Welcome to the inaugural issue of PhilanthropyAsia, a digital resource hub for philanthropists packed with news reports, features, profiles, and more. 

Our goal is to support the donor with independent, reliable information at a time when Asia’s growing wealth and generational shift are changing the face of philanthropy.

Ad-hoc donations and support for a single cause are giving way to a broader, more inclusive approach. The younger wealthy and even the not-so-wealthy want to use their resources for the long-term benefit of society and they want to make considered decisions with full knowledge of the players in the ecosystem.

Our lead feature in this maiden issue delves into the challenges facing philanthropists in Singapore. The many sources we spoke to had a common refrain: lack of transparency and data is hobbling the growth of research and impeding decision-making for donors, not just in Singapore but across Asia. Will things improve and how? Read on to find out.

Our profile focuses on a researcher who gave up a comfortable career to effect social good. Read about Pauline Tan’s journey, from growing up in a single-parent family to striking out on her own.

Researchers form part of Singapore’s expanding philanthropy ecosystem as do service providers such as the Asia Community Foundation whose new chief executive officer talked to PhilanthropyAsia about its launch of impact funds.

High on the agenda of both researchers and service providers is tracking developments in giving. Check out our stories on the latest trends such as the rise of digital philanthropy and the growth in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments.

High-net-worth donors who engage wealth management firms expect the service to be enhanced by top-notch technology. But a survey found that such firms in Singapore under-deliver on mobile apps. Find out more in our report.

Below is a summary of this issue’s highlights. We hope you find the stories both engaging and useful.

We welcome comments, feedback or suggestions. Please write to us at carrie@philanthropyasia.org

Carrie Lee
Editor