Bone marrow donations in Singapore have increased notably in 2026, with The Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) coordinating 71 transplants so far this year—surpassing the total of 57 donations recorded in all of 2025. The surge was announced on October 31 by BMDP chief executive Charles Loh at the Match for Life 2026 walkathon held at Bidadari Park.
The rise in donations reflects a combination of growing transplant needs, increased utilization of local donors, and enhanced efforts by BMDP to make bone marrow transplants more accessible to patients suffering from leukemia and other blood disorders. BMDP, a non-profit organisation, manages Singapore’s only registry of volunteer marrow donors, which currently includes over 130,000 individuals.
Despite this sizeable pool, donor attrition remains a significant challenge, according to Loh. He emphasized the event’s theme, “Walk the Talk,” highlighting the importance of committing to help those battling serious blood diseases.
Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng, who serves as BMDP’s patron, noted that hospitals submit approximately 500 donor search requests annually to BMDP. However, only about 20% of these requests translate to actual transplants. Tan explained that multiple factors can prevent a transplant from proceeding, including changes in patient health, donors being unable to donate, or the inability to find a suitable match. He stressed the need to expand and diversify the donor registry to improve matching outcomes for patients in need.
As of the end of September, 247 potential donors had confirmed their willingness to proceed after being contacted, advancing patients closer to life-saving transplants. Meanwhile, participation in BMDP’s corporate partner programme has nearly doubled—from 26 organisations in 2025 to 48 in 2026—offering support such as time off for employees who wish to donate.
About 800 participants attended the walkathon, including 262 registered marrow donors, 12 of whom have already donated marrow or stem cells. Among the attendees was psychiatrist Daniel Kwek, 60, who shared his personal experience with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the bone marrow.
Kwek recounted that he first noticed a red patch on his knee in October 2018, initially mistaking it for cellulitis. Following diagnosis, he underwent chemotherapy, which progressed in difficulty, and ultimately required a bone marrow transplant recommended by his oncologist. After registering with BMDP, a compatible donor was found, and Kwek received a successful transplant in January 2019. Since then, he has undergone periodic follow-ups and continued oral chemotherapy over several months.
Kwek now volunteers with BMDP to raise awareness and encourage others to donate. He described the transplant as “another lease on life,” noting it allowed him to witness his son’s wedding in 2023.