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Philanthropy Asia Alliance Launches Two New Communities to Tackle Health Challenges and Accelerate Asia’s Just Energy Transition
- The Health for Human Potential Community will address maternal and child health as well as infectious diseases, while the Just Energy Transition Community will focus on closing energy transition gaps.
- The Health for Human Potential Community aims to mobilise over US$100 million in catalytic philanthropic funding by 2030
- PAA’s Communities initiative continues to foster deeper collaboration within philanthropic ecosystem
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 May 2025 – The Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) today announced the launch of two new Communities – the Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community and the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community – at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025. These Communities build on PAA’s ongoing efforts to convene stakeholders around shared challenges and to explore promising pathways for philanthropic collaboration, applying a systems lens to drive scalable solutions in energy, health, and education.
Each Community is helmed by Community Leads – PAA members – who will actively shape, fund and advance each Community’s work together with PAA. The Community Leads for each Community are listed in the next two sections.
Developed with PAA members and launched in 2024, the Communities initiative brings together funders, practitioners, and ecosystem partners to collaborate on shared missions and collectively fund high-impact, PAA-evaluated projects. The first three Communities introduced at last year’s Summit were Blue Oceans, Sustainable Land Use, and Holistic & Inclusive Education. Since their launch, the first three Communities have forged various pathways, from peer learning and exchange of expertise to piloting collaborative projects.
“The Communities initiative was born from a simple idea: that we can do more, and do better, when we act together,” said Mr Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Asia Alliance. “Tackling complex challenges across health, energy, or education calls for differentiated approaches. To drive deep impact, it is critical for PAA to provide focused platforms for collaboration, apart from industry convenings such as the Philanthropy Asia Summit. The two new Communities are another step forward in that direction. We are grateful to all our Community Leads for their commitment, partnership, and belief in our collective impact.”
Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community: Tackling Asia’s Health Challenges with Ambition and Urgency
PAA has launched the HHP Community with two objectives: to reduce preventable deaths and disease burdens across Southeast Asia, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN), as well as to tackle infectious diseases. The initial leads of the Health for HHP Community are the Gates Foundation, Institute of Philanthropy, Quantedge Advancement Initiative, Tanoto Foundation, and Temasek Foundation.
Together, they are catalysing a bold ambition to drive lasting improvements in health across Asia. To kickstart efforts, the HHP Community Leads and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance will commit catalytic funding towards a portfolio of projects. With an initial funding target of US$100 million by 2030, the Community aims not only to deliver impact but also to strengthen the broader giving ecosystem by welcoming new partners and building a sustained, long-term coalition committed to improving health outcomes in the region. Discussions with other partners are ongoing and more are expected to join in coming months.
The HHP Community will drive impact across the health innovation and delivery continuum by advancing affordable health solutions, strengthening health systems, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and integrating digital and AI tools into solutions that align with national health priorities. Efforts will initially focus on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam – Southeast Asia’s most populous countries – where important gains have been made but further progress is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to MNCHN and infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria.
Just Energy Transition Community: Catalysing Philanthropic Action for a Clean and Inclusive Energy Future
Co-led with members including Tara Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other philanthropic organisations, PAA has also launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community to galvanise philanthropic leadership and accelerate Asia’s shift towards clean, inclusive, and people-centred energy solutions. Despite being home to over half the world’s population and accounting for more than 50% of global energy consumption[1], Asia receives disproportionately lower philanthropic support for its critical energy transition. Between 2019 and 2023, just 20% of philanthropic funding reached Asia, Africa, and Latin America combined, while nearly 60% flowed to the U.S. and Europe[2].
The JET Community seeks to close this gap, serving as a collaboration platform for philanthropic organisations to support clean energy initiatives that protect the environment, improve livelihoods, and support a better future for millions across the region. It will create space for funders, governments, industry, and local communities to work together and share ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and co-develop initiatives around job creation, workforce reskilling, better health outcomes, and stronger, more resilient communities.
Refer to the Appendix for quotes from the HHP and JET Community Leads.
Scaling Collective Impact: A Systems Approach
At the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025, both Communities will host kick-off sessions to engage like-minded partners and catalyse collaboration around shared goals. These sessions will mark the start of co-developing each Community’s Collective Impact Framework – a strategic blueprint that defines a common mission, scopes the challenge, and sets clear metrics and timelines for progress.
The Communities will also bring together researchers, industry groups, thought leaders, and programme experts — including Temasek Foundation, which brings 18 years of experience piloting and catalysing innovative solutions and programmes with partners in Asia and beyond. Temasek Trust will support the Communities in applying a systems thinking approach to impact design and measurement.
Quote Sheet
| Health for Human Potential Community |
| Mr. Hari Menon, Director, South & Southeast Asia, Gates Foundation:
“As the Gates Foundation marks 25 years of working to advance health and equity around the world, we are reminded that lasting progress is only possible through strong partnerships. The Health for Human Potential Community exemplifies this spirit of collaboration – bringing together funders, innovators, and governments to drive transformative impact across Asia. Together, we can accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child health, tackle infectious diseases, and help ensure healthier, more equitable futures for generations to come.”
|
| Mr. Brian San, Co-Secretary-General, Institute of Philanthropy:
“True progress requires bold partnerships, and we are glad to stand alongside our fellow HHP Community Leads and PAA to help tackle some of the region’s most urgent health challenges. As a “think-fund-do” tank working for the betterment of communities everywhere, we believe that philanthropy should go beyond funding – it should catalyse impactful solutions that drive meaningful change. By focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health, as well as infectious diseases, this partnership aims to strengthen health systems and drive more equitable access to care. Together, we can create a healthier future for regional communities and demonstrate the power of collective action in philanthropy.”
|
| Ms. Tan Yan Ru, Executive Director, Quantedge Advancement Initiative:
“We believe that good health is foundational to unlocking human potential. Through the HHP Community, we are joining forces with bold, mission-aligned changemakers to back transformative solutions that drive lasting improvements in health outcomes and build stronger, healthier communities across the region.”
|
| Ms. Belinda Tanoto, Member of Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation:
“At Tanoto Foundation, we’re committed to driving systems change so every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Being part of the HHP community reflects our aspirations as an ecosystem catalyst in collaborating with like-minded funders and governments to create brighter, healthier tomorrows for children, their families, and their communities.”
|
| Mr. Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation:
“No single actor can solve today’s health challenges alone. We need to scale and operationalise innovations, empower frontline professionals, and deliver care where it is needed most. The Health for Human Potential Community will leverage our combined strengths to turn bold ideas into systemic change. We invite others to join us in building a healthier Asia.” |
| Just Energy Transition Community |
| Ms. Jamie Choi, Chief Executive Officer, Tara Climate Foundation:
“Asia’s just energy transition isn’t just a challenge – it’s one of the greatest opportunities of our time. If we get this right, we won’t just cut emissions – we’ll create jobs, strengthen communities, and secure a healthier, more resilient future for millions. The Just Energy Transition Community is about turning intent into action – a call for bold, collaborative leadership to unite Asian and global funders and deliver the impact this moment demands.” |
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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.
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A First in the Asia-Pacific – Taiwan Leads the Launch of the Early Kidney Disease Annual Report, Opening a New Era in Advancing Kidney Care
- Yung-Ho Hsu, Secretary General of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
- Shang-Jyh Hwang, Honorary President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
- Masaomi Nangaku, Immediate Past-President of the International Society of Nephrology
- Marcello Tonelli, President of the International Society of Nephrology
- Mai-Szu Wu, President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
- Chung-Liang Shih, Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Ching-Fen Shen, Director General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Chih-Cheng Hsu, Professor at the National Health Research Institutes
- Hyeong-Cheon Park, President Elect of the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology
- Rajnish Mehrotra, President of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis
The complete and immediate analysis aids in reversing the past trend where most patients were diagnosed at late stages and required dialysis, ushering in a new era of early detection and treatment. Minister of Health and Welfare, Chung-Liang Shih, stated at a press conference that this annual report serves as a new engine for promoting precise care, integrating complete data and risk classification indicators for Early CKD P4P(Pay for Performance) and Pre-ESRD P4P. This fills the gap in early kidney disease data and strengthens the quantitative basis for policy and clinical decision-making, facilitating early intervention and delaying disease progression. The goal is to achieve the Healthy Taiwan Policy target of reducing the standardized mortality rate for chronic diseases by one-third by 2030, and for Taiwan’s care model to become an example in the Asia-Pacific, establishing a sustainable and precise new framework for kidney care.
The early kidney disease annual report reveals several key trends. According to KDIGO risk classification, the proportion of high-risk and very high-risk patients in the P4P program has gradually decreased in recent years, reflecting a shift in treatment strategies toward early intervention and prevention. This trend not only highlights the medical team’s emphasis on the care of early-stage chronic kidney disease patients but also helps delay disease progression and reduce the incidence of later-stage complications. In terms of controlling the “three highs” (hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), data shows that approximately 80% of patients meet lipid targets and nearly 60% maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, only about 30% meet the target for blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, indicating significant challenges remain in blood pressure control. The “three highs” are important risk factors for the progression and deterioration of chronic kidney disease, making it crucial to further improve control rates. The implementation of the P4P program has already shown preliminary results, and there are expectations for more immediate, comprehensive, and rigorous data collection and tracking, which will more fully demonstrate the long-term benefits of this care model.
Data-Driven: Taiwan’s First Early Kidney Disease Annual Report Fills Care Gaps
Professor Chih-Cheng Hsu from the National Health Research Institutes pointed out that past domestic kidney disease care has primarily focused on dialysis and end-stage disease, with limited understanding of early stages and delayed updates on data. This annual report breaks through traditional reporting frameworks and represents the first integration of complete data and risk classification indicators for Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P. Utilizing big data for in-depth analysis, it outlines the disease progression and comorbidity trends of patients at different risk levels, successfully filling the long-term gap in early kidney disease care. He noted that grasping information on early stages of disease helps clinicians intervene earlier and delay deterioration while providing quantitative evidence for health policies to promote proactive and timely kidney care strategies, enhancing Taiwan’s international competitiveness in precise health governance.
Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P are two phased quality-based reimbursement programs promoted by the National Health Insurance Administration, addressing key care needs for early chronic kidney disease and pre-dialysis patients, respectively. Early CKD P4P primarily targets patients in CKD stages 1-3a, aiding healthcare institutions in early identification of kidney deterioration risks through disease tracking and integrated care models, providing personalized management. Pre-ESRD P4P focuses on patients in CKD stages 3b, 4-5, enhancing control of complications, medication, and nutritional management while utilizing data feedback to support treatment decisions, aiming to delay dialysis and improve care efficiency. Both programs link the complete processes from early prevention to pre-dialysis intervention, contributing to improved overall CKD care quality and patient long-term prognosis.
Precise Kidney Care: Holistic and Continuous CKD Care as a Model for Chronic Disease
Taiwan centers its approach on “precise care,” continuously optimizing the integrated chronic kidney disease care system to implement policy blueprints in clinical practice. Director General of National Health Insurance Administration, Lian-Yu Chen, mentioned that Taiwan has progressively refined various measures, from educational programs for pre-end-stage renal disease patients to integrated care plans for early chronic kidney disease. The medical team can adjust personalized treatment strategies based on patient risk classification and clinical data, strengthening disease management and follow-up effectiveness for early-stage patients. She indicated that by integrating and providing feedback across units, care gaps could be minimized to ensure that patients receive consistent medical services across different levels of care. Director General of Health Promotion Administration, Ching-Fen Shen, remarked that grassroots health education and community health advocacy go hand in hand to enhance public awareness of kidney health. Years of efforts have significantly slowed the deterioration of early kidney disease progression, with patients participating in integrated care exhibiting a lower future risk of dialysis compared to those who do not participate, showing tangible effectiveness of the Taiwan model.
Policy Linkage and Sustainable Vision: Achieving the Healthy Taiwan Goals and Leading the New Landscape of Asia-Pacific
In response to the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” policy, Taiwan is implementing a preventive kidney care model based on the Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P systems and the Early Kidney Disease Annual Report. President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology, Mai-Szu Wu, stated that investing in early chronic kidney disease management not only contributes to health sustainability but also reduces waste of medical resources, achieving dual benefits of health outcomes and environmental sustainability, assisting the government in its goal to reduce chronic disease mortality by one-third by 2030.
During the Asia-Pacific Nephrology Conference (APCN) held in Taipei this year, the Asia-Pacific’s first Early Kidney Disease Annual Report was officially unveiled. President of the International Society of Nephrology, Marcello Tonelli, and Immediate Past-President , Masaomi Nangaku, along with the President Elect of the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology Hyeong-Cheon Park and Honorary Secretary Sunita Bavanandan attended as witnesses, attracting experts from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additionally, various important domestic academic societies, including the Taiwan Academy of Family Medicine, Taiwan Society of Cardiology, the Diabetes Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taiwan Association of Clinical Diabetes, and the Taiwan Medical Clinics Association also participated and supported the event. Minister Chung-Liang Shih expressed gratitude for the collective efforts and emphasized that this kidney annual report showcases Taiwan’s leading position in medical data integration and clinical evidence, hoping that real-time and comprehensive data analysis will once again showcase Taiwan’s precision care model to the international community, working together with other countries to create a new global framework for chronic kidney disease prevention and treatment.
Hashtag: #TaiwanSocietyofNephrology
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The Government of Angola Launches an International Public Tender for the Management of the Namibe Corridor
The concession, with an initial duration of 30 years, extendable up to 50 years, covers the operation, management, maintenance and preservation of the Moçâmedes–Menongue Railway Line, including rolling stock, associated infrastructure, workshops and the training centre. It further encompasses the possibility of designing and constructing new sections, extensions and branch lines, as well as railway connections to the Republic of Namibia and, at a later stage, to the Republic of Zambia.
The Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue, noted at the launch event that the process constitutes a strategic opportunity for international operators with a proven track record in the railway sector. “The Namibe Corridor has the potential to strengthen Angola’s role as a regional logistics platform, enhance supply chains, foster new investments, and increase the competitiveness of exports. We anticipate a dynamic tender process with strong participation from established industry operators,” he stated.
Jorge Bengue further emphasised that Angola has carried out structural reforms in recent years that have strengthened legal certainty and created a more competitive business environment. The success of the concession of the Lobito Corridor has demonstrated the country’s capacity to implement partnership models that stimulate private investment and accelerate the modernization of transport infrastructure.
Individual companies or consortiums of competitors with proven experience in the management of railway infrastructure and freight operations are eligible to apply. The detailed technical and financial requirements are set out in the tender documents, which are available for a fee of USD 20,000, or the equivalent in kwanzas at the exchange rate of the National Bank of Angola at the time of the transaction.
The Namibe Corridor encompasses the Moçâmedes Railway, with a total length of 855 km, and the Port of Namibe, forming a strategic logistics axis for the export of minerals, ornamental stones, agricultural products, and other goods. The infrastructure allows for a theoretical capacity of up to 5 million tonnes per year, serving as a connection point for landlocked countries in the region, in coordination with the Lobito and Walvis Bay corridors.
This corridor also contributes to tourism development and regional integration, strengthening Angola’s position in Atlantic–Indian trade routes and consolidating the country as a significant commercial hub within the African context.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Transport of Angola.
Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/48GQeet
Caption: The official launch of the Public Tender, presided over by the Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue
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Premium design meets industry-leading warranty and long-term support
DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2025 – The Middle East’s electric vehicle market is still developing but advancing quickly. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, EV sales penetration doubled from about 2 per cent to roughly 4 per cent in just one year, placing the region among the fastest-growing EV markets globally. 91% of battery-electric vehicle owners here say they plan to buy another EV, above the global average of 87%.
Amid that backdrop, buyers are seeking vehicles that match or exceed the space, performance, and refinement expected from premium SUVs. VinFast VF 8 arrives as a direct response to these elevated expectations, combining sophisticated design, robust capability, and a comprehensive ownership framework built around long-term confidence.
The VF 8 is shaped by VinFast’s “Dynamic Balance” design philosophy, a deliberate interplay between flowing curves and precise, angular lines that creates a sense of energy and visual structure without sacrificing harmony. This design language feels both contemporary and enduring. The result is a vehicle that projects presence without aggression, offering an aesthetic that balances boldness with sophistication, qualities that resonate with Middle Eastern consumers who view their vehicles as reflections of personal standards.
Under the sculpted exterior lies engineering tuned for high-demand regional driving. The VF 8 Plus variant delivers all-wheel drive with up to 402 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in under 5.5 seconds. This translates to confident overtaking on high-speed highways, assured merging in dense urban traffic, and the capability to handle extended cruising. Range reaches up to 493 km (NEDC) in the Eco configuration, a practical threshold aligned with intercity travel patterns across the region.
The 15.6-inch infotainment display provides intuitive access to navigation and vehicle settings. Crucially for the region, dual-zone climate control paired with ventilated seats are essential features designed to maintain cabin comfort even during peak heat.
The VF 8 integrates a comprehensive suite of smart systems designed to reduce driver workload. Traffic Jam Assist manages stop-and-go driving in congested environments, easing the fatigue of gridlock. Highway Assist supports sustained motorway cruising, helping drivers maintain lane position during long-distance travel. These systems work together to create a driving experience that feels more secure and less demanding.
Where the VF 8 truly distinguishes itself is in VinFast’s approach to long-term ownership. Addressing anxieties around battery longevity and service maturity, VinFast offers what may be the industry’s most comprehensive warranty structure. The VF 8 comes with a 10-year/200,000-km vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty, and 5-year/100,000-km of free service, eliminating one of the primary concerns of electric vehicle ownership. It’s also supported by practical service infrastructure: mobile service capabilities bring maintenance to customers’ locations, while 24/7 roadside assistance ensures support is available whenever needed.
The VF 8 represents VinFast’s understanding that success in sophisticated markets like the GCC requires vehicles that genuinely align with how people live, drive, and make long-term decisions. For Middle Eastern buyers navigating the transition to electric mobility, the VF 8 offers confidence in all aspects: design, performance, comfort, and warranty support. From the first drive to years down the road, it’s an electric vehicle crafted to deliver peace of mind alongside capability.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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