Current State of Philanthropy in Asia and Recommendations for Strengthening EcosystemsCommission on Asian Philanthropy’s interim report released

The Commission on Asian Philanthropy, co-convenor of the Asia Philanthropy Congress chaired by The Nippon Foundation, has issued its interim report summarizing recent trends and issues related to philanthropy in Asia on a dedicated website.  

The report analyzes the transformation taking place in philanthropy in Asia against the backdrop of the region’s rapid economic growth and accumulation of domestic capital, and presents a framework for building a sustainable and impactive ecosystem for addressing social issues.  

The full report can be downloaded at the website below in English, Japanese, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Malay, and Thai (with Indonesian and Arabic translations to by uploaded at a later date). 

The Commission on Asian Philanthropy was co-convened by the Institute of Philanthropy, an independent think tank established by Asia’s largest charitable organization the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and The Nippon Foundation to accelerate philanthropy in Asia. The interim report is the result of three years of research, analyzing the current state of philanthropy in Asia and making recommendations for strengthening ecosystems. The final report and an investment roadmap are scheduled to be announced in Tokyo in 2027. The Commission comprises 13 private-sector grantmaking organizations and organizations working for social change from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, representing roughly 70% of Asia’s population and 80% of its gross domestic product.

The Asia Philanthropy Congress is an international conference launched by The Nippon Foundation in 2022 to deepen cooperation and coordination in resolving social issues across Asia. Bringing together leaders of foundations and private-sector companies, the conference promotes dialogue and joint development across sectors and national borders. The next conference is scheduled to be held in Tokyo on November 27, 2026.