Events / Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025

Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025

5 – 7 May 2025 Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands Singapore

    Priming Asia for Good

    The 2025 Summit theme, “Priming Asia for Good”, will spotlight solutions, innovations, and actions in Asia to address global challenges across the interconnected areas of climate, education, and health.

    Speakers

    All speakers are in-person.

    Dr Alan Dangour
    Director, Climate and Health, Wellcome Trust​
    Andrea Phua
    Senior Director, National AI Group
    Senior Director, Digital Economy Office, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Singapore
    Andrew Ure
    Managing Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Google
    Antha N. Williams
    Environment Program Lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies
    Arthur Sletteberg
    Managing Director, Climate Smart Fund, Abler Nordic
    Belinda Tanoto
    Managing Director, RGE
    Trustee, Tanoto Foundation
    Benedict Cheong
    Chief Systems Integration Officer, Temasek Trust
    Bernard Tan
    Chairman, Golden Philanthropies
    Bill Gates
    Chair and Trustee, Gates Foundation
    Carol Liew
    Managing Director, ECCA Family Foundation
    Chavalit Frederick Tsao
    Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)
    Associate Professor Dr Chua Mei Chien
    Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neonatology
    Director, KK Human Milk Bank
    KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
    Corinna Chan
    CEO, Singapore International Foundation and Lead, Southeast Asia Partnership for Adaptation through Water (SEAPAW)
    Cormekki Whitley
    Chief Operating Officer, data.org
    Danny Hunter
    Principal Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
    Desmond Kuek
    Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Trust
    Dr Dharani Dhar Burra
    Data Products and Solutions Lead, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF)
    Emily Landis
    Global Climate and Ocean Director, The Nature Conservancy
    Faye Ong
    Head of Philanthropy Centre (Singapore and Southeast Asia), J.P. Morgan Private Advisory
    Ferro Ferizka
    Senior Advisor to The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs
    George Richards
    Director, Community Jameel
    Dr Gina Samaan
    Regional Emergency Director, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme
    Director, Division of Health Security and Emergencies
    Grace Khor
    Board Member, Equinix Foundation
    VP, Global Contracts, Equinix
    Heng Li Lang
    Head, Climate and Liveability, Temasek Foundation
    Associate Professor Huang Danwei
    Deputy Head, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore
    Irene Kim
    VP, Philanthropic Partnerships, ClimateWorks Foundation
    Jamie Choi
    CEO, Tara Climate Foundation
    Jennifer Lewis
    Lead, Strategic Partnerships
    Co-Head, Collaboration & Partnership, Temasek Trust
    Sir Jeremy Farrar
    Chief Scientist, World Health Organization
    June Kunugi
    Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF
    Khanh Trần
    Managing Partner, Touchstone Partners
    Laurence Lien
    Co-Founder and CEO, Asia Philanthropy Circle
    Chairman, Lien Foundation
    Dr Lee Fook Kay
    Head, Pandemic Preparedness, Temasek Foundation
    Professor Leo Yee Sin
    Senior Advisor, National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), National Healthcare
    Professor (Faculty) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
    Li Xin
    Vice President, Caixin Media
    Managing Editor and Managing Director, Caixin Global
    Lim Boon Heng
    Chairman, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
    Chairman, Temasek Holdings
    Lisa Genasci
    Managing Director, Sustainable Finance, ADM Capital
    Luis Alvarado
    Head of GAEA / Strategic Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships, World Economic Forum
    Mehrdad Ehsani
    Vice President, Food Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation
    Melissa Wright
    Bloomberg Ocean Initiative Lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies
    Dr Ming Tan
    Founding Executive Director, Tech for Good Institute Singapore
    Monika Sharma
    Senior Programme Lead, India, Novo Nordisk Foundation
    Naina Subberwal Batra
    CEO, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network
    Dr Naweed Isaak Naqvi
    Temasek Senior Investigator, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
    Neerja Birla
    Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust
    Nguyen Dang Khoa
    CEO, NeoRice
    Nirvana Chaudhary
    Managing Director, CG Corp Global
    Vice Chair, Chaudhary Foundation
    Professor Paul Pronyk
    Director, Duke-NUS Center for Outbreak Preparedness (COP)
    Co-Director, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute
    Sir Peter Horby
    FMedSci FRS Director, Pandemic Sciences Institute
    Moh Family Foundation Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Oxford
    Prashant Mahajan
    Head, Ecosystems & Climate Change, Mandai Nature
    His Excellency Professor Pratikno
    Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of Indonesia
    Pritha Venkatachalam
    Partner and Co-Head, Asia and Africa, The Bridgespan Group
    Ravi Menon
    Ambassador for Climate Action & Senior Adviser, National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS)
    Rhett Ayler Butler
    Founder and CEO, Mongabay
    Robin Nataf
    Community Lead, Climate and Health, World Economic Forum
    Robyn Mijares
    Founder & Chief Executive Director of Youth Uprising & Grow School Philippines
    Roland Kupka
    Regional Nutrition Adviser for East Asia and Pacific, UNICEF
    Dr Rose Nani Mudin
    Malaysia Dengue Programme
    Former Sabah Health Department Director, Malaysia
    Associate Professor in International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia
    Sattiya Langkhapin
    Chief of Party, Education Development Center (EDC)
    Saurav Malhotra
    Founding Managing Director, Mountains to Mangroves
    Dr Shariqua Yunus Khan
    Head of Nutrition and School Meals Unit, World Food Programme
    Sharon Koh
    Centre for Impact Investing & Practices
    Shaun Seow
    CEO, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
    Dr Siti Maryam Yaakub
    Senior Director, International Blue Carbon Institute, Conservation International
    Smriti Irani
    Founder & Chairperson, Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality
    Former Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India
    Sonali Patel
    Partner, The Bridgespan Group
    Dr Stephan Weise
    Managing Director for Asia, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
    Stephen King
    Senior Advisor, Omidyar Group
    Susan Brown
    Assistant Secretary General, UNDP
    Susanna Eduini
    Breathwork Trainer, OCTAVE Institute
    Sze Ping Lo
    Program Director, Sequoia Climate Foundation
    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
    Director-General, World Health Organization
    Professor Teo Yik Ying
    Vice President (Global Health), National University of Singapore
    Dean, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
    Tharman Shanmugaratnam
    President of the Republic of Singapore
    Distinguished Patron of PAA
    Uma Sachidhanandam
    Director of Conservation and Science, WWF Singapore
    Dr William Tjhi
    Head of Applied Research for Foundation Models (ARF), AI Singapore
    Assistant Professor Wisuwat Songnuan
    Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
    Woochong Um
    CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
    Professor Zhang Cuilin
    Director, Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS​
    View speaker list

    Dr Alan Dangour

    Director, Climate and Health, Wellcome Trust​

    In January 2022, Alan joined the Wellcome Trust to lead its ambitious new strategy that aims to put health at the heart of global climate change action.   

    Alan was previously based at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for twenty years, where he was a Professor of Food and Nutrition for Global Health and Director of the Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health.  Alan led an interdisciplinary team working on the interconnections between environmental change, food systems and health.   

    Familiar working in national and international fora, Alan was an Expert Advisor to the Environmental Audit Committee of the UK Parliament and a Senior Research Fellow at the UK Department for International Development. 

    Andrea Phua

    Senior Director, National AI Group
    Senior Director, Digital Economy Office, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Singapore

    Andrea currently drives the national agenda to foster a thriving AI hub in Singapore, characterised by the attracting of frontier AI companies, accelerated AI adoption, and the advancement of new job opportunities and better lives for Singaporeans.

    She is also one of the leaders of Singapore’s international cooperation on AI governance, putting Singapore at the forefront of responsible and inclusive AI development, for AI to serve the public good.

    Andrea has had an extensive career in the Singapore Government, spanning a wide range of roles in education, economic development, trade negotiations and international diplomacy. Prior to her technology stint, Andrea was based in the Singapore Embassy in Washington DC, where she was dedicated to strengthening our trade and digital ties with the US, and securing supply chains at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    Andrea graduated with First Class Honours in English from University College London, and has a Masters with Distinction in Modern English Literature from the University of Oxford. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Distinction) from the National Institute of Education.

    Andrew Ure

    Managing Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Google

    Andrew Ure is Managing Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia at Google. He has been at Google for over ten years, working on policy issues across the Asia-Pacific. His expertise is in technology policy, workforce skilling and the economics of the digital economy.

    Prior to this he was Managing Director of OgilvyEarth, a sustainability consultancy. He also spent ten years in a number of senior roles with the Australian Government, including as a diplomat in the Middle East and as a climate negotiator and chair in UN and World Bank processes.

    He started his career as a strategy consultant based in London. He has a Masters in International Law from the Australian National University and an undergraduate degree from Oxford University.

    Antha N. Williams

    Environment Program Lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies
    Antha N. Williams leads the Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. Under Williams’ direction, Bloomberg Philanthropies supports environmental initiatives to improve sustainability and air quality in cities around the world, to advance clean energy, to protect the ocean, and to help mobilize the private sector to accelerate the global transition. Outside of philanthropy, Williams has worked as a campaigner and organizer, directing large scale voter protection efforts and serving in leadership positions for five years with Green Corps, a training program for aspiring environmental organizers.

    Arthur Sletteberg

    Managing Director, Climate Smart Fund, Abler Nordic

    Arthur Sletteberg is a Managing Director at Abler Nordic. Formerly known as Nordic Microfinance Initiative, Abler Nordic invests in financial inclusion companies globally. As the financial inclusion field has developed over the past 15 years, Abler Nordic has evolved along with it. A focus on traditional microfinance matured into investing in a broader range of services that enable people to strengthen their overall financial health and build resilience, which is reflected in the new name.

    Prior to joining Abler Nordic, Arthur held the position of Executive Vice President responsible for financial investments at Ferd AS. Throughout his career, he has held several senior roles across Norway’s financial sector, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer at Oslo Pensjonsforsikring, Investment Director at Storebrand Asset Management, Deputy Head of Treasury at DNB and Consultant at the Norwegian Central Bank.

    Arthur brings extensive experience in both private and public investment management. At Ferd, he oversaw a broad portfolio of financial assets. Arthur also served as the Chairman of the Investment Committee at Norfund. Arthur currently serves on the board member at Arctic Securities AS.

    He holds an MSc BA in Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), and a Master’s in International Economic Policy Research from Institut für Weltwirtschaft in Germany. His career reflects a strong commitment to responsible investing, development finance, and institutional asset management.

    Belinda Tanoto

    Managing Director, RGE
    Trustee, Tanoto Foundation

    Belinda Tanoto is a member of the Board of Trustees at her family foundation, the Tanoto Foundation. Belinda leads the formation the Foundation’s key philanthropic objectives and strategies. As part of this process, she spends time on the ground with stakeholders to better understand the real issues they encounter and the root causes.  

    Her passion for philanthropy focuses on human capital investment initiatives and collaborating with like-minded philanthropic and development organisations. Belinda actively drives priority initiatives in Education, Healthcare and Leadership Development across Indonesia, Singapore, China and Brazil. 

    Belinda speaks and writes regularly on poverty alleviation, early childhood education and development basic education. In 2019, Forbes recognised her as one of Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy for her philanthropic work through Tanoto Foundation. She is also a member of UNICEF International Council.  

    Belinda received a bachelor’s in finance and political science from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. 

    Benedict Cheong

    Chief Systems Integration Officer, Temasek Trust

    Mr Benedict Cheong is the Chief Systems Integration Officer of Temasek Trust Ltd (a Singapore philanthropic entity). He was appointed on 1 November 2023 and leads a team that works in the areas of systems thinking, knowledge and innovation, to help harness the capabilities Temasek Trust and philanthropy and content partners towards greater collective impact. From April 2022 till October 2022, he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation Ltd (a Singapore philanthropic entity supported by Temasek Trust Ltd) with specific responsibilities in impact-outcome strategy, institutional relationships and organisational planning. Before this, he had served in Temasek Foundation since April 2007 as Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation International, leading the work in regional and international programmes.

    Mr Cheong’s first employment was with the Singapore Government in the Police Force where he served for 15½ years from 1982 till 1998 in various appointments at headquarters and in the operational units. He then served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Social Service for 9 years till 2007, coordinating the work of the social sector agencies and organisations in Singapore.

    Mr Cheong currently also serves on a few organisations and committees in the public and non-profit sectors in Singapore.

    Bernard Tan

    Chairman, Golden Philanthropies

    Mr. Bernard Tan is the Chairman of Golden Philanthropies, leading the organisation’s mission execution, strategic planning, and overall objectives. In addition to his role at Golden Philanthropies, he serves as Chairman of Sustainability Committee at Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and Country President of the Sinar Mas Group in Singapore. A former Singapore military general, Mr. Tan remains active in community and public service, serving as Chairman of the Catholic Junior College Management Committee, President of the FAS and a board member of Singapore Sports School.

    Bill Gates

    Chair and Trustee, Gates Foundation

    As the chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates shapes and approves foundation strategies, advocates for the foundation’s issues, and sets the organization’s overall direction. He works with grantees and partners to further the foundation’s goal of improving equity in the United States and around the world. 

    Bill co-founded Microsoft Corporation in 1975 with Paul Allen and led the company to become the worldwide leader in business and personal software and services. In 2008, Bill transitioned to focus full-time on the foundation’s work. Through his private office, Gates Ventures, he pursues his work in climate change and clean energy innovation, Alzheimer’s research and other healthcare issues, interdisciplinary education, and technology. He is also the founder of Breakthrough Energy, which works to address climate change by supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, big thinkers, and clean technologies. 

    In 2010, Bill, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett founded the Giving Pledge, an effort to encourage the world’s wealthiest families and individuals to publicly commit more than half of their wealth to philanthropic causes and charitable organizations during their lifetime or in their will. 

    Bill grew up in Seattle with two sisters. His late father, William H. Gates Sr., was an attorney and civic leader who served as a co-chair of the foundation from 2000 to 2020 His late mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, and chair of United Way International. Bill has three children.  

    Carol Liew

    Managing Director, ECCA Family Foundation
    Carol Liew is the founding Managing Director of ECCA Family Foundation, bringing 15 years of experience in impact-driven philanthropy and international development. She leads ECCA’s philanthropic grants and impact investments focused on ocean sustainability, biodiversity, and underserved communities. Under her leadership, ECCA partners with NGOs, community leaders, government, and academia to drive collective action and scale locally led solutions. Previously, as Head of Philanthropy at North-East Family Office, she shaped strategic giving for families, including establishing ECCA. Her eight-year tenure in humanitarian and international development spanned eight Asian countries, managing multi-million-dollar programs in climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and resilience. ECCA is committed to shifting power in philanthropy and mobilizing resources where they are needed most.

    Chavalit Frederick Tsao

    Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

    Chavalit Frederick Tsao is the fourth-generation steward of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), a family business with more than 120 years of history, established in the late 1800s during the Qing Dynasty. He was born in Hong Kong, China, and after completing his education at the University of Michigan, Chavalit joined the family business at the age of 20 and became the chairman at the age of 37. He also served as the chairman of Intercargo, where he established innovative platforms to promote collaboration within the maritime sector.

    Chavalit's background and experience gave him unique insights into global sustainability challenges and founded East West Cultural Development Centre in 1995 to research this topic. He discovered that integrating ancient wisdom and modern science creates a holistic approach to cultivating leadership for this era.

    Chavalit champions the belief that businesses should be purpose-led, beyond profit. This belief is at the heart of his efforts to transform his family business, TPC, with a new mission: “To Serve Well-being of Life and Create Wealth at the Same Time.” He has also pioneered OCTAVE, a unique business model that fosters an integrated life journey towards well-being, demonstrating his commitment to his vision.

    Chavalit’s insights are shared in three books he has authored. He advocates for the urgency of a shift in humanity’s consciousness and for business to lead the way. He has commissioned research and published more than 35 Chinese books.

    Associate Professor Dr Chua Mei Chien

    Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neonatology
    Director, KK Human Milk Bank
    KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)

    Associate Professor Chua Mei Chien is senior consultant and Head, Department of Neonatology at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She holds concurrent appointments as Deputy Chairman, Division of Medicine and Academic Vice Chair (Clinical), Paediatric Academic Clinical Programme.

    An experienced clinician,  she is passionate about implementing evidence-based programs to impact long term health outcomes. Notably, she serves as Director of the KK Human Milk Bank, the first and only donor human milk bank in Singapore,  which she established in 2017. The program has benefitted more than 8000 preterm and sick infants , improved their health outcomes and gave them a better start in life.

    She is a key lead in the Healthy Early Life Moments in Singapore program which aims to stem the tide of metabolic diseases, following a life course approach, by incorporating the research findings of the GUSTO and S-PRESTO Singapore cohort studies into new models of care for maternal and child health.  

    She is current president of the Association of Breastfeeding Advocacy Singapore and leads in national breastfeeding promotion efforts and the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. She also advocates for health in children as the president of the College of Pediatrics and Child Health , Singapore.

    Corinna Chan

    CEO, Singapore International Foundation and Lead, Southeast Asia Partnership for Adaptation through Water (SEAPAW)

    Corinna Chan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), a non-profit dedicated to international peacebuilding and development.

    Prior to joining the SIF, Corinna was the Head of Programmes and Impact at the Philanthropy Asia Alliance under Temasek Trust. There, she led the team in developing projects to advance environmental and social causes. She was instrumental in the launch of the flagship Philanthropy Asia Summit that served as a collaborative platform to convene, connect, and catalyse partnerships.

    As Senior Director at Temasek Foundation, she helmed the annual Singapore Summit, bringing together business and finance C-suite executives to discuss the implications of geopolitical, social, and technological developments on economic growth, financial markets, and industries. She also developed programmes that supported regional cooperation and integration, and social resilience in Singapore.

    Prior to this, Corinna worked at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for more than ten years, holding various portfolios. As its Head of International Finance, she supported the development of MAS’ policies on international monetary and financial issues, enabling MAS to play an active role in international financial forums. She represented MAS at regional forums such as ASEAN and APEC. She led free trade agreement negotiations on financial services and was also responsible for MAS’ participation at the World Trade Organisation.

    Cormekki Whitley

    Chief Operating Officer, data.org

    Cormekki Whitley is a seasoned nonprofit executive with nearly three decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations toward sustainable impact and operational excellence. As data.org’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Cormekki leads financial inclusion capacity-building initiatives in the United States and Asia Pacific regions. She also oversees the organization’s strategic operations, financial management, human resources, and program implementation, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and mission alignment. 

      

    Cormekki is pivotal in long-term strategic planning, fostering a culture of collaboration, and driving key initiatives in capacity building, fundraising, inclusion, and impact measurement. Her expertise in financial oversight, organizational development, fundraising, and change management has been instrumental in strengthening operational infrastructure and expanding the organization’s reach. 

     

    Prior to joining data.org, Cormekki served as Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), where she secured multimillion-dollar funding, improved operational efficiency, authored new policies, and spearheaded high-impact organization initiatives. Her leadership has consistently increased efficiency, stronger financial sustainability, and enhanced programmatic outcomes. 

      

    Committed to advancing financial inclusion and innovative solutions, Cormekki champions data-driven decision-making, community impact, process improvement, and leadership development within the nonprofit sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from NC State University and advanced degrees from Meredith College and Northcentral University. 

    Danny Hunter

    Principal Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

    Danny Hunter is currently Principal Scientist in the Food Environment and Consumer Behaviour group at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, coordinating work on school meals. He is also the Convenor for the Planet Friendly School Meals workstream of the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Program and Adjunct Professor on Planet Friendly School Meals at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.  

    Danny has over 25 years’ experience in more than 30 countries - including 15 years living and working in Asia and the Pacific - leading and managing multidisciplinary teams working on agrobiodiversity, food, diets, and nutrition. He has been team leader of multiple global projects funded by the European Union, ACIAR, AusAID, NZAID, Global Environment Facility and others.  

    As a researcher and practitioner, he is passionate about improving the provision of local, climate-resilient nutritious foods in school meals and strengthening school food environments to deliver healthier diets. He has a strong practical background in agroecology and agrobiodiversity.  

    In 2011, he was awarded the Alumni Award for Outstanding International Achievement by the University of Sydney, Faculty of Agriculture. He is a member of the School Meals Coalition Research Consortium Community of Practice on Diets and Food Systems and a Lead Author of the Research Consortium’s White Paper on ‘School meals and food systems: Rethinking the consequences for climate, environment, biodiversity, and food sovereignty’ launched at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

    Desmond Kuek

    Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Trust
    Desmond Kuek is CEO of Temasek Trust, the philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings.

    Prior to this, he has held pinnacle leadership roles across sectors: as Divisional Vice Chairman (Global Wealth Management) at UBS and Global Head of its Sustainable Finance Group (2019-2022); President & Group CEO of SMRT Corporation (2012-2018); Permanent Secretary in the Singapore Ministry of Environment & Water Resources (2010-2012); and Chief of Defence Force (2007-2010), Chief of Army (2003-2007) and Director of Joint Intelligence (2000-2003) in the Singapore Armed Forces.

    Through the years, he also served on the boards of Housing & Development Board, International Enterprise Singapore, Jurong Town Corporation, Defence Science & Technology Agency, Civil Service College, Singapore Technologies Engineering and its subsidiaries. He held senior advisory roles in SAP (Asia Pacific & Japan), Toyota Tsusho (Asia Pacific), Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Nanyang Technological University’s College of Engineering, and Singapore Centre for Green Finance.

    Desmond holds a Master of Arts (Engineering Science) from Oxford University, a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, and is an alumnus of IMD Switzerland.

    Dr Dharani Dhar Burra

    Data Products and Solutions Lead, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF)
    As Data Products and Solutions Lead at CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF), Dr Burra plays a crucial role in transforming how finance meets sustainability in agri-food systems. Leveraging his expertise on artificial Intelligence, gig data , and his experience in data products and solutions, his team has designed and scaled science based, data-driven solutions that help financial institutions to identify what to invest into and where, and how to monitor these investments at scale and at low costs. His team designs solutions for investors that not only de-risk their investments but also generate and report on social and environmental impacts from their investments into sustainable, climate-resilient food systems.

    Emily Landis

    Global Climate and Ocean Director, The Nature Conservancy

    Emily Landis is the Global Climate & Ocean Director for The Nature Conservancy. She leads the global effort to mainstream the values of ocean and coastal ecosystems to reduce climate risks through policy, science, partnerships and supports implementation in over 15 countries. This involves a broad portfolio including projects on blue carbon markets, incorporating the ocean into international policy agreements, community-based conservation and building out the global science and awareness of the role of the ocean for biodiversity and people. Emily is also the TNC representative for The Global Mangrove Alliance, Global Mangrove Watch, International Partnership for Blue Carbon, scientific member of the Blue Carbon Initiative and serves as an ocean focal lead on the UNFCCC’s Nairobi Work Program on Ocean and Adaptation.

    Emily holds a graduate degree in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation from University College London, with a focus on valuation methods of ecosystem services, and during her tenure she worked directly with the Zoological Society of London. She also holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Policy and Environmental Science. Her previous work experience includes the Global Ocean Commission, Pew Charitable Trusts and Rare.

    Faye Ong

    Head of Philanthropy Centre (Singapore and Southeast Asia), J.P. Morgan Private Advisory

    Faye Ong is an Executive Director and member of J.P. Morgan Private Advisory, a cross-disciplinary group of over 100 global specialists who collaborate to deliver innovative and forward-thinking strategies, working closely with Private Bank Advisors to help clients make well-informed decisions and achieve their goals.

    Faye is part of the Philanthropy Centre team and provides clients with insights and services to help meet their financial and philanthropic goals through advice, thought leadership and learning opportunities.

    Legally trained with a strategy consulting and international relations background, Faye has over 20 years of Private Banking experience in Singapore and Hong Kong, where she was focused on philanthropic and family office advisory, and trust structuring for her clients in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

    Prior to joining J.P Morgan, Faye was the Asia Head of Family Office and Philanthropic Advisory, as part of the Global Family Office Group at Citi Private Bank. She was responsible for developing the business offering and leading the advisory business in Singapore and Hong Kong. She advised clients on the strategy, legal set up and implementation of their family offices, philanthropic foundations and donor advised funds.

    Faye has been deeply involved in the philanthropic sector over the past 25 years. She sits on the Board of Centre for Fathering, Singapore and is strategic adviser to several charitable organizations in Asia. She has set up her own charity, The Awaken Foundation, under the Singapore government qualifying grant-makers scheme to create a legacy of charitable giving.

    Ferro Ferizka

    Senior Advisor to The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs

    Ferro Ferizka is The Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Human Development of the Republic of Indonesia, reporting directly to the Minister. In this role, he drives innovation and forges strategic partnerships to enhance national human development initiatives across 8 ministries and 10 strategic government agencies. Ferro orchestrates precision policymaking through an evidence-based approach in areas including education, healthcare, protection of women and children, youth and sports, religion, family and demography, disaster management, education endowment funds, the National Zakat charity agency, and halal certification. 

      

    Ferro also serves as a board member of the Pijar Foundation, Indonesia's fastest-growing philanthropic organization dedicated to safeguarding the nation's future as one of the world's leading economies. The foundation focuses on talent development, innovation and entrepreneurial acceleration, and policy advocacy and co-creation. Since its inception in 2022, Pijar has upskilled 60,000 students from 1,000 universities, 28,000 civil servants, incubated over 100 startups, and engaged more than 200 top policymakers. 

      

    Before that, Ferro worked at Microsoft for 11 years, rapidly advancing from the Indonesia office to worldwide HQ leading a global team from 5 continents. He played a pivotal role in launching Microsoft 365 Cloud in Indonesia and securing the region’s initial deals in the Asia Pacific, while his work on developing Microsoft's FastTrack program earned him recognition in a global hackathon. Beyond his corporate achievements, Ferro made significant contributions in academia and youth activism. At just 31, he became one of Indonesia’s youngest university chancellor/president.  

      

    A cum laude graduate of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia’s finest university, he further distinguished himself by earning two master’s degrees on full scholarships from prestigious institutions in Singapore and Australia. 

    George Richards

    Director, Community Jameel

    George Richards is the Director of Community Jameel. 

    Committed to advancing science-informed policy for human security, he is an advisor to research initiatives at Imperial College London and the Paris School of Economics. 

    An established leader on cultural heritage protection, including in conflict zones, George served as the Special Rapporteur for Cultural Heritage to the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq and is a specialist assessor for the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund. He has led field expeditions to document endangered cultural heritage on behalf of the British Library and the British Institute for the Study of Iraq. 

    George graduated with a First in Arabic and Persian from the University of Edinburgh in 2003. A qualified solicitor, he practised law at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer until 2015. He is a fellow of The King's Foundation (where he previously served two terms as a trustee), a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. 

    George has climbed to the summit of Jabal Sawda, the second-highest peak on the Arabian peninsula. 

    Dr Gina Samaan

    Regional Emergency Director, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme
    Director, Division of Health Security and Emergencies

    Dr Gina Samaan is the Regional Emergency Director of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist with a career focus on pandemic risk management. For over 15 years she has served WHO at the country, regional, and headquarters levels, where she coordinated global initiatives to strengthen preparedness and resilience, the Global Genomic Surveillance Strategy, and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, among others. During COVID-19, she established a response unit focusing on country support, technical monitoring, and liaison with the UN country teams through the UN Development Coordination Office. She previously worked and consulted for agencies including US-CDC, USAID, DFAT and DoH Australia, IOM, RTI International to design or implement public health initiatives.

    Grace Khor

    Board Member, Equinix Foundation
    VP, Global Contracts, Equinix

    As Vice President of Global Contracts at Equinix, Grace Khor spearheads a dynamic legal team focused on maximizing the effectiveness of commercial deal negotiations across global sales, specialized sales initiatives, and supplier agreements.

     

    Grace is a Board Member of the Equinix Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Equinix dedicated to creating a more accessible, equitable and interconnected digital future for everyone, everywhere. Driven by a passion for making a difference, Grace believes in the power of individual action to create positive and lasting impact and sees the Equinix Foundation as a vital platform for advancing digital equity in communities around the world.

     

    Grace holds a law degree from the University of London and is a member of the Singapore bar and admitted to the roll of Solicitors in the United Kingdom. She is also a board member of the Singapore Association for Mental Health, a non-profit focused on mental health and wellness.

    Heng Li Lang

    Head, Climate and Liveability, Temasek Foundation

    Ms Heng joined Temasek Foundation in 2017, spearheading strategies to champion game-changing sustainability and health innovations to create significant positive impact on society and the planet. 

    Prior to joining Temasek Foundation, she had more than 20 years of experience in the public sector. She held various senior appointments with the National Council of Social Service, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Media Development Authority of Singapore. In 2006, she was awarded the National Day Award (Commendation Medal) to recognise her contributions to the Singapore civil service. Ms Heng graduated from the National University of Singapore with an Honours Degree in Statistics.

    Associate Professor Huang Danwei

    Deputy Head, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore

    Danwei HUANG is the Deputy Head and an Associate Professor of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He is a joint appointee of the Department of Biological Sciences, as well as a research affiliate at the Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions and Tropical Marine Science Institute. He received his education and training at NUS, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and University of Iowa, before returning to NUS as a faculty member. His research integrates the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology and marine conservation, using the coral reef as a model system to address questions on biodiversity. The questions his team is addressing are motivated by the fact that coral reefs are one of the richest and yet most threatened ecosystems on Earth, so he seeks to gain understanding of the origins, maintenance, and loss of marine biodiversity at the local, regional and global scales.

    Irene Kim

    VP, Philanthropic Partnerships, ClimateWorks Foundation

    Irene leads development and donor relations, working with generous philanthropists to ensure that ClimateWorks’ programs and services have the resources to address the climate crisis. She has decades of experience working with major philanthropists to realise visionary goals and solve complex problems, collaborating with diverse colleagues, and managing large organisations. Irene came to ClimateWorks after a long career in development at UC Berkeley, where she played a number of leadership roles, and was part of three university campaigns. Irene played a pivotal role in the $120 million Hewlett Challenge committed during Berkeley’s last campaign and the creation of the Berkeley Endowment Management Company.  

     

    As Associate Vice Chancellor – Advancement and Executive Vice President of the UC Berkeley Foundation, Irene led a team of 100 staff, and was part of the leadership team that doubled annual fundraising totals over four years. Irene served as the campaign director for the quiet phase of Berkeley’s current $6 billion Light the Way Campaign, working with academic and programmatic units, development and campus leaders, faculty, Trustees, and donors to develop campaign infrastructure, set priorities, and raise the nucleus fund of the campaign. Prior to UC Berkeley, Irene worked at Project Athena at MIT. She holds a B.A. from Wellesley College.

    Jamie Choi

    CEO, Tara Climate Foundation
    Jamie Choi is the CEO of Tara Climate Foundation, an Asia-based philanthropic organisation focused on accelerating progress on the region’s most urgent climate challenges. Under Jamie’s leadership, Tara has grown to provide support to a diverse network of over 250 grantees spanning across 13 Asian geographies. Jamie brings  two decades of global experience in civil society organisations and philanthropy, with a primary focus on climate and environmental issues across Asia. A native of South Korea, she has lived and worked extensively across various continents, including Asia, North America and Central America, and speaks four languages. Jamie earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Brown University.

    Jennifer Lewis

    Lead, Strategic Partnerships
    Co-Head, Collaboration & Partnership, Temasek Trust
    Jennifer Lewis co-heads Temasek Trust’s Collaboration and Partnership Practice, and is the lead for Strategic Partherships. She began her strategic communications journey at GIC after more than twenty years as a journalist with leadership roles in broadcast, print and online platforms. She also advises several artificial intelligence and digital asset start-ups.

    Jennifer is privileged to be a Trustee of the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, and is also an Advisory Committee Member of the WWF Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence.

    Sir Jeremy Farrar

    Chief Scientist, World Health Organization

    Jeremy Farrar has been the Chief Scientist at the WHO since May 2023. In that role he helps ensure WHO is committed to science and evidence and that innovation and high-quality health products, policies and services are available equitably to everyone, everywhere. 

    Jeremy is a clinician scientist who before joining the WHO was between 2013-2023 Director of the Wellcome Trust. Between 1996-2013 he was Director of the Clinical Research Unit Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam. Dr Farrar trained in neurology and infectious diseases in London, Edinburgh, Oxford and in Melbourne. He has a PhD in Immunology from the University of Oxford in partnership with the University of California in San Francisco and has over 600 publications. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences UK, the National Academies USA, the European Molecular Biology Organization and a Fellow of The Royal Society.   

    He was awarded the Memorial Medal and Ho Chi Minh City Medal in Viet Nam and in 2018 the President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian of the Year.  He was named in the Fortune list of 50 World’s Greatest Leaders in 2015, included in the Politico’s Class of 2022 most influential people in Europe. Jeremy was knighted in the Queen’s 2018 New Year Honours for services to Global Health, the Public Service Medal Government of Singapore 2021 and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun and Gold Ray Neck Ribbon in 2020 from the Japanese government in the name of the Emperor of Japan for contributions to global health.  In 2022 Jeremy was named in the Politico 28 Class of 2022 most influential people in Europe and in 2024 Jeremy was named in the Time100 list of 100 most influential leaders in health.

    June Kunugi

    Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF

    Ms. June Kunugi assumed the role of Regional Director for UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Region in July 2024, bringing over 30 years of dedicated service to the organization. In this capacity, she oversees UNICEF’s programs across 28 countries, leading efforts to advance children's rights and well-being throughout the region.

    Prior to this appointment, Ms. Kunugi served as Director of UNICEF’s Public Partnerships Division at the organization's New York headquarters, where she led global resource mobilization and advocacy initiatives. Her extensive career includes roles as UNICEF Representative in Myanmar, overseeing development programs and humanitarian responses, and leadership positions in the State of Palestine, Japan and the Republic of Korea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Gulf area countries. She began her journey with UNICEF in Communications, with assignments in Viet Nam and Bangladesh.

    A national of Japan, Ms. Kunugi holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in East Asian Studies and Romance Languages and Literatures from Wesleyan University, and a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University.

    Khanh Trần

    Managing Partner, Touchstone Partners

    Khanh Tran is driven by a mission to empower visionary founders who are building real solutions to Vietnam’s most pressing challenges. As the son of a brilliant engineer-turned-entrepreneur, Khanh grew up witnessing the obstacles of doing business in an emerging market—especially the barriers that prevent talented individuals from accessing capital and support. He came to believe that talent and technology alone are not enough; a more inclusive and purpose-driven financial ecosystem is essential for innovation and long-term prosperity. 

    With a deep commitment to impact, Khanh focuses on enabling startups that are transforming Vietnam’s critical sectors such as education, healthcare, supply chains, and sustainable climate solutions through digital innovation. He also aspires to play a pioneering role in building a full continuum of capital in Vietnam—from grants and philanthropic funding, to early-stage risk capital, growth-stage financing, and eventually listing pathways—ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to the right resources at every stage of their journey. 

    Khanh was previously Head of Technology Investment at VinaCapital, after years of experience at Goldman Sachs, Grab, and GoBear. He holds a BEng and MSc in Electronic Communication and Computer Engineering from the University of Nottingham and an MBA from INSEAD. 

    Laurence Lien

    Co-Founder and CEO, Asia Philanthropy Circle
    Chairman, Lien Foundation
    Laurence Lien is Co-Founder and founding CEO of the Asia Philanthropy Circle. Laurence is also the Chairman of Lien Foundation, a family foundation established in 1980, that has become well-regarded for its forward-thinking and radical approach in the fields of early childhood development and care for seniors. 
     
    Laurence was the CEO of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre in Singapore from 2008-2014. In 2008, he founded the Community Foundation of Singapore and was its Chairman from 2013-2019. He is also Board Member of the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at the Singapore Management University. 
     
    Prior to his work in the non-profit sector, Laurence served in the Singapore Administrative Service, which forms the top echelon of public service leaders in Singapore. Laurence holds degrees from Oxford University, the National University of Singapore, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In 2010, Laurence was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship. He was also a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore from 2012-2014. 

    Dr Lee Fook Kay

    Head, Pandemic Preparedness, Temasek Foundation
    Dr Lee Fook Kay is the Head of the Pandemic Preparedness office at Temasek Foundation, which develops and executes philanthropic outreach and projects for preparedness and countermeasures for future pandemics. Their work supports regional networking of scientific communities and health policy makers and promotes capacity building and data sharing in scientific networks and the surveillance of emerging infections and neglected tropical diseases with pandemic potential. Dr Lee was previously Chief Scientist at Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs and was instrumental in building national S&T capabilities in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence for national security. Dr Lee was awarded a Ph.D in Chemistry from the National University of Singapore in 1990 and was designated as Chartered Chemist in 1994 by the UK Royal Society of Chemistry.

    Professor Leo Yee Sin

    Senior Advisor, National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), National Healthcare
    Professor (Faculty) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University

    Prof Leo Yee Sin’s distinguished service to Singapore’s battles against infectious diseases is well documented.  She has led her team through multiple outbreaks in the last 2 decades and these include Nipah, SARS, the pandemic influenza, Zika, COVID-19 and multiple surges of Dengue. She successfully managed Singapore’s first imported case of the Monkeypox in May 2019.  

    She currently focuses her contribution in global health and serves in multiple technical advisory groups at the World Health Organisation.  

    Having published more than 400 scientific papers, Prof Leo has made significant contributions to clinical development, academic research and public health policies. Topics of her research interest include outbreak management, Arbovirus infections, influenza, emerging infections, HIV and Covid-19. 

    Recognised as a leading infectious disease expert, Prof Leo received numerous awards.

    Li Xin

    Vice President, Caixin Media
    Managing Editor and Managing Director, Caixin Global
    Li Xin is Vice President of Caixin Media, Managing Editor and Managing Director of Caixin Global, leading the company’s global new as well as Caixin’s international branding and global events.

    Before Caixin, she was Managing Editor of the Chinese Wall Street Journal and Chinese Dow Jones newswire. 

    This is her second stint at Caixin, where she was formerly the Managing Editor of Caixin: China Economics & Finance, an English-language magazine. 

    In 2006, she founded Caijing Magazine’s first bureau in the United States, as a correspondent of politics and economics. Li was a documentary producer at China Central Television between 2001 and 2004. 

    Li holds a bachelor degree on English language from Tsinghua University, a master degree from the journalism school of University of Missouri-Columbia and an Executive MBA degree from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. 

    She is an Aspen China Fellow and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, as well as a member of the International Media Council at the World Economic Forum. She is the co-chair of China Council for World Economic Forum Future Councils.

    Lim Boon Heng

    Chairman, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
    Chairman, Temasek Holdings

    Mr Lim Boon Heng is the Chairman of the Philanthropy Asia Alliance.

    Mr. Lim joined Temasek as a Director on 1 June 2012 and was appointed Chairman of the Board on 1 August 2013. Mr. Lim is currently Chairman of NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Limited, NTUC Health Co-operative Ltd, NTUC Health for Life Fund Limited and St Gabriel’s Foundation. He was previously a Cabinet Minister within the Prime Minister’s Office. Mr. Lim’s career spans the private and public sectors, having led Singapore’s National Trade Union Congress, and having served as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister for Trade and Industry. Before entering the public sector, Mr. Lim spent a decade at Neptune Orient Lines Limited. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Naval Architecture from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.

    Lisa Genasci

    Managing Director, Sustainable Finance, ADM Capital

    Lisa Genasci is Managing Director, Sustainable Finance, with ADM Capital, where she leads the firm’s ESG Committee and sits on the Investment Advisory Committee as an observer. She also co-leads the firm’s first impact strategy, the Asia Climate Smart Landscape Fund (ACLF) for Indonesia, which launched in December 2023. ACLF provides credit to SMEs in the agricultural commodity sector with targets set in emissions reduction, better land use management, improved livelihoods and gender.

     

    Prior to joining ADM Capital full time in 2021, Lisa initiated and for 15 years led the ADM Capital Foundation (ADMCF), an innovative philanthropic vehicle established to support critical research and impact-driven approaches to promoting environmental conservation in Asia. ADMCF has been recognised for its research-led solutions to some of our most intransigent challenges: Our depleting oceans, the nexus between forestry and development, air quality and public health, the intersections among food, energy and water. During her time at ADMCF, Lisa provided advisory support to the ADM Capital Funds’ ESG integrated investment process. Lisa holds a BA degree with High Honors from Smith College and an LLM in Human Rights Law from the University of Hong Kong.

    Luis Alvarado

    Head of GAEA / Strategic Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships, World Economic Forum

    Luis heads the GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, and the Strategic Philanthropic-Public-Partnerships team at the World Economic Forum. GAEA aims to convene, incubate and scale new and existing public, private and philanthropic partnerships (4Ps) to unlock the capital needed each year to tackle climate change and nature loss.

    Before GAEA, he was part of setting up the Mission Possible Partnership, catalysing global movements of corporates to accelerate the decarbonization across the hard-to-abate sectors.

    Luis is a Millennium Leadership Fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC, and his work has been recognized by the Obama Foundation Leaders program, the European Parliament and the Schwarzkopf Foundation in Berlin among others. He is a Trustee at National Park City Foundation.

    He has previously had roles at UK Government, Spanish Parliament, the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative and has helped several elected roles in Brussels in the context of the EU and Council of Europe frameworks.

    He is a Master’s graduate in Sustainability Leadership at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (University of Cambridge) and a post graduate in EU Political & Public Administration from the College of Europe in Bruges.

    Mehrdad Ehsani

    Vice President, Food Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation

    Mehrdad Ehsani joined The Rockefeller Foundation in September 2019 as Managing Director for the Food Initiative in Africa, which seeks to enhance access to nourishing food for millions across the continent through sustainable food systems. He has an interest in ecosystem approaches to transforming markets for greater inclusivity.

    Currently serving as the Vice President of the Food Initiative in Africa at the Rockefeller Foundation, Mehrdad has led and overseen market development programs in African food systems with organizations such as Adam Smith International, Palladium Group, and SNV, supported by DFID, USAID, DGIS, RF, and BMGF.

    Mehrdad holds a BSc in Agriculture from the University of British Columbia and an MSc in Agribusiness Management from Imperial College, London. Before joining the Foundation, he played a key role in the leadership team of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.

    Melissa Wright

    Bloomberg Ocean Initiative Lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies

    Melissa leads the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative at Bloomberg Philanthropies. The initiative is focused on achieving the global target to protect or conserve at least 30 percent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030, or 30x30. The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative promotes science-based, high-impact marine protection policies to enhance transparency at sea and protect some of the world’s most climate change-resilient reefs.

    Melissa has over 15 years of experience, including working on energy and climate issues in Mayor Bloomberg’s Administration. She also served as the director of the City Energy Project – an initiative to cut energy waste in large buildings and make U.S. cities healthier and more prosperous through energy efficiency. Melissa holds a master’s degree of public administration in environmental policy and science from Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs where she was an Adjunct Professor. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Oberlin College and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

    Dr Ming Tan

    Founding Executive Director, Tech for Good Institute Singapore

    Dr Ming Tan is founding Executive Director for the Tech for Good Institute, a non-profit founded to catalyse research and collaboration on social, economic and policy trends accelerated by the digital economy in Southeast Asia. She is concurrently a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore and Advisor to the Founder of the COMO Group, a Singaporean portfolio of lifestyle companies operating in 15 countries worldwide. Her research interests lie at the intersection of technology, business and society, including sustainability and innovation. 

      

    Ming was previously Managing Director of IPOS International, part of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, which supports Singapore’s future growth as a global innovation hub for intellectual property creation, commercialisation and management. 

     
    Prior to joining the public sector, she was Head of Stewardship of the COMO Group and the founding Executive Director of COMO Foundation, a grantmaker focused on gender equity that has served over 47 million women and girls since 2003. 

      

    As a company director, she lends brand and strategic guidance to several companies within the COMO Group. In the non-profit, educational and government spheres, Ming is a director of National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) and chairs the Asia Advisory board for Swiss hospitality business and management school EHL. She also serves on the Technology Advisory Panel for Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s national performing arts centre. 

      

    Ming was educated in Singapore, the United States, and England. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University and her doctorate from Oxford. 

    Monika Sharma

    Senior Programme Lead, India, Novo Nordisk Foundation
    Monika joined the foundation in Aug. 2024 to lead NNF India Branch Office in New Delhi. The office supports the foundation’s India focused partnering and its expanding India portfolio.

    Monika has had a career in research where she worked on Multidrug Resistance in pathogenic fungus. Prior to joining the foundation, Monika has worked with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Indian Institute of Science (IISc. Bangalore) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Government of India where she has catalysed the delivery of many bilateral programmes and research funds in the area ofFood, Water, Energy and Antimicrobial Resistance.


    She holds a Ph.D from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.

    Naina Subberwal Batra

    CEO, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network

    Naina Subberwal Batra is the CEO of Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), the largest regional social investment network that aims to increase the flow of financial, human and intellectual capital for impact.  

    Naina’s leadership since 2013 has nurtured the AVPN community, growing the membership base by more than four times and elevating the organisation into a truly regional force for good. Under her direction, AVPN has grown from focusing only on venture philanthropy to supporting the entire ecosystem of social investors, from catalytic philanthropists to impact investors and corporate CSR professionals.  

    Naina is currently a Board Director for the Micronutrient Forum and the Blue Earth Foundation, as well as a Board Member of the Menzies Foundation and the Blue Planet Environmental Solution Pte Ltd.

    Dr Naweed Isaak Naqvi

    Temasek Senior Investigator, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory

    Dr Naweed Naqvi has significant research experience and expertise in harnessing the biodiversity in plant-microbe-environment interaction for crop improvement and climate mitigation. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (India) and the International Rice Research Institute (Philippines) in 1995. 

    Naweed was a Rockefeller Foundation Project Scientist at International Rice Research Institute until 1997, prior to joining the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology (Singapore) initially as a postdoctoral fellow; and then as a Principal Investigator focusing on fungal patho-biology and host-pathogen interaction. Currently, he is appointed as a prestigious Temasek Senior Investigator at the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (Singapore) and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore, and as a knowledge partner at the WEF First Movers Coalition for Food (Rice).

    Neerja Birla

    Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust

    Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), is a distinguished global leader, an unwavering advocate for mental health, and a trailblazer in the realm of inclusive education.

    As the founder of Mpower, Neerja has redefined mental health in India. Reaching over 160 million people, Mpower has become South Asia's largest and most influential entity focused on mental health literacy, capacity building, and community outreach. Neerja's relentless dedication has established mental health as a human right. 

    Driven by her deep commitment to education, Neerja established the Aditya Birla World Academy and the Aditya Birla Integrated School, both of which have set new benchmarks for distinction and diversity. Through the Academy, she has empowered over six lakh educators across India and Asia, providing them with the tools and skills to enhance educational outcomes, especially in marginalized and low-fee schools. 

    As a passionate champion for women’s health and empowerment, Neerja pioneered Ujaas, an initiative designed to eliminate menstrual stigma, combat period poverty, and promote reproductive health awareness.

    Neerja's also holds the position of trustee on the Board of the Healthy Brains Global Initiative (UK), is a member of the Indian Advisory Council for the British Asian Trust, and is actively involved in the Asia Gender Network of AVPN and the Future Mental Health Collective (UK). In these roles, she is driving global strategies to enhance brain health and mental well-being, with a particular focus on South Asia. 

    Nguyen Dang Khoa

    CEO, NeoRice

    Khoa Nguyen is a progressive farmer-entrepreneur reshaping agriculture in Vietnam. As CEO of the Cam Chau Agricultural System—a network of farms, cultivation companies, export firms, and supply distributors in the Mekong Delta—he has developed an in-depth understanding of the nation’s agricultural landscape.

     

    Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Khoa pioneered a breakthrough rice cultivation process, “Quy trình canh tác lúa sử dụng khoáng tự nhiên với công nghệ phun bằng dây bay.” This method harnesses natural minerals combined with drone spraying technology and has earned Ministry-level recognition for its technical merit.

     

    Motivated by his commitment to transforming rice production, Khoa launched NEORICE—a project designed to make agriculture both economically viable and environmentally responsible. This pioneering project was a finalist at the Net Zero Challenge 2023, organized by Temasek Foundation and Touchstone Partners. 3000ha using Neorice tech has been signed between Lotus Rice (the largest high quality rice exporter), VietRISA and AHA.

     

    In addition to NEORICE, Khoa plays a key role in Vietnam’s National Agricultural Extension program, contributing significantly to the 1 Million Hectare initiative—a government project focused on developing high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation across the Mekong Delta.

     

    With a unique blend of practical experience, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication, Khoa Nguyen is not only transforming rice production but also cultivating a more sustainable future for Vietnam and beyond.

    Nirvana Chaudhary

    Managing Director, CG Corp Global
    Vice Chair, Chaudhary Foundation
    Nirvana Chaudhary is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, known as the Managing Director of CG Corp Global, a multinational with a portfolio spread across 30 countries. Starting his first company at 19, he has cultivated a diverse career spanning various industries. Nirvana is also a published author of children's books, including “Araaya’s Fables” and "Beyond Wonder Woman," promoting moral values and gender equality. His love for adventure is evident in his achievements in mountaineering and as a former member of Nepal's National Squash team. In the realm of philanthropy, he serves as Vice Chair of the Chaudhary Foundation, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives for children. Recognised globally, Nirvana holds key positions in the banking sector and has been honoured as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He has also spoken at Harvard Business School to MBA students on “Managing and Growing Family Business” and at the Davos Summit on Climate Change. He shares his life with his wife Ashrayata and their two children, Araaya and Arhaan Binod Chaudhary.

    Professor Paul Pronyk

    Director, Duke-NUS Center for Outbreak Preparedness (COP)
    Co-Director, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute

    Professor Pronyk is the Director of the Duke-NUS Center for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) and the Co-Director of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global health Institute. As an infectious disease and public health physician, he has spent much of his career supporting infectious disease control programs in low and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. He held senior positions at UNICEF Headquarters and UNICEF Indonesia and was the technical lead for the UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities. He led the Ebola response for UNICEF in Sierra Leone, and has directed cross-sectoral research programs for Columbia University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine working on HIV, TB, malaria and vaccine-preventable disease across Africa. 

    Under his leadership, COP established the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (APGI), with the support of the Gates Foundation, to leverage scientific and technical partnerships in Singapore and across Asia. Asia PGI is accelerating pathogen genomic sequencing in Asia, where early detection, control and the elimination of infectious diseases is an urgent priority.  

    Sir Peter Horby

    FMedSci FRS Director, Pandemic Sciences Institute
    Moh Family Foundation Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Oxford

    Peter trained in medicine at University College London and went on to specialise in emerging and epidemic prone infectious diseases. Over the last 20 years he has led research on a wide range of emerging and epidemic infections, including SARS, avian influenza, Ebola, Lassa fever, plague and COVID-19. 

    Peter is Director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute, an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Oxford with a mission to discover, create and enable practical, science-driven solutions to infectious disease threats worldwide.   

    Peter is a regular advisor to the UK Government and the World Health Organization. 

    Prashant Mahajan

    Head, Ecosystems & Climate Change, Mandai Nature

    Prashant is a sustainability practitioner with over three decades of experience in nature conservation across the Asia-Pacific region. As Head of Ecosystems and Climate Change at Mandai Nature, he leads strategic initiatives in biodiversity and climate change, focusing on Nature-based Solutions. His experience includes mainstreaming biodiversity into business sector, conservation education, and citizen science.

    His Excellency Professor Pratikno

    Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of Indonesia

    Prof Pratikno is Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, driving education, healthcare, youth development, and disaster resilience—key priorities in President Prabowo Subianto’s “Asta Cita” vision for a stronger, more prosperous Indonesia. He plays a pivotal role in advancing 5 of the President’s 7 priority programs.

    A core focus of Prof Pratikno’s leadership is ensuring a cohesive, cross-sectoral approach to human development. His ministry has oversight of 8 ministries and 10 government agencies, including those responsible for education, health, women & children, family planning, youth affairs, and disaster response. 

    Prof Pratikno has a distinguished career spanning government and academia. He previously served as Minister of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia (2014–2024), playing a pivotal role in policy coordination and institutional reforms. An esteemed academic, Prof Pratikno was also Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), one of Indonesia’s most prestigious universities.

    Pritha Venkatachalam

    Partner and Co-Head, Asia and Africa, The Bridgespan Group

    Pritha is a Partner and Co-Head, Asia and Africa at The Bridgespan Group, and also serves as the head of the India office. She advises philanthropies/ donors, governments, nonprofits, and the private sector on a wide range of global development opportunities. Her work has ranged across strategy, business plans, operating models, and partnerships for social impact initiatives in over 25 countries in South and Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Pritha has led and co-authored knowledge reports and articles on strategic and collaborative philanthropy, a more resilient NGO sector, community driven change, and public health, among others. 

    Prior to Bridgespan, Pritha established and led the New Delhi office of Dalberg Global Development Advisors, where she co-led the Global Health and Nutrition practice. Previously, she was a Director and India office head at Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA), UK; and earlier as a financial specialist at the World Bank. 

    Pritha holds a Masters in Development Management from the London School of Economics and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, including an exchange program at Melbourne Business School. She is a recipient of the Citibank Leadership Award and V-WA Award for Women Leaders. She serves on the Advisory Boards of Social Alpha and Bahaar Foundation; and is a mentor at WomenLift Health. 

    Ravi Menon

    Ambassador for Climate Action & Senior Adviser, National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS)

    Mr Ravi Menon is Singapore’s first Ambassador for Climate Action and Senior Adviser to the National Climate Change Secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office. He plays a leading role in Singapore’s efforts to foster collective action internationally and transition planning locally towards a low-carbon future. He is also Chairman of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) Asia-Pacific Advisory Board and a member of the GFANZ Principals Group.

    Mr Menon is Chairman of ImpactSG, a start-up charity which aims to grow a community of purposeful givers in Singapore and Asia. He is also a Board Member of The Majurity Trust, a philanthropy which deploys cause-based funds to address social needs.

    Prior to his current roles, Mr Menon served for 36 years in the Singapore Public Service. In his last appointment as Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (2011-23), Mr Menon oversaw monetary and macroprudential policies, reformed the financial regulatory framework, and developed Singapore as a green finance centre and a global FinTech hub. On the international front, he served as Chairman of the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System and Chairman of the Financial Stability Board Standing Committee on Standards Implementation.

    Mr Menon is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Singapore Government, the Distinguished Alumni Award from NUS, and the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award from the Institute of International Finance in Washington.

    Rhett Ayler Butler

    Founder and CEO, Mongabay

    Rhett Ayers Butler is the founder and CEO of Mongabay, a non-profit news organization that reports on the intersection of people and nature through a global network of about 1,000 journalists in more than 80 countries. His writing and photography have appeared in hundreds of publications, and his work has been recognized with honors including the Heinz Award and the Parker/Gentry Award.

     

    Beyond Mongabay, Rhett has advised a range of organizations and institutions. On the philanthropy front, he has worked with foundations, donor collaboratives, and individual philanthropists; served on prize committees in a grantmaking capacity; and established and funded a conservation award.

     

    Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rhett has traveled widely and frequently speaks at events and universities around the world on topics including non-profit journalism, tropical forests, and trends in conservation.

    Robin Nataf

    Community Lead, Climate and Health, World Economic Forum

    Robin joined the Forum in March 2025 as Community Lead, Climate and Health, where he curates a high-level community committed to mobilising the private sector to unlock action aimed at addressing the effects of climate change on health. He previously led Wellcome's Climate and Health Policy and Private Sector Partnerships, where he notably shaped the first ever Health Day at COP28.

    Robin has 15 years experience working on climate, health and development challenges across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the USA, including for governments, multilateral institutions and non-profits. He holds degrees from Oxford University, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Sciences Po.

    Robyn Mijares

    Founder & Chief Executive Director of Youth Uprising & Grow School Philippines

    Robyn Mijares is the Founder & Chief Executive Director of Youth Uprising & Grow School Philippines; non-profit organizations that supports the youth to create positive change towards more inclusive, fair, and sustainable communities. She founded the Philippines’ first bamboo farm school based in Nasugbu, Batangas that provides free accessible environmental & agricultural education to public schools. 

    She is the First Filipino in history to receive the WIN DRR Rising Star Award given by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Australian Government for her impact towards food security. Robyn now continues to share her and the thousands of Filipino youths’ powerful stories through her talks in TEDx and feature in VOGUE Philippines for their International Women’s Day commemoration on raising hope.  

    Through her work, she has reached over 98,000 public school students and mobilized them with the knowledge to grow not just food, but futures. Changing agriculture in the Philippines one school at a time, one student at a time; all for the mission that the Filipino youth will never be hungry, but always have the hunger for change. 

    Roland Kupka

    Regional Nutrition Adviser for East Asia and Pacific, UNICEF

    Roland Kupka, ScD is the UNICEF Regional Nutrition Adviser for East Asia and Pacific. In this Bangkok-based role, he provides strategic support to UNICEF’s nutrition programs operating in 14 countries throughout East Asia and the Pacific. He previously served as Senior Nutrition Adviser at UNICEF Headquarters, New York and as Nutrition Specialist and acting Regional Nutrition Adviser in the UNICEF Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal.  


    Before joining UNICEF, Roland worked as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. He has assumed various organizational leadership roles, including as a member of Board of Trustees of the Micronutrient Forum, Board of Directors of the Iodine Global Network, and Executive Management Team of the Food Fortification Initiative. Over the last 20 years, Roland’s work has focused on studying the role of nutrition in child health and early childhood development as well as on devising effective intervention strategies. He has documented these experiences through more than 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals.  

    A German national, Roland completed his doctoral training in Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard University.   

    Dr Rose Nani Mudin

    Malaysia Dengue Programme
    Former Sabah Health Department Director, Malaysia
    Associate Professor in International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia

    Sattiya Langkhapin

    Chief of Party, Education Development Center (EDC)

    Sattiya Langkhapin is Chief of Party at EDC, leading transformative education and youth workforce programs across Southeast Asia. She specializes in integrating technology with human-centered approaches to bridge educational inequities, particularly for underserved learners in low-resource settings. 

     

    She currently oversees the High Touch High Tech for All initiative, which leverages AI-enabled personalized learning tools to improve math learning in primary and middle schools. Her team works closely with educators to ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, the teacher’s role, empowering them to design engaging, individualized learning experiences based on real-time student learning data. 

     

    With over 20 years of experience in STEM education, curriculum innovation, and public-private partnerships, Sattiya’s work emphasizes advancing equity in quality education and driving systems-level impact. She has held director positions at Intel Thailand and Thailand’s Ministry of Education, and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge. 

     

    At EDC, Sattiya is committed to empowering the next generation through inclusive, tech-integrated models that strengthen foundational learning, build future-ready skills, and foster a resilient workforce. 

    Saurav Malhotra

    Founding Managing Director, Mountains to Mangroves

    Saurav is a Lui-Walton Fellow at Conservation International, where he co-designed and now leads the Mountains to Mangroves initiative — one of the largest conservation efforts in the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal, the initiative aims to mobilize $1 billion to accelerate and scale local conservation work, with the goal of planting 1 billion trees and restoring 1 million hectares of land by the end of the decade. The program partners with national NGOs to safeguard biodiversity in this critical region and enhance climate resilience. 

     
    Previously, Saurav served as CEO of the Balipara Foundation, where he led the development of forest restoration programs with Indigenous communities in northeast India. During this time, he pioneered the Rural Futures model, linking forest restoration to resilient livelihoods. 

     
    Saurav holds a master’s degree from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and has been recognized as a fellow by the Aspen Global Leadership Network, Acumen and Ashoka for his leadership in environmental conservation and community development. He also serves as an honorary special adviser for the Asia-Pacific region to the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, a global initiative founded by King Charles III to integrate nature-based solutions into economic development. 

    Dr Shariqua Yunus Khan

    Head of Nutrition and School Meals Unit, World Food Programme

    Dr Shariqua Yunus graduated in medicine from the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh in 2001and subsequently did her post graduation in Community Medicine from the same college in 2005. She holds a diploma in Public Health Nutrition from the Public Health Foundation of India and has also been trained on the management of nutrition in emergencies by the University College of London and Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre. 

      

    She has worked on the ASHA project under the National Rural Health Mission with the training division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. She has also worked as the focal point for Nutrition at the World Health Organization, Country Office for India. Currently, she is working as the Head of the Nutrition and School feeding unit at the World Food Programme office in India. In this role, she has also supported several countries in the region in their quest against anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. 

      

    She  has to her credit several research papers in various national and international journals. 

      

    Her main areas of interest are maternal and child health, infant and young child feeding and links between disease and nutrition.

    Sharon Koh

    Centre for Impact Investing & Practices

    Sharon currently serves as Director, Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP). CIIP is a non-profit centre established by Temasek Trust, with the mission to foster impact investing and practices in Asia and beyond. 

    Previously, Sharon was Director, Knowledge & Insights at the Philanthropy Asia Alliance - a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships 

    Prior to joining Temasek Trust, Sharon was Senior Vice President at GIC, focusing on change management for the workplace transformation programme, and leading the corporate sustainability efforts of the sovereign wealth fund. 

    Sharon also served as adjunct faculty at Singapore Management University’s School of Social Sciences, specializing in psychology. 

    Her career began with a focus on people development and corporate strategy, following the completion of her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology from Yale University. Sharon also received her PhD in Psychology from Singapore Management University.

    Shaun Seow

    CEO, Philanthropy Asia Alliance

    Shaun Seow is CEO of the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. He works closely with members and partners, to accelerate efforts that drive lasting, transformative change, and advance Asia’s role in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive world.

    Shaun also serves as Temasek’s Head of Community Stewardship, leading a team that enables social capital so that every generation prospers. He aims to drive societal improvement through catalytic philanthropy and partnerships with key stakeholders from across the public, private and people sectors.


    Previously, Shaun held Managing Director positions in Temasek’s Investment Group and Singapore Market. He joined Temasek in 2017 after helming one of its portfolio companies, MediaCorp Pte Ltd., as its Chief Executive Officer. Earlier in his career, he was a financial editor with The Straits Times and a civil servant in Singapore’s Administrative Service. 


    Shaun read Economics at Cambridge University and was appointed an Eisenhower Fellow by the Philadelphia-based organization which engages emerging leaders from around the world.

    Dr Siti Maryam Yaakub

    Senior Director, International Blue Carbon Institute, Conservation International

    Dr. Siti leads the International Blue Carbon Institute's global efforts in translating blue carbon science into tools and methodologies for climate mitigation and adaptation. Based in Singapore, she spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering multidisciplinary expertise and cultivating a resource hub for knowledge exchange. 

    Dr. Siti is a marine ecologist and works across tropical marine and coastal habitats. Her work and research interests broadly lie in the areas of ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions for adaptation and mitigation in marine environments. Within this, she is specifically interested in using seagrass habitats as a model system for understanding ecological thresholds to stress, ecosystem resilience, and the effects of human activities and climate change on the marine environment.

    Smriti Irani

    Founder & Chairperson, Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality
    Former Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India

    Smriti Irani is a globally recognized leader with over two decades of experience in policy design, public health, education, and women’s empowerment. As a Cabinet Minister in the Government of India (2014–2024), she helmed key ministries including Women & Child Development, Education, and Minority Affairs, driving scalable, data-driven initiatives to advance equity, health, and learning outcomes. 

    She conceptualized the POSHAN Tracker, the world’s largest digital platform delivering real-time nutrition support to over 100 million women and children across 1.4 million centers—earning India’s highest e-Governance award. She institutionalized 700 crisis centers for women facing violence and led systemic reform of juvenile justice laws to protect vulnerable children. 

    As Education Minister, she spearheaded the formulation of India’s National Education Policy after 34 years and launched digital learning platforms like SWAYAM and the National Digital Library, democratizing access for over 11 million learners. 

    Smriti is the founder of the Alliance for Global Good: Gender Equity and Equality, advancing skill-based livelihoods for 100,000 urban poor women in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and CII. 

    She teaches public speaking and leadership at IIM Udaipur and holds executive certifications from Cambridge and UC Berkeley. A vocal advocate for gender justice and social innovation, she brings a rare blend of grassroots insight and institutional leadership to global philanthropic collaborations. 

    Sonali Patel

    Partner, The Bridgespan Group

    Sonali Patel is a partner in Bridgespan’s New York office, where she co-leads both the environmental area of expertise and global sourcing and diligence. She joined Bridgespan in 2014 and has since led multiple engagements both in the US and globally. Her primary areas of focus are global development (with an emphasis on issues of equity) and climate change, where she is a sought-after advisor. She has worked with individual philanthropists, family philanthropies, institutional philanthropy, INGOs, and equity-focused NGOs.

     

    Sonali’s career has spanned two decades both in for-profit and nonprofit consulting. Her nonprofit experience includes working extensively in strategy, organizational design (including governance structures), sourcing and diligence, as well as development of organizational missions, visions, and values. Prior to joining the Bridgespan Group, Sonali was at Bain & Company for more than a decade, working primarily in the healthcare practice while covering a wide range of issues, including growth strategy, organizational and process redesign, and performance improvement.

     

    Sonali regularly contributes to thought leadership on climate and philanthropy with numerous publications in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Inside Philanthropy, and Bridgespan.org. Sonali is a graduate of Duke University and The Wharton School.

    Dr Stephan Weise

    Managing Director for Asia, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

    Dr Stephan Weise is the Managing Director of Asia at the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Presently he is also the co-Director of the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program. He joined Bioversity International in 2009 as the Director of the Commodities for Livelihoods Programme, based in the Montpellier Office in France. He was then appointed Deputy Director General of Research in Rome from 2011 to 2019.  

    The Alliance delivers research-based solutions, at the nexus of agriculture, environment and nutrition, that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives in a climate crisis.  

    Before joining Bioversity International, Stephan worked for 16 years with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on a variety of programmes related to tree crops, the environment, regenerative agriculture, and farm diversification in the forest margins of West and Central Africa. From 2002 until he left IITA, he was the Regional Manager of the Sustainable Tree Crops Programme - a novel public-private partnership and innovation platform that was seeking to increase the income of cocoa farmers in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. He completed his schooling in Kathmandu/Nepal and obtained his PhD from the ETH Zurich in 1989.

    Stephen King

    Senior Advisor, Omidyar Group
    Stephen is an Independent Advisor on philanthropy and social change. He is currently a Senior Advisor at the Omidyar Group – the network of philanthropies supported by Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay. He is currently undertaking a project with the Omidyar Group exploring issues of philanthropic legitimacy and supporting philanthropic ecosystems in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

    He brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience with a career focus on using media and technology to create positive social impact and hold power to account.

    Stephen was the founding CEO of Luminate – www.luminategroup.com and led the organisation from inception in 2018 to early 2025. Luminate is a global philanthropic organisation which focuses on ensuring that technology works for the benefit of all in society – working mainly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

    Before joining Luminate, Stephen was a Partner at Omidyar Network where he led the Governance & Citizen Engagement initiative and helped establish its global network of for-profit impact investments. Prior to that, he worked at BBC Media Action for nine years where, as Chief Executive, he helped build the organisation’s reputation as a global leader in using media to promote better governance and transparency and improve the lives of the world’s poorest.
    Stephen has held executive positions at several non-profit organisations and companies in the UK, North America, and Asia. In addition to sitting on the board of Luminate, he holds board seats with Oxfam GB, Co Creation Hub, Africa’s primary technology innovation centre with bases in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Namibia and The Myanmar Trust (UK), a charity providing humanitarian support in Myanmar. He is a Global Ambassador for SOAS, University of London, advising its Director on philanthropic engagement.

    Susan Brown

    Assistant Secretary General, UNDP

    Susan Brown was appointed to the position of Assistant Administrator and Director, Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in September 2024. A senior advocacy, policy and communications expert, Susan Brown comes to UNDP with a strong track record and commitment to the development of good public policy as well as sustainable development advocacy and financing. Her most recent work was providing strategic advisory, advocacy, policy and communications support to various international organisations in the fields of sustainable development, gender and public health. Prior to this, she was Director of Public Policy Engagement at Gavi; Director of Global and Regional Policy and Head of the Policy and External Affairs Cluster at WWF International; Susan also has experiences as a print journalist, senior advisor in the Australian Federal Parliament and Coordinator of the North Queensland Conservation Council. Susan brings a deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics and decision-making processes.

    She has built strong relationships with governments, global institutions and civil society organizations at the executive level and led global network teams to significant recognition of their objectives in major international processes and forums. In 2016, Susan was acknowledged as an “Inspirational Women in Geneva Working for the Environment” by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and Geneva Environment Network. She has an Executive Master's degree in Environmental Governance and Policy-Making from the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Bachelor of Social Science in Social and Environmental Assessment and Policy, from RMIT University in Melbourne. Susan is a Swiss national, growing up in Australia before she moved to Switzerland in 2005. 

    Susanna Eduini

    Breathwork Trainer, OCTAVE Institute

    Originally from Italy, Susanna is a Breathwork Master Trainer with more than 30 years of experience. She is also a professional coach skilled in Executive Development, Career Development and Self-Actualization Coaching, with a demonstrated history of working in the professional wellness, training & coaching industry. Author and TEDx speaker, her work has been endorsed and appraised by an international clientele and audience.

    Susanna holds a certification in Neuro-Semantics and as a trainer her work is a unique blend of ancient and modern world, through breathwork, coaching, neuro-science, myth, folk tales and anthropology to reveal how our thoughts and choices can shape our life.

    She is also the co-author of three best-sellers books about vegan lifestyle and raw food (published in Italy). Inspired by Abraham Maslow's quote "Impossible means you haven't found the solution yet" she is committed to put together inspiring success stories, decades of research and her own unique personal experience of more than 30 years in USA, Europe, China and South-East Asia, to support people to become more motivated, more passionate and successful with love and a renewed sense of purpose and personal excellence.

    Sze Ping Lo

    Program Director, Sequoia Climate Foundation
    Sze Ping Lo is a program director at Sequoia Climate Foundation, where he leads the organisation’s grantmaking portfolios for China and Southeast Asia. Prior to joining Sequoia, Sze Ping was CEO of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in China, and served in top leadership and governance roles in Greenpeace, Friends of Nature, Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE), China Youth Climate Action Network (CYCAN), and Global Call for Climate Action (GCCA). He has founded two NGOs, Forward Works and Greenovation Hub, and has received numerous recognitions for his achievements, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012. He holds an EMBA from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and is a political scientist and anthropologist by training. Apart from being a diligent reader and eclectic music lover, he is also an internationalist foodie.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

    Director-General, World Health Organization

    Professor Teo Yik Ying

    Vice President (Global Health), National University of Singapore
    Dean, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

    Professor Teo Yik Ying is Dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, and concurrently a Governing Board Member for the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network. Prior to his Deanship, he was the Director for the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, and Founding Director for the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research for the School of Public Health.

    Professor Teo is presently a member of the International Organising Committee for the Prince Mahidol Award Conference, as well as the M8 Alliance which forms the academic foundation for the World Health Summit. He is the Co-Director for the Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health’s Collaborating Centres for Health Promotion, and sits on the Global Coalition of Deans of Schools of Public Health.

    In 2023, Prof Teo was appointed Vice President of NUS’ new Office of Global Health, which is a multidisciplinary whole-of-University effort to drive NUS’ health engagement efforts on the global stage.


    He received his BSc in Mathematics from Imperial College in 2000, MSc in Applied Statistics and DPhil in Statistics from the University of Oxford in 2001 and 2006 respectively.

    Tharman Shanmugaratnam

    President of the Republic of Singapore
    Distinguished Patron of PAA

    Tharman Shanmugaratnam was elected as Singapore’s President in September 2023.  

    He served in politics and government for 22 years before resigning to contest in the Presidential Election. He was Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister for several years, and Education Minister earlier. He also served as Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Singapore’s central bank and financial regulator, over the 12 years to 2023.  

    Internationally, Tharman has led several international councils focused on global financial reforms, economic and monetary stability, preparedness for future pandemics, global water sustainability, and strengthened access to education and good jobs.  

    Tharman was committed through his years in government to building economic resilience and a more inclusive society, with dignity and opportunity for all. He introduced major educational reforms while serving as Education Minister, aimed at achieving a broader and more flexible system of meritocracy. He later led the ‘SkillsFuture’ movement aimed at making life-long learning a reality for all. He also chaired tripartite councils which drove national efforts to raise productivity and wages, and the National Jobs Council which oversaw efforts to rebuild jobs for Singaporeans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

    Tharman currently chairs the board of trustees of the Group of Thirty, an independent global council of economic and financial leaders from the public and private sectors. He also co-chairs the High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs established by the World Bank Group in July 2024. He is in addition on the World Economic Forum’s Board of Trustees.  

    Tharman co-chaired the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, which released its final report in October 2024. He earlier led the G20 High-Level Panel on financing pandemic preparedness and responses, with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Lawrence Summers, in 2021. He also chaired the G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance, which in Oct 2018 proposed reforms for a more effective system of finance for development, sustainability, and financial stability. In addition, he co-chaired the Advisory Board for the last four editions of UN’s Human Development Report (HDR). Tharman earlier led the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), the IMF’s top policy forum, for an extended term of four years. In 2019, the Institute of International Finance awarded him its inaugural Distinguished Leadership and Service Award. 

    Tharman did a B.Sc. in Economics at the London School of Economics and an M.Phil. in Economics at the University of Cambridge. He later obtained a Master’s in Public Administration at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where he was conferred the Lucius N Littauer Fellow award for outstanding performance and leadership potential. 

    Uma Sachidhanandam

    Director of Conservation and Science, WWF Singapore

    Uma Sachidhanandam is currently the Director of Conservation & Science at WWF-Singapore where she works with conservation, and education and outreach teams. She was previously a senior lecturer on sustainability with Republic Polytechnic for ten years. 

    She started her career at the Singapore Environment Council and at the time of her departure was Deputy Director of the organisation and Director of Projects. She has had over the years the opportunity to build up a wealth of experience relevant to Singapore's conservation agenda. She has published scientific papers and books on sustainability issues and biodiversity. Uma holds a Masters in Zoology from the National University of Singapore. 

    She is currently also lecturing at the Department of Biological Sciences, NUS - Masters in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability Programme. 

    Dr William Tjhi

    Head of Applied Research for Foundation Models (ARF), AI Singapore

    Dr. William Tjhi is a distinguished expert in the field of artificial intelligence, with a focus on linguistic inclusivity and accessibility. He currently serves as the Head of Applied Research at AI Singapore, where he leads initiatives to develop language-specific Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored for Southeast Asia's diverse linguistic landscape. With over 15 years of experience in AI and machine learning, Dr. Tjhi has worked with leading organizations such as GovTech and Traveloka, contributing significantly to the advancement of AI technologies.

    Dr. Tjhi's academic background is rooted in a PhD from Nanyang Technological University, where he specialized in unsupervised learning for text data. His research interests include NLP and LLM evaluations for underrepresented languages , with numerous publications in these areas. He is also a regular contributor to AI communities in Southeast Asia, providing strategic guidance on AI training and development to governments and corporations.

    In addition to his role at AI Singapore, Dr. Tjhi holds a technical advisor position with the Singapore National Translation Committee and a consultant to a tech startup, Sembly. His work is characterized by a commitment to making AI technologies accessible and inclusive, ensuring that they benefit a broad spectrum of users across different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

    Assistant Professor Wisuwat Songnuan

    Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University

    Wisuwat Songnuan, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Plant Science at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. She earned her Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard Medical School and a B.Sc. in Biology from Duke University. Dr. Songnuan’s interdisciplinary expertise spans plant biology, biotechnology, and urban health. Her research focuses on plant-related allergies, plant-microbe interactions, and genetic improvement of crops. 

    She is also an innovator and entrepreneur, serving as Chief Strategist at Advanced Greenfarm Ltd. and Consultant for Agrinnotech Ltd. She directs the Green Solutions for Future Living Unit and Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, and serves as a coach and node champion for IDE Thailand. Her work bridges science and real-world applications, from diagnostics and medicinal plants to urban greenery and sustainable agriculture. 

    Dr. Songnuan is deeply passionate about transforming the way we feed the world. She actively explores how technology and innovation—such as plant factories, future foods, and precision agriculture—can improve nutrition and make food systems more resilient and equitable. With her leadership across academia and industry, she strives to create a healthier, greener future through science-driven innovation.

    Woochong Um

    CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

    Woochong Um is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), a multi-sector coalition working to end energy poverty and drive an equitable transition to renewable energy. GEAPP supports emerging economies across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean by accelerating access to clean, sustainable power—fostering inclusive economic growth and climate resilience. 

    With more than 30 years of experience in international development, Woochong previously served as Managing Director General of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where he led groundbreaking partnerships and financing strategies to promote sustainability and strengthen community resilience. A recognized leader in climate action, he has championed the integration of environmental priorities across development sectors. 

    Woochong began his career in the private sector at Pfizer and Pitney Bowes. He holds an MBA from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Management from Boston College.

    Professor Zhang Cuilin

    Director, Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS​

    Dr. Cuilin Zhang is a Chair Professor on Women’s Health at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, founding Director of the Global Center for Asian Women’s Health, and the Lead for Population Health Study program of Asian Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equity. Prof. Zhang holds an Adjunct Professorship in Nutritionat the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Before joining NUS, Prof. Zhang was a tenured Senior Investigator and interim Chief of the Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. She served in the NIH Nutritional Research Task Force Writing Group for developing strategic plan on national nutritional between 2021-2030 and was the NIH Intramural Subject Matter Expert of multiple themes.

     

    Prof. Zhang is a clinical epidemiologist whose work unites nutrition, biochemistry, genetics, clinical medicine, and public health. Prof. Zhang is leading a multi-disciplinary research programme focusing on the improvement of women’s health and human potentials through diet and lifestyle modification, omics research, and early screening in general. One of the main focuses is on nutrition and lifestyle determinants, metabolic and genetic determinants, and health consequences of obesity, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and related comorbidities across the lifespan. Professor Zhang  has published more than 350 peer-reviewed articles, many of which are in high impact clinical journals, achieving an H index of 86, spearheading the significant contributions of her innovative, global, multidisciplinary research group on nutrition, diabetes, obesity, and women’s and children’s health.

     

    Prof. Zhang is an Associate Editor for Diabetes Care and American Journal of Epidemiology, the Editor-in-Chief (international) for Maternal & Foetal Medicine, and serves in the International Advisory Board of the Lancet Obstertrics and Gynecology, Women’s Health.


    Agenda

    09:00 - 19:00
    13:30 - 14:00 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Registration

    14:00 - 17:30 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Plenary

    The plenary brings together global, regional, and local leaders from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to examine Asia’s pivotal role in advancing solutions to climate and health challenges, as well as broader human development. Through dynamic discussions, expert analyses, and real-world case studies, we will explore how collective action and bold partnerships can drive impact and systemic transformation, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future.

    14:05 – 14:10 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Welcome Address

    • Desmond Kuek Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Trust
    14:10 – 14:15 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Opening Remarks

    • Lim Boon Heng Chairman, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
      Chairman, Temasek Holdings
    14:15 – 15:00 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    In Conversation with Thought Leaders

    In this exclusive dialogue, two influential leaders discuss global developments and explore how philanthropy can accelerate solutions to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

    • Tharman Shanmugaratnam President of the Republic of Singapore
      Distinguished Patron of PAA
    • Bill Gates Chair and Trustee, Gates Foundation
    15:00 – 15:10 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Perspectives: Global Health Stewardship at a Crossroads

    In this session, hear about how we can navigate approaching health challenges amidst global developments.

    • Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General, World Health Organization
    15:10 – 15:25 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Networking & Coffee Break

    15:25 – 15:45 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Perspectives: Human Development & Nutrition

    In this session, we explore the vital connection between nutrition and human development.

    • His Excellency Professor Pratikno Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of Indonesia
      Title: Foundations for the Future
    • Susan Brown Assistant Secretary General, United Nations Development Programme
      Title: Shaping Innovation and Creating Resilience
    15:50 – 16:00 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Insights: Where Climate Stands

    Hear a unique take on the evolving global climate landscape in this session.

    • Ravi Menon Ambassador for Climate Action & Senior Adviser, National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS)
    16:00 – 16:30 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Panel: The Nutrition Challenge

    Malnutrition and the nutritional quality of food remain significant barriers to health and development across Asia. These challenges are further intensified by climate change, given that it threatens both the quantity and quality of crops. From childhood stunting to long-term health consequences, the stakes are huge. This panel will explore the vital role of nutrition in human development and discuss strategies to improve food quality and accessibility amid evolving climate conditions.

    • Associate Professor Dr Chua Mei Chien Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neonatology
      Director, KK Human Milk Bank
      KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
    • June Kunugi Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF
    • Assistant Professor Wisuwat Songnuan Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
    • Professor Zhang Cuilin Director, Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS​
    • Benedict Cheong (Moderator) Chief Systems Integration Officer, Temasek Trust
    16:35 – 16:40 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Insights: Where Science Stands

    This session explores the state of science in a world shaped by disruption and complexity.

    • Sir Jeremy Farrar Chief Scientist, World Health Organization
    16:40 – 17:10 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Panel: The Mozzie Challenge

    The prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing, driven by climate change and rapid urbanisation. Once limited to tropical regions, these diseases are now spreading to new geographies, presenting significant public health challenges. This panel will examine the impact and implications of mosquito-borne diseases in Asia, with a focus on the role of science and innovation in mitigating their spread. Additionally, it will explore how a collaborative Public-Private-Philanthropic approach can drive the development of solutions tailored to Asia’s distinct challenges.

    • Dr Alan Dangour Director, Climate and Health, Wellcome Trust
    • Sir Peter Horby FMedSci FRS Director, Pandemic Sciences Institute
      Moh Family Foundation Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Oxford
    • Dr Rose Nani Mudin Malaysia Dengue Programme
      Former Sabah Health Department Director, Malaysia
      Associate Professor in International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia
    • Professor Teo Yik Ying Vice President (Global Health), National University of Singapore
      Dean, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
    • Dr Lee Fook Kay (Moderator) Head, Pandemic Preparedness, Temasek Foundation
    17:10 – 17:15 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Closing Remarks

    • Shaun Seow CEO, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
    17:30 - 19:00 Level 4, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom
    Networking Reception

    07:30 to 09:00
    07:30 - 09:00 Level 3
    Partner Event | Breakfast Session: From Seed to Harvest: Building Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Asia

    Anchored by Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

    Asia’s agri-food systems face interconnected threats.  Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events harm crop yields, livestock production, and fisheries. These conditions jeopardise the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who are essential to the region's food supply. Many also lack access to finance and climate-resilient local procurement systems, hindering their adoption of climate-smart practices and the provision of nutritious food for all. Participants will gain insight into how philanthropy and innovative finance can drive integrated solutions to strengthen agri-food systems, empower farming communities, and protect the environment.

    • Bernard Tan Chairman, Golden Philanthropies
    • Danny Hunter Principal Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
    • Dr Dharani Dhar Burra Data Products and Solutions Lead, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF)
    • Dr Naweed Isaak Naqvi Temasek Senior Investigator, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
    • Sharon Koh Centre for Impact Investing & Practices
    • Dr Stephan Weise Managing Director for Asia, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
    • Robyn Mijares (Moderator) Founder & Chief Executive Director of Youth Uprising & Grow School Philippines
    07:30 - 09:00 Closed-door event
    Breakfast Session: Polycrisis in Asia – Challenges in Funding and Opportunities for Impact Towards a Healthy Asia

    This session will spotlight on issues that will define health and science in the 21st century, with a focus on Asia. Amongst various challenges, three key issues stand out: (i) nutrition and food security, (ii) capacity to combat infectious diseases and (iii) mosquito-borne infections. Chaired by Sir Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, the session will seek to deepen conversations on levers of change and opportunities for greater collective impact in Asia.

    • Sir Jeremy Farrar (Chair) Chief Scientist, World Health Organization
    12:30 - 14:30
    12:30 - 13:30 Level 3
    Horizons Session: Women in Education

    Step into an engaging conversation, where visionary leaders and trailblazers share their personal journeys and pioneering work. This session will offer a rare opportunity to connect closely with influential changemakers, gaining first-hand insights into their experiences and impact. With a focus on authentic storytelling and deep conversations, this session provides a unique platform to inspire fresh thinking, foster meaningful connections, and spark action towards lasting change.

    A light lunch will be provided.

    • Belinda Tanoto Managing Director, RGE
      Trustee, Tanoto Foundation
    • Neerja Birla Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust
    • Smriti Irani Founder & Chairperson, Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality
      Former Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India
    • Li Xin (Moderator) Vice President, Caixin Media
      Managing Editor and Managing Director, Caixin Global
    13:45 - 14:30 Level 3
    Innovation Spotlight

    Discover pioneering solutions at the Innovation Spotlight, where changemakers take centre stage.

    Amplifier


    Hear from our inaugural cohort of Amplifiers as they share their exciting Asia-centric solutions and the impact they're making across the region.

    Twelve months in, with support from 34 partners, 20 mentors, and over 250 hours of mentorship, training, and professional services support, the Amplifier mentees have made incredible strides. Backed by US$744K in catalytic funding, what has their individual and collective impact been?

    Join us to discover their journeys, learnings, and the ripple effects of their work throughout Asia.

    Co-Axis

    Co-Axis is a digital impact marketplace, with a growing network of impact-driven capital providers and change makers. Learn how Co-Axis users interact with one another, and how Co-Axis collaborates with partners such as the Amplifier, to accelerate impact and sustainability.

    Co-Axis will also unveil a refreshed platform featuring a marketplace of Opportunities, knowledge hub, and upcoming events.

    Join us to learn about the Co-Axis network and how you can be a part of it!

    14:30 to 21:00
    14:30 – 15:45 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 1: Catalysts for Change: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

    Anchored by Tanoto Foundation

    This panel will explore the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaborations (private, public, and philanthropic) in driving sustained and impactful systems change across Asia. Drawing on Bridgespan research that highlights “engaging with others” as key to lasting impact—and cites Tanoto Foundation as a model of collaboration—thought leaders will discuss how partnerships go beyond funding to tap into knowledge, networks, expertise, and on-the-ground experience.  

    Speakers will share the key ingredients for success, including aligned stakeholder priorities, effective partnership frameworks, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, and commitment to mutual trust and transparency. Additionally, the conversation will highlight the importance of integrating local insights and adapting proven models to regional contexts, with examples from successful cross-sector partnerships. 

    The ultimate goal is to inspire a deeper understanding of how these collaborations can be structured to scale innovative solutions to tackle the region's most pressing challenges and drive sustained long-term impact.

    14:30 – 15:45 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 2: Catalysing Change: Asian Philanthropy’s Role in Climate and Just Energy Transition

    Anchored by Tara Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Sequoia Climate Foundation

    As Asia faces a critical moment in its energy transition, philanthropy has a unique opportunity to drive systemic change that is equitable, community-centred, and sustainable. This partner event explores the crucial role of philanthropy in driving Asia’s energy transition, where distinguished funders and experts from the Philanthropy Asia Alliance and its impact ecosystem will share more about their engagement in energy initiatives through a fireside chat. The event aims to provide a platform for philanthropy stakeholders to discuss actionable, equitable, and sustainable solutions for a just energy transition.

    This session is not open for publicity or press coverage.

    • Antha N. Williams Environment Program Lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies
    • Jamie Choi CEO, Tara Climate Foundation
    • Sze Ping Lo Program Director, Sequoia Climate Foundation
    • Woochong Um CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
    • Irene Kim (Moderator) VP, Philanthropic Partnerships, ClimateWorks Foundation
    14:30 – 15:45 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 3: Harmonising Asia’s Pandemic Preparedness Efforts Now (HAPPEN)

    Anchored by Temasek Foundation

    The experience of COVID-19 has left an indelible mark on pandemic preparedness for Asia. However, we cannot let our guard down as diseases continue to evolve and spread across vectors, communities, and boundaries. A comprehensive approach is needed against pandemics, even silent ones like antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as infectious diseases continue to threaten public health systems globally.

    There are opportunities to enhance regional coordination, knowledge, innovation, and funding. This panel will discuss the importance of Asia Collaborative Diseases Research and Control (Asia CDRC), the promise of new solutions and innovative funding models, and the role of catalytic capital in supporting pandemic preparedness for the region.

    • Dr Gina Samaan Regional Emergency Director, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme
      Director, Division of Health Security and Emergencies
    • Professor Leo Yee Sin Senior Advisor, National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), National Healthcare
      Professor (Faculty) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
    • Nirvana Chaudhary Managing Director, CG Corp Global
      Vice Chair, Chaudhary Foundation
    • Professor Paul Pronyk Director, Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness, Duke-NUS Medical School
    • Robin Nataf Community Lead, Climate and Health, World Economic Forum
    • Dr Lee Fook Kay (Moderator) Head, Pandemic Preparedness, Temasek Foundation
    15:45 - 16:15 Level 3
    Networking Break

    16:15 – 17:30 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 1: Southeast Asia (SEA) as a Global Model for Ocean Sustainability – The Role of Regional Partnerships, Scientific Initiatives, and Convening Platforms

    Anchored by Dalio Philanthropies

    This session aims to showcase how SEA can serve as a global model for ocean sustainability by leveraging regional partnerships, scientific initiatives, and the critical role of convening entities. The discussion will highlight how collaborative platforms can bridge gaps between science, policy, and action, and drive impactful conservation outcomes.

    • Carol Liew Managing Director, ECCA Family Foundation
    • Emily Landis Global Climate and Ocean Director, The Nature Conservancy
    • Melissa Wright Bloomberg Ocean Initiative Lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies
    • Uma Sachidhanandam Director of Conservation and Science, WWF Singapore
    • Associate Professor Huang Danwei (Moderator) Deputy Head, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore
    16:15 – 17:30 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 2: Investing in Tomorrow: Blended Finance Driving Nature-based Solutions

    Anchored by Temasek Foundation

    Explore transformative, economically viable Nature-based Solutions that benefit both People and Planet, shaping a sustainable and prosperous green future in Southeast Asia. 

    Discover a groundbreaking multi-actor approach to Sustainable Oil Palm Replanting that promotes sustainable practices and boosts productivity for smallholders by unlocking access to financing.  

    Learn about a pioneering Sustainable Forest Management Model, designed to revolutionise forestry practices and enhance the livelihoods of local communities through financially viable partnerships. 

    Finally, witness the potential of innovative new solutions on Low-Cost and Sustainable Rice Cultivation, to further decarbonise rice farming.

    • Arthur Sletteberg Managing Director, Climate Smart Fund, Abler Nordic
    • Bernard Tan Chairman, Golden Philanthropies
    • Heng Li Lang Head, Climate and Liveability, Temasek Foundation
    • Khanh Trần Managing Partner, Touchstone Partners
    • Lisa Genasci Managing Director, Sustainable Finance, ADM Capital
    • Nguyen Dang Khoa CEO, NeoRice
    • Benedict Cheong (Moderator) Chief Systems Integration Officer, Temasek Trust
    16:15 – 17:30 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 3: Seeds of Change: How Regenerative School Meals Can Lead to Wider Systemic Transformation in Southeast Asia

    Anchored by Novo Nordisk Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation

    This session explores the transformative potential of regenerative school meal programs in Southeast Asia, demonstrating how these initiatives can drive systemic change across communities and the broader food systems while delivering positive impact on development. We will delve into strategies and implementation with a focus on sustainability and local empowerment, anchored by the goal of enabling systemic transformation.

    • Ferro Ferizka Senior Advisor to The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs
    • Mehrdad Ehsani Vice President, Food Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation
    • Roland Kupka Regional Nutrition Adviser for East Asia and Pacific, UNICEF
    • Dr Shariqua Yunus Khan Head of Nutrition and School Meals Unit, World Food Programme
    • Monika Sharma (Moderator) Senior Programme Lead, India, Novo Nordisk Foundation
    18:30 - 21:00 Closed-door event
    Partner Event | Building a Healthier Asia: Temasek Foundation Networking Dinner

    Hosted by Temasek Foundation, this special gathering will bring together distinguished leaders from philanthropy, government, and the private sector to explore opportunities for advancing health and well-being in Asia.

    07:30 to 11:00
    07:30 - 09:00 Closed-door event
    Leaders' Breakfast

    Building on the momentum from PAS 2024 and New York Climate Week, this session at PAS 2025 will explore the critical intersections of climate and development in Asia and the role of philanthropy in driving systemic change. 
     
    Asia stands at a pivotal moment, facing increasing climate risks that threaten health, livelihoods, education, and overall well-being. These challenges demand a coordinated response beyond the efforts of governments and businesses alone. Philanthropy has a unique opportunity to bridge gaps, provide catalytic capital, and drive long-term, high-impact solutions. 
     
    With only a few critical years left to make meaningful progress, how can regional and global funders align efforts for greater collective impact?  
    Join Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC), AVPN and Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) for an intimate dialogue on how collaborative philanthropy can accelerate solutions for climate and development in Asia, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.

    • Laurence Lien Co-Founder and CEO, Asia Philanthropy Circle
      Chairman, Lien Foundation
    • Naina Subberwal Batra CEO, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network
    • Shaun Seow CEO, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
    • Benedict Cheong (Moderator) Chief Systems Integration Officer, Temasek Trust
    08:00 - 12:00
    08:00 - 12:00 Various locations around Singapore
    PAA Impact Showcase

    Step beyond the conference and experience impact in action through our curated Impact Showcase, designed in partnership with Temasek Foundation and our Temasek Trust Ecosystem partners. These exclusive off-site experiences offer a firsthand look at groundbreaking initiatives addressing climate, health, and biodiversity conservation. From cutting-edge technologies to community-led interventions, each experience provides deep insights into scalable solutions and cross-sector partnerships driving meaningful change. 

    Two-way transportation will be provided from Marina Bay Sands.

    14:30 - 17:30
    14:30 – 15:45 Level 3
    Partner Event | Session 1: Climate & Health Funders’ Coalition: Addressing the threats of extreme heat on human health in Asia

    Anchored by the Climate & Health Funders' Coalition

    As the impacts of climate change intensify, the implications on human health have never been more urgent—or more visible. Extreme heat is fast becoming one Asia’s most pressing and overlooked health threats—driving illness, worsening chronic conditions, and putting the lives of the most vulnerable populations at risk. This panel brings together leading voices from philanthropy and government to explore the need for heat-health action and ideas for what can be done to address the challenges at this intersection. Panelists will offer insights into how this crisis is unfolding across regions in Asia and what it will take to protect communities on the frontlines.

    • Dr Alan Dangour Director, Climate and Health, Wellcome Trust​
    • Benedict Cheong Chief Systems Integration Officer, Temasek Trust
    • George Richards Director, Community Jameel
    • Smriti Irani Founder & Chairperson, Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality
      Former Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India
    • Sonali Patel (Moderator) Partner, The Bridgespan Group
    15:45 - 16:15 Level 3
    Networking Break

    19:00 - 21:00

    Innovation Showcase

    Learn more about the booths in our Innovation Showcase, each spotlighting bold solutions and cutting-edge ideas driving positive impact across Asia.

    Empowering smallholder farmer communities to mainstream tree-based restoration through digital tech
    by Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 

    Explore how MyFarmTrees leverages science-based solutions with blockchain and mobile tech to empower community-led restoration with native trees. Discover its scalable use for improved livelihoods, management of forest genetic resources, tree monitoring, and digital economic incentives. MyFarmTrees is expanding globally, including large efforts in SE Asia through its integration with the large-scale forest-landscape restoration project, Seed to Tree.  

    Visit them to discuss more about the platform, its expansion, impact, implementation, and investment opportunities.


    Amplifier - Accelerating Impact Businesses Across Asia

    by Centre for Impact Investing and Practices and Philanthropy Asia Alliance 

    Together with 30+ partners, Amplifier supports impact businesses driving sustainable innovation across Asia. Visit our booth to explore solutions from our first-year cohort: Circ (recycling fashion waste into textiles), GRST (creating clean, recyclable batteries), Mayani (reshaping agricultural value chains in the Philippines), MYCL (developing mushroom-based leather), and Sampangan (transforming waste into carbon-negative materials). Further, stop by to explore partnership or mentee opportunities for the 2025 tracks: Textiles Circularity & Innovation, SME Sustainability in Tourism, Fair & Inclusive Employment. 
     

    Co-Axis

    Digital impact marketplace Co-Axis, a Temasek Trust initiative, aims to catalyse high-impact solutions at speed and at scale. The booth will showcase the refreshed Co-Axis platform with enhanced features, spotlighting ~100 curated impact projects from over 40 countries and connecting them with funders. 

    OceanX Education Portal
    by Dalio Philanthropies 

    OceanX offers an incredible blend of immersive 360º videos and interactive content, taking viewers on thrilling oceanic journeys. Explore the OceanXplorer, the world’s most advanced research vessel, dive deep into the Seychelles to witness cephalopods in action or soar over vast oceans to track marine giants. Engage in whale tagging via drones or dive into the Red Sea to study hammerheads. Scuba dive in Aldabra’s hidden paradise and participate in the “Dive & Discover” game, where players pilot submersibles, clean oceans, and restore coral reefs. OceanX combines cutting-edge science, adventure, and conservation into an impactful experience. 

    Asia-Pacific AI Nonprofit Learning Community

    by Infoxchange

    Asia-Pacific (APAC) non-profits are increasingly aware of how AI can increase social impact. However, many lack the knowledge, and access to cost-effective resources and talent. With this in mind, Infoxchange, with support from Google.org, is launching the APAC AI Non-profit Learning Community. 


    Visit the booth to learn more about how non-profits, staff and volunteers can gain access to personalised learning journeys, live expert webinars, self-paced learning libraries, online forums, and non-profit action planning consultations to prepare their organisation or design their first AI solution to pilot with the support of APAC university students.


    Collaborating for Sustainable Impact

    By Temasek Foundation

    In an increasingly complex world, partnerships are vital than ever. From climate action to education and healthcare, the challenges we face are interconnected and demand collective solutions. By uniting our strengths, resources, and expertise, we can unlock new pathways to meaningful, lasting change. This pavilion highlights how Temasek Foundation works closely with private, public and philanthropic partners to co-develop and pilot programmes aimed at driving sustainable and systemic impact in Singapore and Asia.


    Empowering Innovation for Every Generation
    by Temasek Lifesciences Laboratory

    Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) is a leading research institute in Singapore dedicated to harnessing the power of life sciences to improve lives and the environment. Their research spans across molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics, and biotechnology — with applications in sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and human health. TLL drives innovation through collaboration, bridging fundamental science with real-world solutions. They aim to tackle global challenges like food security and climate change through science-based innovation. 


    Impact Showcase

    Learn more about these exclusive off-site experiences that offer a firsthand look at groundbreaking initiatives addressing climate, health, and biodiversity conservation.


    Institute of Technical Education: Future of Work in Technical & Vocational Education (10am to 11.30am)

    An overview of ITE’s industry-aligned technical training programs, featuring hands-on facilities like the IoT Experiential Centre (smart city applications) and Smart Manufacturing Hub (immersive training) leveraging on latest developments in AI and technology for applications in industry. 

    Highlight: Facility Tour of 
    - IoT Centre: Retail/building management sensors
    - Smart Manufacturing Hub: remote production monitoring 

    KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital: Transforming Infant and Maternal Care (10.30am to 11.30am)

    KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital presents groundbreaking initiatives supporting early childhood development and maternal care. Participants will learn about KidSTART@KKH KIDS 0-3, an integrated programme helping low-income families optimise their children's development, and CRADLE, which has shown promising results in supporting first-time parents through their crucial first 1,000 days.


    Highlight:

    Facility tour of Singapore's only donor human milk bank, as well as innovative features like 24-hour milk bank freezer lockers and the Special Care Nursery.


    Mandai Nature: Together We Protect Wildlife: Combating Wildlife Crime and Building a Shared Future (8.45am to 11.30am)

    The unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten Southeast Asia’s remarkable biodiversity, pushing many species toward extinction and disrupting fragile ecosystems.

    Step behind the scenes to discover how Mandai Nature is working collaboratively to confront these challenges while also protecting Singapore’s native species.


    Highlight:

    Hear from wildlife experts about the impact of illegal wildlife trade and learn how rescued wildlife are cared for and rehabilitated on their journey back to the wild.


    National Environment Agency: Mosquito Production Facility for Disease Control (9.30am to 11.30am)

    An in-depth look of how Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) uses nature's own tools, Wolbachia-carrying male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, to suppress urban mosquito populations and fight dengue. This innovative approach has demonstrated positive results since 2016.

    Highlights:
    - Singapore’s integrated evidence-based dengue surveillance & control
    - Mass rearing process of Wolbachia mosquitoes:  eggs – larvae – pupae - adult
    - Surveillance techniques including wastewater monitoring and sampling

     

    SunGreenH2: High Efficiency Green Hydrogen Production (10am to 11am)

    During this learning journey, SunGreenH2 will share the company's vision, products and development. Participants will walk through the electrode-to-stack assembly line, where SunGreenH2 partners their strategic manufacturing partner, MMI Systems. 

    With CIIC 2024 Energy Track support, SunGreenH2 will partner PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to deliver a system to bridge intermittency of solar energy in Indonesia by end 2025.

     

    SunGreenH2 was the Winner of Climate Innovation Impact Challenge (CIIC) 2024 Energy Track.

     

    Note: Registration will be subject to security clearance and approval.


    Highlights from our last Summit

    Philanthropy Asia Summit 2024 At-A-Glance

    Global Attendees 400+
    Speakers 100+
    Partner Events 6
    Impact Journeys 2

    Venue Information

    How to get there:
    • By MRT:
      • Marina Bay Sands is located at Bayfront MRT station (CE1/DT16). The station connects to the Circle and Downtown Line of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train system. MRT services to/from Bayfront MRT station operate daily from approximately 6am to 12am midnight.
      • Take Exit C, D or E to get to Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
    • By Bus:
      • Bus services:
        • Daily: 97 / 106 / 518 / 133 / 502
        • Daily except Sat, Sun & public holidays: 97E / 502A / 518A
      • Alight at bus stop 03511 for Marina Bay Sands MICE (outside Sands Expo & Convention Centre, opposite Hotel Tower 1), or 03519 – Opp. Marina Bay Sands MICE (opposite Sands Expo & Convention Centre, adjacent to Hotel Tower 1)
    • By Car / Taxi:
      • Pick-up/drop-off points:
        • Sheares Link outside Hotel Tower 1
        • Bayfront Avenue outside Hotel Tower 3
        • Outside Sands Expo & Convention Centre
        • Outside The Shoppes
      • Driving directions:
        • Via East Coast Parkway (ECP) expressway: Approximately 20-minute drive, leads directly into Sheares Avenue across the Benjamin Sheares Bridge
        • Via Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), Central Expressway (CTE), Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE): Connect at the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) which links directly to Marina Boulevard and Central Boulevard, and from there to Bayfront Avenue and Sheares Avenue
    For more information, please visit Directions to Marina Bay Sands


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