Singapore is changing the rules on who can give blood.

From 2026, first-time donors will be allowed to step up even at age 65 - a move aimed at tackling falling donation rates and rising demand.

This is according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who announced the policy change at a World Blood Donor Day event held by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

But can this shift make a real difference? And what does the data really say about older donors? We dive into the numbers and the policy behind the change.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Christine Cheung, Associate Professor of Vascular Biomedicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at NTU to find out more. 

Singapore is changing the rules on who can give blood.
From 2026, first-time donors will be allowed to step up even at age 65 - a move aimed at tackling falling donation rates and rising demand.
This is according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who announced the policy change at a World Blood Donor Day event held by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
But can this shift make a real difference? And what does the data really say about older donors? We dive into the numbers and the policy behind the change.
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Christine Cheung,&nbsp;Associate Professor of Vascular Biomedicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at NTU to find out more.&nbsp;

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.