Cynthia Wu, CEO, Shin Kong Life Foundation
Cover Cynthia Wu, CEO, Shing Kong Life Foundation

With more ways to give back, whether through donations of time, resources or funds, philanthropists create a better world for everyone

These CEOs and founders on Asia’s Most Influential list are helping create a better world by leveraging the power of philanthropy to address the most important challenges we are facing today. By leading institutions behind charitable donations and volunteer services, they not only help improve the lives of those in need, but also encourage social responsibility. Their support for philanthropic causes such as education, healthcare and the environment creates a ripple effect of kindness and cooperation, encouraging more people to work together to bring about positive change. With more ways to give back, whether through donations of time, resources or funds, these philanthropists redefine the true meaning of giving.

Also read: Asian women in STEM and their contributions to scientific progress

Catherine Loh, Community Foundation of Singapore (Singapore)

Tatler Asia
Catherine Loh, CEO, The Community Foundation of Singapore
Above Catherine Loh, CEO, The Community Foundation of Singapore

“The entrance of a community foundation like CFS has transformed how philanthropy is approached,” said CEO Catherine Loh in her speech on the 10th anniversary of The Community Foundation of Singapore. “We have introduced new models of giving, to respond to an increasingly complex social landscape. We have championed philanthropy based on community needs, because we understand the power of informed giving.”

CFS, one of the largest charitable foundations in Singapore, guides philanthropy by matching the interests of donors with the needs of the community. What sets CFS apart is its understanding of local needs and its expertise in grant management—something the organisation is known for. Its Greater Gift initiative, for example, allows donors to create an endowment fund, whose payout from investments is directed to preferred charities. This allows donors to leave an impact on causes that matter to them, whether it is education, social services, senior care or animal welfare.

Read Catherine Loh’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

 

Gianna Montinola, Hands on Manila (Philippines)

Tatler Asia
Gianna Montinola, founder, Hands on Manila
Above Gianna Montinola, founder, Hands on Manila

Hands on Manila, co-founded by Gianna Montinola, champions an alternative model of volunteer service. Those who seek various opportunities to serve benefit from HOM’s flexible programs, which can be developed by volunteers themselves and are designed to work with individual schedules. In 2022 its Servathon program saw great success, with over 1,200 volunteers rendering 5,040 hours to create hygiene kits, refurbish public school facilities and even paint murals to welcome over 17,000 students for the reopening of schools.

“Volunteering is the simple act of giving something without any condition,” Montinola said to Tatler. “Volunteerism is many things—paying it forward, giving back, and making a difference. It alters your perspective about people and gives you an insight into the lives of others. It allows you to give hope just when you think there is none. It encourages a desire to help make circumstances better.”

Read Gianna Montinola’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

 

Cynthia Wu, Shin Kong Life Foundation (Taiwan)

Tatler Asia
Cynthia Wu, CEO, Shin Kong Life Foundation
Above Cynthia Wu, CEO, Shin Kong Life Foundation

Led by CEO Cynthia Wu, Shin Kong Life Foundation engages in programs that support elderly care, women’s health and children’s education. Wu herself introduced two art programs, History Alive and Legacy Art Work, pioneered by New York-based Elders Share the Arts to Taiwan. The programs, which promote intergenerational communication, have flourished locally, with over 90,000 kids listening to life stories told by seniors. Another project destigmatises breast cancer screening among Taiwanese women by bringing breast cancer survivors to more than 300 townships, where they shared their experiences about its prevention and treatment. 

Wu previously worked at Merrill Lynch in London, before returning to Taiwan to work for the family business, Shin Kong Group. The CEO, who was a UK trustee of the Institute for Philanthropy and an international board member of The Philanthropy Workshop, has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and won the National Civic Service Award for the best NGO in Taiwan. 

Read Cynthia Wu’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential


Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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