. I don't miss biking in the snow in the dark!

TF: Favourite spots for a romantic date?
SK: A romantic date can happen anywhere. The most important element is the ambience, a good atmosphere and of course the person you're with. Somewhere with a great view or in nature such as a park or at the beachside is always great.

TF: Have you experienced any unusual dating propositions?
SK: I was once asked to go indoor rock climbing on a first date and I turned him down - I couldn't think of anything more awful! You have to be a pretty good climber to look good when you do it, you won't be able to wear your favourite outfit - unless you're one of those few people who look great in sports clothes. The lighting is usually very unattractive in these places and it involves flat shoes - not great when you're 160 cm like me! I guess what I'm saying is it's nice to make sure both parties feel comfortable with the location to get the best outcome from the date.

Flying solo?
Here are Sandy's top tips on surviving Valentine's Day...

• Lower your expectations There are 365 days in a year where you can
find love.
• Arrange to get together with a group of single friends if there's nobody special you want to have a romantic evening with. Ask your friends to invite other single friends. If it doesn't work, there's always HBO.
• Don't stress Valentine's Day was something Hallmark invented to sell more cards, though if you ask them they'll deny it.
• Don't go on a first date on Valentine's Day It looks desperate and there's too much pressure for it to be perfect.

Get lucky!
Join One Lucky Duck's next exciting event. Check the website for more details. www.oneluckyduck.com.sg

Posted Feb 2012