New Man about town

Two weeks ago, Mr Terry Chia took to YouTube to find a girlfriend in time for Christmas this year.

On Tuesday, he will go for dinner at Halia restaurant at the Botanic Gardens, with a woman handpicked by the Kiss92 team.

DJs at the radio station interviewed the assistant producer last week and asked single listeners to write in for a chance meet him.

The station's assistant programme director Maddy Barber, who spearheaded the process of finding him a girlfriend, says the woman selected looks "pretty hot" from photos.

But before the big day, all hands are on deck to help Mr Chia transform into the perfect catch.

On Thursday, image consultant Katheryn Fock from dating agency Lunch Actually dispensed style tips to Mr Chia on his shopping trip to The Assembly, located at The Cathay on Handy Road.

The result was a more put-together look, with Mr Chia dressed in a pink long-sleeved shirt, jeans and grey lace-up shoes. A far cry from the "slightly geeky" man Ms Fock first saw in the YouTube videos.

He was wearing a striped polo tee then. "I wanted to create a smart-casual look for him. Something fashion-forward and fun, but not childish nor too flamboyant," she says.

Mr Chia said he felt like "a changed person" after the makeover. "It was a very shiok feeling," he says of the shopping experience.

Still, he admits that the items he picked out for the photo shoot (which cost between $89.90 and $219 each) were a little out of his usual price range.

But he really liked the watch he chose, which had a black dial featuring a snazzy tartan strap - something that could be a potential conversation starter.

After picking new glasses at Glist Vision, Mr Chia's new look had its first outing at a photo shoot organised by The New Paper on Sunday.

"The photo shoot went well, although I felt a little awkward. It was the first time I had experience something like that, and I am really happy to have gone through it," he says.

Asked about the date, the shy and soft-spoken man tells this reporter that he is feeling nervous and excited.

Since his video went viral, he has received many encouraging comments from netizens, many of whom are female.

But none have asked him out directly. He has also not gathered enough courage to make the first move.

His lack of confidence is something he hopes a date coach will take care of, he says.

In the weeks to come, Lunch Actually's Kydon Tay - a regular contributor to Kiss92 - will be giving him tips on dining etiquette, widening his social circle, and getting from the friend zone to a proper relationship.

Says Barber: "When I saw his video, I was tickled and touched because he looked so sincere, endearing, and his initiative was a very brave one, considering the Asian context we live in.

"I am realistic about the date. I hope he can get out there, boost his confidence, find out what he is really looking for in a girl. It is okay if he doesn't fall in love on the first try."

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Caturra pink Oxford by Benjamin Barker
$89.90

Skinny As Hell rinse jeans by Neuw
$219

Light Grey Wingtip Pumps by Benjamin Barker
$179

Magnus print Woodsman Watch by Komono
$149.50

Available at:

The Assembly Store
The Cathay
2 Handy Road, #01- 22/23

EJ Titanium frames
$228 (frames and lenses)

Available at:

Glist Vision
The Cathay
2 Handy Road