BY SUE TOOMEY, ASIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION In a journey to the heart of Bandung, we examine up close how to bring together communities from different race, religion, and culture to live in harmony. Earlier this year, we embarked on a journey to visit the non-profit organisation Peace Generation, whose mission is to promote peace, interracial and religious harmony in the region. Led by Ashoka Fellow Irfan Amalee, PeaceGen has been supported by The Silent Foundation and APC over the past few years under the ASEAN Peace Initiatives. As the project has come to a close, the question of What comes…

BY LAVANYA PRAKASH Technology will play a critical role in achieving net-zero emissions globally. Climate-focused investment fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures, founded by Bill Gates, recently published a “State of the Transition 2023” report detailing advancement in decarbonisation across five major sectors described as “the grand challenges”.  The report outlines several examples of startups BEV has invested in that fill critical gaps in climate tech, and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases at scale by at least half a gigaton annually. While the report focuses on decarbonisation technologies, BEV makes the case that carbon storage and capture are essential to…

BY EE JEAN LAW, ASIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Given immense returns on social investment, how can strategic philanthropy address Asia’s education challenges? Insights from PAS2024. As Asia grapples with an evolving landscape marked by escalating geopolitical temperatures, rising temperatures, and social upheavals, the role of philanthropy in driving change has never been more crucial. This was at the heart of a recent dialogue organised by Asia Philanthropy Circle, Asia Community Foundation (ACF), Accelerate Indian Philanthropy (AIP), and the Gates Foundation. Hosted at APC member Anthonia Hui’s office against the stunning backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline, the dialogue gathered members from…

BY JEROME ONG Given immense returns on social investment, how can strategic philanthropy address Asia’s education challenges? Insights from PAS2024. Education is often touted as the great leveller in society. Yet, it is not without challenges. Across Asia, pre-school enrolment rates in rural areas stand at just 40%—half that of urban areas—while the attainment gap between top- and bottom-performing students continues to widen. Conversely, the payoff for investing in education is immense. According to UNICEF, every $1 invested in pre-school education can yield $9 in returns for society. With such pressing needs and clear evidence of impact, why does education…

BY SIMON FLINT APC member Simon Flint shares his thoughts on APC’s recent site visit to Dili and Atauro Island in Timor-Leste–aka how all trip reports should look like! I seriously questioned Xanana Gusmao’s judgment when he punched me (hard), only to hug Stanley like a long-lost brother, plant a lingering kiss on Elaine’s hand, and lovingly rub Thomas’s scalp. Still, it was all of a piece with the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurial philanthropists. Yet, despite Xanana’s sparkling charisma and drive, delivering development will be an immense challenge. Timor’s Human Development Index will be at the foot of the…

BY KATHLYN TAN, RUMAH GROUP Despite unpromising progress towards protecting 30% of the world’s land and seas by 2030, APC member Kathlyn Tan shares her hopes as youth, innovators, philanthropists, and government leaders are standing up to take action behind the scenes.  The global conference circuit is in full swing. In April, international delegates convened for not one, but two ocean conferences: the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona and the 9th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Athens. Thomas and I had the opportunity to attend OOC for the first time, where our agenda included witnessing youth mobilisation in…