The meteoric increase in personal wealth in Asia has given rise to greater regional philanthropy. This was recently highlighted by Jack Ma's announcement that he plans to step down from his role as executive chairman of Alibaba in order to focus on philanthropy in education. Private citizens, corporations, and organizations are increasingly tapping into an unprecedented ability to donate and play a role in solving complex social challenges. This potential has developed within an environment that is distinct from traditional philanthropy in the United States and Europe. Far from monolithic, philanthropy in Asia has seen many different approaches with variable outcomes across the region.

Please join the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) for a discussion on the past, present, and future of Asian philanthropy with the president and CEO of the Asia Society Josette Sheeran and Dr. Ruth Shapiro, the founder, and chief executive of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society and author of the book Pragmatic Philanthropy: Asian Charity Explained

Dr. Shapiro and the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society have developed the ‘Doing Good Index’ that looks at philanthropy in 15 Asian economies. The index shines a light on the status of civil society and advocacy in Asia and provides context for pressing questions for development and philanthropy professionals. What makes Asian philanthropy distinct? How do history, tradition, and governance play a role in shaping social investment in the region? What can those in traditional philanthropic organizations learn from the new strategies and objectives seen in Asia, and what can be done to unlock the enormous potential for Asian charitable giving?

Speakers

Dr. Ruth Shapiro is the founder and chief executive of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, a nonprofit incorporated in Hong Kong in 2014. In addition to Pragmatic Philanthropy, Dr. Shapiro edited The Real Problem Solvers, a book about social entrepreneurship in America. She is a regular speaker on issues related to Asian philanthropy, social innovation and social entrepreneurship in Asia. Dr. Shapiro holds a doctorate from Stanford University and Masters degrees from Harvard University and George Washington University.

Josette Sheeran is the seventh President and CEO of Asia Society. She is responsible for advancing the organization’s global work in the fields of arts and culture, policy and business, and education. Sheeran also serves as the UN Special Envoy to Haiti, representing the UN Secretary-General in advancing Haiti's 2030 vision and in helping secure an end to the transmission of cholera in Haiti. Sheeran is former vice chair of the World Economic Forum, known for its annual Davos convening and Davos in China.