KUALA LUMPUR - More Malaysian Chinese women are now refusing to marry early, choosing to focus on their careers while many are also reluctant to "marry down", said MCA Wanita chief Datuk Yu Chok Tow.
She added that many were picky when it came to choosing life partners or who they date.
"They won't get married if they don't think the men are up to par.
"This view is seen from the number of women who surpass the men at Wanita MCA's Cupid Space Programme functions every year," she said at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Yu said many women told the movement they had problems finding life partners as they wanted to focus on their careers first.
"They choose to be single and are reluctant to marry down', probably because of their high income and education levels compared to the men.
"But, they do want to settle down and have families, and that is why our programmes are still popular," she said.
According to statistics from the Cupid Space Programme, a majority of the women participants are degree holders. In contrast, SPM holders make up most of the male participants, while the rest are diploma holders.
Yu also said since the programme began 12 years ago, women participants made up 65 per cent of the 4,700 members that have been recruited.
She also attributed the higher number of women joining Cupid Space to their increased confidence and aggressiveness compared to their male counterparts.
"Usually, Malaysian men are quite shy when it comes to these things," she added.
Nevertheless, Yu said the movement was hoping to get an equal number of participants from both sexes in the upcoming 12th annual Cupid Space Speed Dating Party, to be held next month.
The event's executor Peggy Lim said more than half of the participants exchanged contact details with a potential partner in past events.
"We also have a success rate of 10 per cent, whereby our participants have successfully established a romantic relationship after our events," she added.
The party will be held on Dec 15 at Sunway Putra Hotel. Registration opens on Dec 1, 2 and 8 from 11.30am to 3.30pm at Wisma MCA.
The party is open to all single Malaysian Chinese and the entry fee is RM180.
For more information, call 03-7726 2266, 012-240 1802 or go to www.cupidspacedating.com.
