MATCHMAKING is no longer a word heavy with stigma.

Not only are the number of people - young executives in their 20s and 30s included - approaching matchmaking companies growing, the number of firms offering such services is also on the rise.

There are now over 210 companies listed under the category of dating, matchmaking and friendship with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, which registers companies here.

Two years ago, there were about 170 such companies.

Five major players here also report rapid increases in membership numbers and revenues.

For instance, founder of Lunch Actually and Eteract.com Violet Lim, 28, said revenues from her lunch dating company have increased by about 20 per cent year on year since 2004.

The dating industry, though, suffers from black sheep that conduct fly-by-night operations, like those which close down after accepting members' fees, or those which promote casual sex, said members of newly- launched Association of Dating Agencies and Matchmakers (Singapore), or Adams.

One of the reaons why it was formed was to separate the wheat from the chaff. Member companies must be screened and accredited by the Social Development Unit, which lines up a series of courses, with oral tests and essays, before they can join.

Members will work together to promote the dating industry. Part of the growth in business can be attributed to increasing numbers of professionals who want to be matchmade.

They make up between 60 per cent and 95 per cent of clientele at many dating agencies.

Like self-employed businessman Fabian Lim, 37, who decided to approach an agency last July because 'today's world is all about efficiency'. He is getting married next month.

In fact, one dating agency named WhoWorks Around You was started because one of its co-founders, Mr Andy Lim, 28, found himself eating instant noodles at his desk nightly - alone - while putting in overtime, he said.

His website connects singles working in the same area.

Some employers encourage their single staff to socialise too, such as by signing up corporate memberships with some dating agencies.

For instance, the Monetary Authority of Singapore makes it free for its staff to become Go- MovieDate.com members, and sponsors the first pair of movie tickets.

Focus On The Family president Joanna Koh-Hoe, 33, said:'Instead of saying 'I have no time', it's good that people are trying creative and modern means to meet people.

'But meeting potential partners is not an exact science. No matter how good a match, you still have to put in plain old commitment.'