Editorial | A smarter way to hone philanthropy in Asia

Philanthropy has immense potential to make the world a better place. But one size does not fit all economically or culturally.

That is why making charity more efficient in Asia is important. Otherwise it risks becoming fragmented, uncoordinated and less effective in helping the intended beneficiaries.

A case in point is the Commission on Asian Philanthropy, newly launched at a Hong Kong forum on philanthropy for better cities. It is aimed at developing more effective solutions for Asia’s socio-economic and environmental challenges.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has joined hands with nine other founding members from mainland China, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, India and Japan to form the commission, co-convened by the Institute of Philanthropy and the Asia Philanthropy Congress.

At the same time, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged to boost the city’s status as a global charity hub by developing family office businesses to attract philanthropic investment.

The commission aims to develop strategies to “professionalise” philanthropic efforts at the regional level to help diverse societies across the continent.