BY CAROL TAN, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE How do family values shape the approach to philanthropy? Conversely, how could philanthropic endeavours shape family values? By 2030, it is expected that over 2.5 trillion dollars in Asia will be transferred from one generation to the next. As the currents in wealth shift and new generations come to the helm of family businesses and philanthropy, the time is ripe for a discussion on the role of giving in a family. How can current leaders meaningfully involve the next generation in a family’s existing philanthropic work? How can new generations balance…
The Future of Philanthropy in Asia: Insights from Singapore
BY SARAH TAM AND KOON PENG OOI, ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE In March, Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) and Bloomberg co-hosted the Singapore launch of APC’s Future of Asian Philanthropy, a two-part research study that explores how Asian society might look in 2050, and how philanthropy can fulfil its promise as a positive, impactful force in society. Using scenario planning, the report envisions four future scenarios based on three fundamental ‘Driving Forces” that are shaping society in Asia: The launch event brought together a diverse group of philanthropists, private wealth professionals, government, thought leaders, NGOs who reflected on the current society attitudes…
What does the future of philanthropy in Indonesia look like?
BY STACEY CHOE, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE In February 2023, APC convened a group of leading philanthropists, civil society leaders, and representatives from think-tanks and foundations in Jakarta to ponder such a question. Using our recent research publication, the Future of Asian Philanthropy, as a framework for discussion, the audience set about on a guided journey towards deciphering how the key drivers of state control, social inequality, and civil society cooperation will influence society, and what we should look into now to lead the country towards its best possible outcomes. It was an afternoon of deep, meaningful discussions…
Protecting our climate frontiers: The Oceans of Southeast Asia
BY RAFID A. SHIDQI, SENIOR EXECUTIVE, ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE The Coral Triangle Region in Southeast Asia is home to some of the most diverse marine life on the planet. Comprising countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Timor Leste, and several Pacific Island nations, the region boasts over 70% of the world’s coral reef species and 37% of all coral reef fish. Its marine resources are crucial to the survival of over 120 million people who depend on them for food, livelihoods, and protection from storms. Despite its importance, the Coral Triangle Region faces threats from unsustainable practices, such as…
Introductory Thoughts: Being a Voice for the Disadvantaged
BY RINA LOPEZ Rina Lopez is the President and Executive Director of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, a powerhouse providing quality educational materials for pre-school and K-12 levels for the most disadvantaged sector of the Philippine economy—school children enrolled in the public education system. She has been a member of Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) since 2019, and recently joined the Board in July 2022. She was recently named as one of Forbes Asia’s “2021 Heroes of Philanthropy” for her tireless work to ensure continuing access to quality education for children, especially during COVID-19. We invited her to share some of her…
What We’re Reading: Re-envisioning Early Childhood Policy and Practice
The Harvard Center’ on the Developing Child‘s most recent report introduces “ECD 2.0″, which adds three new concepts to the present understanding of Early Childhood Development. BY VANESSA GOEH Many APC members are supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives to improve outcomes in the region—such as the APC Regional ECD Research, which looks at different ECD policies and programmes across Indonesia, Philippines, and China, or the 1000 Days Fund, which looks at addressing stunting in Indonesia. Thus, it is necessary to keep abreast with the most recent developments in the ECD field. We recently came across the Harvard Center on the Developing’s…
Creating Impact Beyond Philanthropy
Members came together for a session focusing on impact investing and ESG, and how to utilise all the assets at their disposal beyond capital to drive positive social change. BY RUNCHEN HUANG Since 2020, APC has been hosting Calls for Collaboration to enable members extend the impact of their philanthropy—through opportunities to share projects they are supporting with fellow members in order to find common interests and new ways to collaborate with each other. In our first Call for Collaboration in 2022, members came together for a session focusing on impact investing and ESG, ending with a showcase of impact funds…
Philanthropy and Countering Future Pandemics
Where can philanthropy contribute in pandemic preparedness to prevent the devastating effects of another global pandemic? BY THERESA CUA APC had the interesting opportunity to invite “The Batman”, as well as two “Supermen” at a recent roundtable dialogue with APC members—that is to say, eminent guests Professor Wang Linfa (Duke-NUS School of Medicine), renowned for his research into bat-borne diseases; Professor Sir Peter Horby (Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford), credited for leading the biggest global clinical trials for the COVID-19 treatments we benefit from today; and Professor Gavin Screaton, who heads the School of Medicine at the University of…
Carbon Markets: Challenges & Opportunities for Asia
As companies and companies turn to carbon offsets in order to achieve net-zero emissions, what role can philanthropy play in the carbon credit ecosystem? BY SARAH TAM As companies and governments build out their net-zero roadmaps, many have turned to the promise of carbon offsets—measurable, verifiable emission reductions from certified climate action projects—to offset their emissions, while driving an economic model for conservation. If executed well, these projects can deliver benefits beyond reducing emissions, such as improving health, women’s empowerment, and conservation. Yet, while carbon markets appear to be a win-win for protecting public land and achieving net-zero. Critics argue that carbon…
Building a Stronger Philanthropic Ecosystem in Asia
How does the role of philanthropy in society need to evolve in these troubled times? BY JIA XIAN SEOW The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) recently announced its intention to spend US$9 billion annually by 2026—a 50% increase over pre-pandemic spending levels. With an endowment now totaling an estimated US$70 billion, one would not be faulted in wondering whether the world’s second largest philanthropic foundation may presume to be the global authority on effective giving for the world’s greatest needs. Instead, speaking to APC members a Fireside Chat in June 2022, BMGF CEO and Board Member Mark Suzman’s tone…