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Philanthropy Deployed as Risk Capital Holds Potential to Scale Early-Stage Innovations in Asia, New Report Finds
- Asia’s development challenges are outpacing conventional funding models, with early-stage, high-risk innovations chronically underfunded
- Philanthropy Asia Alliance and Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society’s new research explores how Asian funders are bridging this gap, and the lessons to scale impact across the region
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 – A new report released today at the sixth Philanthropy Asia Summit highlights what becomes possible when philanthropy in Asia is deployed as risk capital: funding that absorbs the risks of unproven solutions that governments are unable or unwilling to back, markets cannot yet price, and social innovators cannot bear alone. It also sets out what it will take to scale this approach and accelerate impact across the region.
The report spotlights 10 cases spanning climate, health, housing, water, waste, and digital inclusion where philanthropic risk capital underwrote the earliest and riskiest stages of social innovation. These range from sustainable housing and carbon removal technologies to public health interventions, with early backing helping solutions attract follow-on funding and achieve adoption within public systems. Collectively, these efforts have reached more than 210 million people across 13 Asian economies, a scale that demonstrates the model’s potential, even as these cases represent only a small fraction of the region’s needs.
“Philanthropy as Risk Capital in Asia: Bridging Innovation to Impact“ was researched and written by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) and commissioned by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA). Drawing on 10 case studies and 37 in-depth interviews with philanthropists, fund managers, social enterprise founders and programme leads across 13 markets, the report explores how and when Asian philanthropy functions as risk capital, and its potential to address development challenges in Asia at scale. It also examines what drives funders to take these risks, how capital is deployed across different instruments and stages of innovation, and the strategies used to manage risk while maximising impact.
Key findings
The findings point to several consistent patterns in how Asian philanthropists featured in the study approach early-stage risk:
- Philanthropy as risk capital in Asia is often patient and conviction-driven; funders are prepared to commit long-term capital to enable solutions to scale. The largest and longest commitments came from individual philanthropists and families driven by personal conviction and direct experience of the challenges they seek to address. For example, The Tahija Foundation in Indonesia provided more than US$17 million over ten years to test a novel approach to dengue control using Wolbachia bacteria. A randomised controlled trial demonstrated a 77% reduction in dengue transmission, and the method has since been adopted into Indonesia’s national health plan, with an estimated 14 million people now protected. Institutional funders complement this with more targeted, milestone-linked discipline and deep trust in founders.
- Funders are experimenting beyond traditional grants to explore a range of instruments across different growth stages. From concessional debt to equity, funders are exploring instruments across the spectrum, with some sequencing different forms of capital as trust and results develop over time. However, knowledge gaps and regulatory constraints in some markets continue to limit broader adoption.
- Funders are leveraging relationships, community trust and government access to manage risk and extend reach. They bring networks, credibility, and access to government stakeholders alongside capital, reducing implementation risk and laying the groundwork for long-term partnerships. The funder’s proximity to the communities they serve, and alignment with domestic policy priorities, can prove as consequential as the funding itself.
- Funders are supporting alignment with public sector priorities from the outset, as early integration with public systems matters when government adoption is the pathway to scale. The projects that achieved the greatest reach did so through early engagement with government, with funders helping to align solutions with national or local priorities from the outset. For example, the Vanke Foundation made community waste management a thematic priority in support of China’s zero-waste city ambitions, and backed INSPRO, a social enterprise using insect-based bioconversion to recycle organic waste. Beyond funding, the foundation facilitated access to district government stakeholders, enabling INSPRO to establish operations in Yantian and scale its technology for agricultural use. Similarly, Tata Trusts aligned its digital initiatives with the Government of India’s Digital India programme, providing early-stage funding and ecosystem support to Haqdarshak, a platform improving access to government welfare schemes.
“For these Asian philanthropists deploying capital to support early-stage innovation, we observe how trust in the capabilities of the people behind the ideas is critical to managing these risks,” says Dr. Ruth Shapiro, Co-Founder and CEO of CAPS. “And we see the importance of aligning with government as key to legitimacy and scale. The same strategies to manage risk are being leveraged to maximise impact for the community.”
“The report highlights what makes early philanthropic capital unique,” said Shaun Seow, CEO of PAA. “Taking an early position absorbs the risk of an untested solution and builds the evidence and regulatory confidence that later investment requires. PAA’s role is to help connect funders across the region so those early commitments compound rather than sit in isolation.”
Research methodology
The findings are based on a region-wide scan of social enterprises, programmes, and initiatives centred on novel or unproven solutions. Ten cases were selected through a targeted assessment identifying high-potential pathways for philanthropic risk capital across climate, health, and inclusive development. The research was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026, through 37 in-depth interviews and a review of academic and non-academic literature.
The cases examined include Agros, BillionBricks, Equatic, Haqdarshak, Inspro, Seven Clean Seas, Urban Spring, Wadhwani AI, Wateroam, and the World Mosquito Programme in Yogyakarta.
Download the full report: https://p-aa.org/PhilanthropyAsRiskCapitalReport (Live on 18 May)
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About Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA)
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
About the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
Established in 2013 and working across more than 17 economies in Asia, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quantity and quality of philanthropic and private giving throughout Asia. Our mission is to maximize private capital for public good, conducting research, advisory, convening and capacity building to engage philanthropists, foundations, family offices, corporates, government bodies, social sector organizations and experts on best practices, models, policies and strategies to facilitate private giving and social investment in the region. For more information, visit www.caps.org and 
LinkedIn.
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A Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration at Ocean Park Chance to win the all-new MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS Pure Electric 7-Seater MPV
Even more exciting, visitors could take home fabulous prices, including the newly launched MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS, the mid-size family pure electric MPV – by entering the Summer Joy Lucky Draw* on every eligible visit during the promotion period of 3 July and 31 August 2026!
Birthday photo spots and Panda Friends encounters
Celebrate the pandas’ special days with pandastic photo opportunities across the Park. Capture snapshots at the main entrance’s gigantic birthday countdown zone. Don’t miss the charming 5-metre-tall Giant Panda Birthday Bun Tower at Waterfront Plaza, adorned with piles of pink birthday buns to celebrate the pandas’ birthdays in true Hong Kong style.
Explore the Panda Friends Cute & Cuddly zone at Eco-Herbal Trail, featuring over 60 Panda Friends sculptures, each carrying magnifying sunglasses and cameras, ready to discover the wonders of nature.
The precious panda moments
Relive the heartwarming journey of all six giant pandas at the Pandastic Happy Moments exhibit next to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures. This special display showcases precious footage commemorating the rapid growth of twins Jia Jia and De De and other adorable life stages from all the giant panda members. It is a truly unmissable experience for all panda enthusiasts.
Fans can also visit the Giant Panda Fans Zone near the exhibit, created for fans to meet and connect and exchange their own handmade crafts and treasured panda keepsakes until 31 August 2026!
Summer splashing fun with Panda Friends
Dive into body-cooling water fun at the Panda Friends Splashy Birthday Camp outside Applause Pavilion. Experience the thrill of dashing through giant water curtains or facing a massive waterfall-style deluge from the mega water bucket. Unleash your playful instincts with all-time favourite water bomb fights at Panda Friends Water Bomb Fun or get caught in refreshing water gun ambushes from Ocean Park’s special Celebration Squad during their energetic Pandastic Birthday Splash, featuring adorable dance routines inspired by the panda twins.
Delightful entertainment and limited-edition performances
The highly-anticipated Pandastic Summer Birthday Spectacular features giant inflatable Panda Friends roaming the Park, accompanied by various performance groups delivering vibrant songs and dances at the Pawsome Summer Party on 8, 15 and 16 August 2026. Ocean 6N1 dress up with their special birthday outfits and showcase incredible singing and dancing in All Star Jam talent show. Whiskers & Friends will also give a birthday edition special performance at Ocean Park Star Match. Ocean Park’s lively roving band will also keep the festive atmosphere high.
Exclusive collectibles
Commemorate the twins’ second birthday with exclusive, limited-edition Giant Panda Birthday stamps. Collect all the stamps from designated Park locations to complete your very own beautiful birthday card. Test your skills and reflexes at interactive game booths to win special prizes. The talented coloured-chalk artists painting adorable giant panda figures in the Park.
Adorable merchandise and food and beverage
Check out our adorable Panda Friends Summer Collection, vibrant with colourful and summery designs. Highlights include the Giant Panda Plush Keychain Blind Box, featuring all the Panda Friends in their cutest summer outfits. Jia Jia and De De have transformed into the “Lemon Twins”, starring in a new range of summer essentials to keep everyone cool and refreshed throughout the season. Equally unmissable is the Panda Friends Hong Kong Food Collection, which charmingly captures iconic Hong Kong food elements.
Beyond these, the all-new Ocean Park x Maltese Crossover Series and the Panda Friends Hong Kong Food Collection prize items will be making their way to game booths across the Park, starting from mid-July. On top of that, fans can also look forward to Panda Friends photo frame, claw machines and press penny machines to bring in another level of excitement.
To celebrate the giant pandas’ birthdays, Ocean Park has prepared a tempting lineup of panda-themed treats, including the Panda Twins Mini Burgers and Panda Snack Platter. No birthday celebration is complete without desserts and cakes. The Park has also launched a delightful selection of treats, as well as refreshing snow cones and frozen fruits for visitors to beat the summer heat. What’s more, other restaurants across the Park will be introducing a summer menu featuring fruit-inspired recipes, so you can savour the flavours of summer with surprises in every bite.
Summer Joy Lucky Draw
Adding a final layer of excitement, the Summer Joy Lucky Draw* offers fantastic surprises. From 3 July to 31 August 2026, upon Park admission, visitors can register to participate for a chance to win from over 1,000 prizes with a total value of more than HK$815,000, including the grand prize, a brand-new MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS Pure Electric 7-Seater MPV worth HK$369,102, sponsored by Inchcape Hong Kong. Every visit offers another chance to win!
Pair up and dive into summer fun with Summer Duo Pass
Pair up with a friend or family for an unforgettable summer adventure and enjoy up to 30% off with the Summer Duo Pass# available from now until 31 August 2026. Weekday tickets for two adults or two kids start at HK$753 and HK$377 respectively, while any-day tickets for two adults or two kids start at HK$861 and HK$430 respectively.
New Get Closer to the Animals experiences
Beyond the panda birthday festivities, Ocean Park is launching two new Get Closer to the Animals programmes. You can enjoy snorkelling in the Park’s world-class aquarium and visit behind the scenes to interact with the mysterious yet adorable sharks and rays for the very first time in the newly launched Fish Friends Face-Off X Shark & Ray Discovery! There is also a new Meerkat Feeding experience for visitors to learn more about these adorable ambassadors!
Elevating the digital visitor experience
To coincide with the launch of Ocean Park’s summer celebrations, Ocean Park is also enhancing its digital experience with a redesigned official website, which features enhanced mobile compatibility and a more intuitive browsing experience across all devices. This new website supersedes the previous mobile application and enables viewers to access the latest park information anytime, anywhere on one platform.
Ocean Park Named “Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year”
Ocean Park has been named Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year at the prestigious Halal in Travel Awards 2026 organised by CrescentRating, the world’s leading consultant on Muslim-friendly tourism. This recognition highlights the Park’s dedication to welcoming diverse guests through comprehensive facilities, including dedicated prayer rooms and an expanded portfolio of Halal-certified dining options like the recently certified Bayview Restaurant. With this milestone, Ocean Park looks forward to welcoming even more international visitors to experience its unique blend of conservation, entertainment, and exceptional cultural hospitality.
*The Summer Joy Lucky Draw (Trade Promotion Competition Licence Number: 61599) will be held from 3 July to 31 August 2026. Terms and conditions apply. For eligibility, registration procedures and promotion details, please visit https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/a-day-at-the-park/events/summer-joy-lucky-draw
# Terms and conditions apply. For information of the Summer Duo Pass, please visit: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/ticket-offer/admission-ticket-special-offers
Hashtag: #OceanPark
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Nanyang Optical Co. Pte Ltd (In Liquidation) Announces Tender Sale of Optical Inventory Located in Shenzhen, China
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Robert Khan & Co Pte Ltd
We are a team of International Business Assets Consultants focused on the marketing & valuation of unique & interesting projects. We believe that “Valuation is more Art than Science”. Every asset, machine or even a piece of jewellery is unique and imbued with their own story. With over 20 years of experience uncovering unique stories across an exhaustive range of asset classes, we offer our clients our experienced eye, keen ears and interested heart to curate projects and realise their project objectives. Our services include valuation, marketing & sale of various asset classes locally and internationally.
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Hong Kong Disneyland Continues to Enhance Guest Experience Through Flexible Weather Adaptation Measures
From cooling facilities and shaded rest areas to flexible operational arrangements, the initiatives are designed to provide more choices and added ease for both guests and cast members during the summer months.
Additionally, HKDL has introduced an exclusive “Summer Chill” 4PM Ticket Offer for Hong Kong residents. Guests can enjoy the park from 4:00pm onwards, helping them avoid the hottest hours or periods of heavy rain, with prices starting at just HK$480.
Guests are also encouraged to stay hydrated and explore the resort’s wide selection of indoor attractions and entertainment offerings during the hottest hours of the day.
Weather-Conscious Design for a Better Guest Experience
The guest experience is supported by the resort’s planning and operations through a combination of environmental design and infrastructure enhancements. Disney Imagineers use detailed studies of sunlight, temperature, humidity and wind, supported by advanced computer simulations, to assess conditions across different areas of the park and guide design decisions.
For instance, Wayfinders’ Table in Adventureland was designed with sun exposure and ventilation needs in mind. Through the use of hard roof materials and thoughtful airflow planning, the design helps reduce heat buildup while providing shelter from rain.
Canopies, trees and fans are also used for the outdoor stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” to provide shade and added relief. The park also preserves and plants trees more extensively to provide additional natural shade.
Enhancing Infrastructure to Adapt to Changing Weather Conditions
HKDL has strengthened its guest-focused infrastructure to help improve airflow and provide added cooling support in various summer weather conditions. Energy-efficient ceiling fans operate at entrances and ticketing areas, while upgraded axial fans enhance airflow in queuing zones.
The park now features approximately 860 fans, with mobile units deployed flexibly to provide cooling support where they are needed most, particularly in high-traffic areas. Portable air-conditioning units have also been added in select outdoor zones to further support ventilation.
Mist cooling systems are also available at multiple outdoor locations, while additional shade structures have been added to queuing and dining areas.
Over 40 free water dispensers are provided across the resort, with nearly half already upgraded to dispense water 50% faster, helping guests rehydrate more conveniently throughout their visit.
Supporting Cast Members Through Changing Weather Conditions
With cast member safety as a top priority, HKDL continuously reviews operational measures to support frontline teams working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Cast members are dressed in outdoor costumes made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, while additional rest breaks, hydration support and access to cooling facilities are provided during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
The resort closely monitors weather conditions and proactively adjusts outdoor show schedules whenever Heat Stress at Work Warnings are issued.
Disney Ambassadors also distribute electrolyte drink powder and chilled water bottles to frontline cast members working in outdoor areas.
Cooling Fun with Pixar Summer Fest
HKDL integrates cooling moments into storytelling. Guests can conveniently transition between a wide variety of indoor attractions, dining venues and entertainment offerings located throughout the resort, helping the magic continue in changing weather conditions.
The newly launched “Pixar Summer Fest” invites guests to beat the heat with immersive entertainment. The “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” welcomes guests to join beloved Pixar characters in a lively water parade, offering refreshing fun as part of the festive atmosphere.
Guests can also chill out with refreshing Pixar-themed treats, including Lime Dole Whip with Pineapple Slush Float at Jessie’s Snack Roundup, Monsters, Inc.-inspired Mike Wazowski Ice Cream Bar, Toy Story Alien Ice Cream Bar, and Sulley-inspired Mint Chocolate Flavored Soft Serve. These playful creations offer visual delight and refreshing summer treats for guests.
Exclusively for Hong Kong residents, the “Summer Chill” 4PM Ticket offers later entry to the park for just HK$480, allowing guests to enjoy an afternoon-to-evening “Pixar Summer Fest” experience.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneyland
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