Since 2016, Neo Group has become a dedicated force in Singapore’s National Blood Programme, thanks to the efforts of passionate advocates such as The Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neo Group, Neo Kha Kiat and Jasper Chang, Neo Group's Assistant Director of Operations. Kha Kiat spearheaded campaigns and initiatives within Neo Group to turn blood donation into a regular, celebrated practice. In an insightful interview, Jasper shares his journey as a blood donor, Neo Group’s journey as a Bloodmobile Organiser, and the company’s impact on Singapore’s lifesaving mission.

The Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neo Group, Neo Kha Kiat firmly believes in the lifesaving cause of blood donation. He encouraged his Corporate Social Responsibility Committee to approach the Singapore Red Cross to kickstart this initiative of organising blood drives for its employees and partners. Neo Group organised its inaugural blood drive in 2016. Employees who donated blood will be given a volunteer leave.

Jasper Chang, Assistant Director of Operations at Neo Group, made his first blood donation at that blood drive as he was motivated to lead by example. 

"I felt it was a good way to contribute back to society," he said. 

Following the positive feedback from its maiden blood drive, Neo Group bolstered the initiative into an enduring bi-annual initiative, transforming it into a three-day blood drive hosted twice yearly.

Building a Culture of Support and Encouragement for Potential Blood Donors

Neo Group garners support for its blood drives by launching comprehensive campaigns, distributing flyers and posters throughout the company's premises, and disseminating electronic direct mailers. These collective efforts advocate blood donation and foster participation across the company. 

Besides that, Neo Group adopts a welcoming and informative approach to actively support new donors. 

“Building a culture of support and encouragement is instrumental to the success of the blood drives and essential for first-time blood donors among our employees. This encouragement will help establish a lasting culture of commitment to the cause,” Jasper said. 

He recounted instances where people perceived that blood donation would be painful or that they were too old to donate blood in their 50s. In these circumstances, Jasper would explain that the anaesthetic would alleviate the pain, and they could donate blood as long as they were healthy until they were 60. By fostering a supportive culture of encouragement and open conversations, Neo Group alleviated the colleagues' concerns, as they felt more empowered to donate. 

Jasper inspires his colleagues to donate blood to make a positive and tangible difference in others' lives. He derives intrinsic fulfilment when he witnesses more people at the company blood drives. It is a reward in itself.

"I encourage my peers to donate blood as it is an opportunity to engage in a good deed. Each year, we see more and more people come by. This is how I give back to society," said Jasper, who also advocates blood donation among his family and friends. 

Beyond rallying the employees' support for the blood drive, Neo Group extends its outreach by canvassing support from its partners, guests, families and friends. This creates a community bonded by the shared cause of saving lives.

Gaining Recognition for its Contributions to the National Blood Programme

From 2016 to November 2024, Neo Group has 10,470 blood donors registered with the National Blood Programme, contributing more than 7,200 units of blood. Neo Group's steadfast dedication to the lifesaving cause of blood donation was recognised and appreciated at World Blood Donor Day in 2021, where it received the prestigious Blood Mobile Organiser Gold Award.

Neo Group exemplifies how corporations can establish an enduring corporate culture where employees and partners are dedicated to the lifesaving cause to give back, and make meaningful and impactful contributions to society. This creates a positive ripple effect within the organisation. 

Strategies to Amplify Blood Donation

There are several ways to raise awareness of blood donation, to augment the National Blood Programme. Jasper highlighted the importance of collaborating with schools, religious institutions, and workplaces to organise blood donation drives, enhancing the convenience of students, believers and employees. He also proposed leveraging educational campaigns to inform potential donors about the impact of blood donation and addressing misconceptions. He also lauds the National Blood Programme's efforts in celebrating donors' contributions and offering small incentives such as the stress ball. 

“Donating blood is a powerful way to make a difference in society, with the potential to save lives,” he affirmed. 

By Cherie Aw, Intern
Copyedited by Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications