Who said that all peer pressure is bad? SAF Employee Jaclyn Phua shows us how that extra push from good company could turn into a generous lifestyle of saving lives through blood donation. 

Positive Peer Pressure

At just 16, Jaclyn Phua found herself nervously stepping into a school hall that had been transformed into a temporary blood donation centre. It was her first time donating blood. While the thought of the thick needle made her apprehensive, she instead tuned into the quiet excitement filling the air. 

Accompanied by her sister and a group of supportive friends, Jaclyn felt encouraged to look beyond her nerves.

“I was a little nervous, but I felt more excited than scared,” she recalled. “When you’re surrounded by others doing the same thing, the fear fades. I felt like I was doing something good.”

That one decision sparked a commitment that Jaclyn has carried with her into adulthood. Today, she is a regular blood donor and an advocate, especially among her peers. The fear, if any were present at all, has dissipated. She now treats blood donation as an integral part of her life, confident enough to go alone if necessary. 

“It doesn’t cost me anything. If I can help someone out just by spending a little time, why wouldn’t I?” 

Always Ready to Help   

“When I get calls or messages from the Singapore Red Cross asking if I can come in — I feel like I want to step up. If I can help, I will.”

Even now as a member of the Singapore Armed Forces, Jaclyn still finds time on the weekends to donate blood despite the demands of military life. 

The Ease of Donation with Technology

Over the years, Jaclyn has seen how technology has made giving blood easier and more accessible. 

“Now you can book an appointment online and reschedule if needed. The whole process has become quite quick. It usually takes me about an hour,” Jaclyn shared. 

Compared to common misconceptions — long waits, endless paperwork, and painful procedures — Jaclyn’s experience is a testament to how far the system has come in making blood donation efficient and donor-friendly.

Prior to settling in the chair with a blood bag, potential donors will have to get through the haemoglobin check. Here, haemoglobin levels will be measured by a fingerprick test and weight will be measured to ensure that all donors meet health requirements. However, like any process involving health, there are moments of unpredictability. 

“Sometimes you show up but they turn you away because your iron levels are too low, or your hemoglobin isn’t where it should be. It is disheartening, but it just means I'll have to try again another time.” 

Building an Impactful Next Generation

“You don’t see the person you’re helping, but you know it matters. You see stories in the media — a person needed blood and was saved because someone else came forward to give. That’s powerful.”

Her message is particularly relevant to the younger generation, many of whom are unaware of how simple, safe, and impactful blood donation can be. 

“A lot of people think it’s tedious and scary — or perhaps they’re just lazy to make the trip down!” She laughs. “But it’s really not a big deal once you experience how fast and easy it is. And the feeling you get after, knowing you’ve helped someone, makes it all worthwhile.”

Jaclyn believes the way blood donation is presented can make a big difference in encouraging more youth participation. 

“With short and funny videos on TikTok and Instagram, we can make the message to donate blood more palatable and less like a lecture. And by making the donation feel more like an activity instead of a chore, more people will go,” she suggests. “And if one person goes, they might bring along a friend or two. That’s how it goes viral.”

Passing It On

Jaclyn credits her family — especially her sister — for planting the seed of giving. “I’m really thankful that I had people around me who were already donating. It helped me normalise giving and view it as something good.” 

Now Jaclyn does the same for others. “My boyfriend donated for the first time with me recently. Another friend said she wants to go after hearing me talk about it. That makes me really happy!”

Jaclyn’s story reminds us that sometimes, just sitting and giving your time —  and blood, can make a big difference. You may even save a life, or three. 

Interested in becoming a donor? Visit Red Cross Singapore's website or follow them on social media for updates on donation drives and appointment slots. Every drop counts—and you might just be the reason someone gets a second chance at life.

Written by Dhira Deka, Volunteer Writer.
Copyedited by Eunice Sng, Marketing & Communications