From witnessing how blood donors helped save his late father’s life to accompanying his daughter for her first donation, Mr Liow Yong Hwee has seen firsthand how a simple act of giving can create ripples across generations.

More than 30 years ago, like many of his peers back in polytechnic, Mr Liow Yong Hwee wanted to find a meaningful way to contribute to the community. Being blessed with excellent health, blood donation felt like a practical and tangible way to give back.

What he remembers most vividly from his first donation, however, was not the needle. It was the hot Milo and cookies served afterwards.

“They tasted incredibly rewarding after what turned out to be a very quick and painless session!” he laughed.

What started as an occasional act of giving soon became part of his routine. Every three months, he would faithfully return to the bloodbank for his regular donations. But his commitment deepened after he learnt about apheresis donation, which allowed him to donate more regularly.

“I’m still surprised by myself sometimes. This has become the longest and most consistent ritual of my life.”

Blood Is a Lifeline

Over the years, Yong Hwee had heard countless stories about how blood donations save lives. But one experience brought that reality closer to home.

When his late father was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, doctors informed his family that a large volume of blood would be needed.

As a regular blood donor, his immediate instinct was to ask what he could do to help.

“The staff assured me that everything was already taken care of. The sense of relief I felt in that moment was indescribable.”

In that moment, Yong Hwee realised something profound. The blood that his father needed has already been donated by people he would probably never meet.

“It made me realise that every single donation truly makes a direct difference to a person in crisis, whether they are undergoing a major surgery or facing a sudden medical emergency.”

More than three decades later, that experience remains one of the strongest reasons why he continues to donate.

Like A Second Home

Over the years, blood donation has gradually become part of his lifestyle and the bloodbank feels like an extended family.

The familiar faces and light-hearted conversations have made each visit feel less like an appointment, and more like catching up with old friends.

“The nurses and staff all recognise me now and they’ll joke, ‘Mr Liow, did you put on weight?’ or ‘Oh, you lost weight!’ Absolutely nothing escapes their watchful eyes.”

Blood donation has also become something he shares with his family. One of the memories he cherishes the most is accompanying his daughter for her very first blood donation after she turned 16.

“We even went out for a big beef burger the day before just to load up her iron levels. That’s just what dads do.”

Watching his daughter take that first step was a proud moment for him.

“To see the next generation carry on this spirit of giving, and my daughter being inspired by me, that's something very special.”

The Real Reward Is Saving Lives

With an impressive 212 donations to his name, the 51-year-old’s steadfast commitment to blood donation was recognised with the Medal for Life Award at this year’s World Blood Donor Day.

While honoured by the recognition, Yong Hwee believes that the greatest reward has never been the award itself. For him, blood donation is also a reminder to stay healthy and accountable, so he can continue helping others for as long as possible.

“Knowing that my small contribution allows families to reunite with their loved ones during a crisis is what keeps me going.”

To those who may feel hesitant about donating blood, he hopes they will take that first step despite their fears.

“Being able to give another person and their anxious family a second chance at life is a pretty cool legacy to have.”