CAPS Spotlight - November 13, 2024
Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
A uniquely Asian, independent action-oriented research and advisory organization.
Dear Friends,
As I write about in this article published in Nikkei Asia , one of several characteristics of Asian philanthropy is that it is carried out in alignment with government objectives. At CAPS, bringing our research to governments in Asia is a priority. Last week, I had a productive meeting with government officials in the Philippines to discuss findings from the Doing Good Index 2024 and, alongside some of our donors, recommended policy changes that can support more effective and impactful giving.
The rest of the CAPS team also continues to share our findings across the region. Over 200 people attended a presentation on the Doing Good Index 2024 by our Director, Research and Advisory, Greater China, Angel An-Chi Chiang , at an event hosted by our partner in Taiwan, the National Chengchi University . In Hong Kong, our Director of Research, Dr. Annelotte Walsh , presented trends in Asian philanthropy and CSR to representatives from McDonald's Asian markets working on sustainability and social impact.
Lastly, I am currently in beautiful Nepal where I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Dr. Sameer Mani Dixit, host of This Morning Live on Himalaya TV . You can watch the interview here where we covered philanthropy trends in Asia and how Nepal can leverage philanthropy to address social issues in the region.
Best,
Co-Founder and Chief Executive
DOING GOOD: THE LATEST IN ASIA
Now more than ever, Asia faces many social, economic and environmental challenges, and the resource gap to address them is becoming increasingly apparent. This article explains what blended finance is and how it can multiply philanthropic funding for longer-term impact. Learn more here.
During a routine pap smear, Alia Rahman was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. Drawing from personal experiences and her background in health sciences, she embarked on a quest to develop noninvasive, accessible and affordable treatments for the condition. With an initial funding of US$2 million from a Hong Kong-based family office, her company, Amplexd Therapeutics will start clinical trials next year. Read more here.
To meet the 2030 emissions target set by the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Change, India’s apparel sector will need to invest at least US $6.5 billion in energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. While around US $2.5 billion is available, a US $4 billion funding gap still remains. Find out more here.
Korean Air is ramping up its CSR initiatives. In 2022, it donated over 15.4 billion won (approximately US $11.2 million) — a 501% increase from its 2021 contributions of 3 billion won. In 2024, it aims to set new CSR records with investments in various community outreach activities, including food donations and free medical services. Read more here.
As a founding partner of The Earthshot Prize (TEP), Temasek Trust is bringing together 20 Asian youth climate changemakers for the TEP Asia Youth Leaders Program. They join 100 other TEP Youth Programme participants at workshops in Cape Town, culminating in an Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony where five winners will be awarded £1 million each (approximately US $1.3 million) to develop their climate innovations. Find out more here.
This article spotlights the stories of four Chinese entrepreneurs from humble beginnings. Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, their vision and determination drove them forward, and they found enormous success in their respective fields. Read more about their journeys and entrepreneurial resilience here.
DID YOU KNOW
Source: Doing Good Index 2024: Examining the readiness of Asia’s social sectors to thrive, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society
CAPS AT WORK
Top: CAPS Director of Research, Dr. Annelotte Walsh , visits the Kanti Children's Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, the only dedicated children's hospital in the country providing specialized pediatric care.
Middle: CAPS Director, Research and Advisory, Greater China, Angel An-Chi Chiang , presented Taiwan-specific findings from the Doing Good Index 2024 at an event hosted by our partner in Taiwan, the National Chengchi University .
Bottom: CAPS CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Ruth Shapiro , in conversation with host Dr. Sameer Mani Dixit live on Himalaya TV.
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