Tsinghua University and Philanthropy Asia Alliance gather leaders for inaugural Impact Summit on climate, health, and inclusive development

Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (left), Professor Yang Bin, Vice Chancellor of the Tsinghua University Council, Professor of School of Economics and Management, and Dean of the Institute for Sustainable Social Value, Tsinghua University (right)

Around 220 Chinese and international leaders and practitioners from philanthropy, business, government and academia attended the first day of discussions focused on the theme “Collaboration for Good: Leadership, Innovation and Scale”.

The Summit is PAA’s first convening in China and brings to life its partnership with Tsinghua University, announced at the Philanthropy Asia Summit in Singapore in May. The partnership will see the two organisations working together on knowledge exchange, research and innovation in social impact.

Designed as a platform for mutual learning between China and the rest of Asia, the Summit’s programme offers insights into how China responds to shared challenges through innovation and scale.

“China's progress in climate, health and inclusive development offers valuable lessons in how innovation and policy can translate into practical outcomes,” said Professor Yang Bin, Vice Chancellor of the Tsinghua University Council, Professor of School of Economics and Management, and Dean of the Institute for Sustainable Social Value, Tsinghua University. “Philanthropy should take the stance of 'slow philanthropy' and guard, with even greater resolve, everything that concerns ‘people’ amid rapid technological advancement. Through this Summit, we can share that experience with international partners and learn from theirs, not only in terms of outcomes and experience, but also in terms of long-term values.”

Professor Yang Bin, Vice Chancellor of the Tsinghua University Council, Professor of School of Economics and Management, and Dean of the Institute for Sustainable Social Value, Tsinghua University.

“The Summit comes at a time when Chinese corporates are increasingly focused on building sustainable social value,” said Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance. “At the same time, the social and planetary challenges we face today are growing more complex, requiring multi-stakeholder engagement. We hope the Summit can be a platform for learning and partnerships for Doing Good in Asia.”

Since its launch in 2023, PAA has grown to more than 110 funding members and partners. The Alliance has mobilised US$615 million for over 300 programs in climate, health and inclusive development[1].

Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance.

Plenary and breakouts

The plenary opened with remarks by Professor Zeng Rong, Executive Vice President of Tsinghua University; Edmund Koh, Chairman of PAA; and Peter Tan, Singapore Ambassador to The People's Republic of China.

The first session on human capital development began with a keynote by Professor Yang Bin. He set out how impact is defined and delivered in China, and how the role of philanthropy is changing as the country tackles complex socio-economic transformations.

Three panel discussions followed. The first looked at how climate change and artificial intelligence are reshaping the future of work. The second covered One Health innovations in areas such as disease surveillance, diagnostics and novel therapeutics. The third explored how to accelerate an energy transition that puts people’s livelihoods at the centre.

John L. Thornton, member of the Tsinghua SEM's Advisory Board, Chairman, Redbird Capital Partners, Chairman, Barrick Mining, and Co-Chair of the Board, Asia Society, and Zhang Lei, Founder and CEO of Envision also spoke at a fireside conversation focusing on the theme of “Scaling Solutions for a Better World,” moderated by Professor Bai Chong-En, Distinguished Professor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences of Tsinghua University, Dean, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University.

The Summit featured over 30 speakers and more than 200 delegates from China and beyond.

In the afternoon, three working breakouts on health, inclusive development and sustainable climate solutions set out priorities for joint action. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Dalberg and the Corporate Philanthropy Action Network (formerly the Sustainable Social Value Collaborative) co-designed the sessions. A fourth session, Tech for Impact, showcased AI and technology solutions from emerging and established companies in China’s innovation ecosystem, and connected them with funders and investors.

Impact Journeys, 16 to 17 October 2026

Over the next two days, delegates will join site visits to see impact on the ground first-hand. Stops include Dami & Xiaomi, a Shenzhen-based impact start-up that uses RICE AI technology to bring early intervention to children with autism and learning difficulties. Delegates will also visit a forest and wetland project that protects one of Beijing’s main sources of drinking water, and walk a section of the Great Wall where the Tencent Charity Foundation is supporting physical restoration with the help of digital tools.

Philanthropy Asia Summit, 11 to 13 May 2027

PAA will convene the next Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) in Singapore from 11 to 13 May 2027 and will work with Chinese partners, including Tsinghua University, the Corporate Philanthropy Action Network and the China Global Philanthropy Institute, to drive participation. More than 30 Chinese organisations took part in PAS 2026, its strongest Chinese presence to date.

Beyond the summits, Tsinghua University and PAA have committed to ongoing engagements to bring attention to Asia’s challenges and solutions. PAA also convenes discussions and roundtables on impact topics throughout the year at major global events such as Mumbai Climate Week, London Climate Action Week, and Climate Week NYC.

For more information on the Tsinghua-PAA Impact Summit, visit the event page here.

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About Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management

Founded in 1984, Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) has a mission “to advance knowledge and cultivate leaders for China and the world”; aspires “to be a world-class school of economics and management”; and holds “integrity, dedication and respect” as its core values. For more than 40 years, Tsinghua SEM has led the nation in talent training, scientific research, social influence and international exchange, and strove to become a world-class school of economics and management. More information about Tsinghua SEM can be found at https://www.sem.tsinghua.edu.cn.

About Philanthropy Asia Alliance

Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) is a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. By harnessing collective strengths, PAA multiplies impact, accelerates positive change, and takes urgent action to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. PAA’s flagship programme is the annual Philanthropy Asia Summit. For more information, visit http://philanthropyasiaalliance.org.

Media contacts

For Philanthropy Asia Alliance: Nicole Tan, comms@philanthropyasiaalliance.org

For Tsinghua SEM: Zheng Liguang, zhenglg@sem.tsinghua.edu.cn