Philanthropy

ESG INSIGHTS

Issue 177: Investing in the blue economy

This week in ESG: Mark Dalio lays out a viable pathway to investing in oceans

Experts expect 2025’s momentum of growth in Singapore's giving landscape to continue in 2026, as more companies recognise the importance of giving back.
TAKING HEART

Singapore reinforces philanthropy hub status in 2025; deeper cross-sector partnerships expected next year

The outlook for the city-state’s giving landscape for next year is mostly positive

Minister Masagos Zulkifli at the Social Service Summit 2025. Even as charities recognise the need to grow their income, it does not mean they must function like businesses and be profit-driven.

Charities need to make money, too

As the giving landscape evolves, these organisations need to be more entrepreneurial without losing their core purpose

From left: Grab's Anthony Tan and his wife Chloe Tong, founders of Ace Team Foundation; Bryan Chua and Rachel Yang, founders of Scatech Philanthropy Fund, with their two children; and Goh Yeow Lian, executive chairman and managing director of Wee Hur.
TAKING HEART

Grab, Scatech, Wee Hur among those enabling legacy giving through donor-advised funds

Through the Community Foundation of Singapore, the families behind these firms have set up funds that allow long-term giving that is aligned with their values 

For over 200 years, The University of Manchester has driven breakthroughs,  producing 26 Nobel laureates and transforming science, technology and society.
BRANDED CONTENT

Funding the next breakthrough: How leading UK university plans to back future innovators

The University of Manchester’s £400 million campaign will support scholarships, research initiatives and a new pre-seed fund for student and staff spin-offs

US President Donald Trump’s move to pull the plug on foreign-assistance projects translates to a loss of US$68 billion in funds for international aid.

Hopes are for impact investing to fill funding gaps in Asia – but less attractive returns are an obstacle

Barriers to growth in the region’s sector include fragmented deal flow and the perception of high risks

Taking part in a panel discussion at the inaugural GiveFest Asia are (from left): Dr Paul Tan, CEO of the Community Foundation of Singapore; Dr Chu Chi Meng of NCSS; Teo Kai Xiang from MAS; and Kevin Teo from AVPN.
TAKING HEART

Data is an ‘important variable’ in philanthropy, leading to sustained giving: panel

When donors know where their funds are going and how they are making an impact, they will be more inclined to continue giving

The boomerang does not just return; it returns having gathered speed and value on its journey, reminding us that in the calculus of a life well-lived, purpose is the ultimate currency.

The ‘boomerang effect’: How strategic philanthropy pays a purpose premium

Beyond the balance sheet, the act of giving generates a unique dividend for the investor

Yong Wee Loon, who swept the major awards at UOB Painting of the Year 2024, is part of Confluence – A UOB Artist Alumni Exhibition.
ARTS

UOB rethinks what it means to support artists

The bank’s latest initiative turns its lucrative art prizes into long-term opportunity

“The narrative has to change. (Health and education) still can be the focus, but you need the electricity. Otherwise, it can’t scale,” notes Um Woochong of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.

Asian philanthropies should reframe clean energy as driver of social outcomes, says philanthropy platform

Investing in clean power will help societies take a quantum leap, not just a small baby step: CEO of Geapp