Interim Report Launch

The session marked the launch of the Commission on Asian Philanthropy’s Interim Report, presenting new research into the scale, diversity and development potential of giving across Asia. A video presentation traced the Commission’s creation two years earlier by leading regional foundations seeking to understand whether there is a distinctively Asian approach to philanthropy and how greater collaboration could support a more inclusive future.

The report portrays Asian philanthropy as a broad ecosystem in which communities, businesses and governments contribute complementary resources and capabilities. Community-led and faith-based giving offers trusted networks and shared values; state-led models provide legitimacy for public-private partnerships; businesses contribute private-sector expertise and assets; and ultra-high-net-worth donors bring relationships and patient capital. Examples included Islamic zakat, India’s mandatory corporate social responsibility framework and digital platforms that make giving more accessible and efficient.

The research estimates that domestic giving across participating jurisdictions reached US$109 billion in 2024 – equivalent to more than US$1 trillion over the coming decade. However, the Commission stressed that philanthropy’s value extends beyond funding. Trusted relationships, institutional legitimacy, local knowledge and long-term commitment can help societies address national priorities in areas such as health, education and livelihoods. Strengthening these ecosystems will require better data, cross-border learning and deeper coordination among state, market and community actors.

At the on-stage launch, representatives of the Commission’s member organisations gathered around plants symbolising the cultivation of philanthropic ecosystems. Hong Kong’s indigenous incense tree and the report’s tree model illustrated how the visible scale of giving – the canopy – is sustained by deeper roots, including trusted networks, common values and diverse giving traditions. Commissioners then watered the plants together, formally launching the report and underscoring its central message: Asia’s philanthropic potential can be realised by nourishing shared foundations and strengthening collaboration for long-term, systemic development.