The Evolving Role of Philanthropy in Social Services

For decades, Asia’s economic growth and youthful demographics made it feasible for governments to finance social services from cradle to grave. Today, that model is no longer sustainable. Ageing populations and shrinking labour forces mean governments can no longer afford the rising costs and demands for social services. This has put the quality and continuation of essential social services at risk.

As an alternative source of funding, philanthropy offers distinctive strengths for addressing that problem. It is catalytic, innovative, and experimental, helping to derisk investments through longer term funding. Realising its full potential requires strategic thinking and deep collaboration across sectors to identify how public, private and philanthropic resources can best complement one another.

This session will explore the roles and boundaries of philanthropy, governments, markets and society in financing social services, and their evolving impacts.