With Asia becoming an important driver of global economic growth, how can the social sector leverage this growing influence and private resources to create a more equitable and sustainable future?

Hosted by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), Asian Charity Services (ACS) and HKGCC, the Doing Good Index 2024 launch event was held on 4 December. The biennial study of Asia’s social impact landscape sheds light on the performance and potential of 17 Asian economies in creating an enabling environment for social changes. Dr Ruth A. Shapiro, Co-founder and Chief Executive of CAPS, gave an enlightening presentation on the key findings from the latest report.

The index examines four aspects of Asia’s social sector: regulations, tax and fiscal policies, ecosystem and procurement. Hong Kong has been “doing better” since 2020, only behind Taiwan and Singapore, which are categorized as “doing well” this year.

Hong Kong boasts a strong ecosystem with over 10,000 registered charities and active corporate participation. Corporates support SDOs (social delivery organizations) through various channels, including funding, volunteering, and provision of products and services.

Moreover, the city also has a long-standing culture of giving. “Philanthropy organizations have been there for a long time, such as Tung Wah Hospitals and various Christian and Chinese organizations, providing healthcare, education and other services. HKGCC is also a notable example of a local organization with a rich history,” said Shapiro.

However, Hong Kong could take further steps to improve the regulatory environment. While the IRD has increased manpower to accelerate the NGO registration process, setting up a one-stop window to support SDOs would be very helpful, especially in understanding relevant regulations and enhancing engagement with the Government.

Another key area of improvement is incentivizing charitable giving. As Shapiro noted, “Tax incentive is a message from the Government to encourage giving.” Unrestricted funding from corporates to SDOs is necessary for capacity building through investment in talent and technology, which are significant challenges.

Besides difficulties in recruiting skilled staff, SDOs need more funding and awareness of available digital technologies and tools. 60% of SDOs do not have or are unaware of an organizational cybersecurity plan, which could hinder donors’ trust and expose vulnerable users to scams. 

In the panel discussion moderated by Vivica Xiong, Chief Executive Officer of ACS, experts explored digital transformation strategies to address these challenges and the importance of cross-sector collaboration between SDOs and corporates.

Aislinn Malone, Executive Director, Hong Kong Technology Center Lead, Asia Pacific Technology Strategy Lead, JPMorgan, introduced the company’s Tech for Social Good programme, where it partners with SDOs to help them identify and implement technology solutions. Clifford Chow, Vice President of the Lee Hysan Foundation, explained how collaboration with start-ups expands its donor base to the younger generation. Henry Cheung, Business Innovation Manager, World Vision Hong Kong, shared the organization’s support for SDOs to scale up technological innovation. 

Panellists emphasized that cybersecurity and AI data analysis are the keys for SDOs to prepare for the future. To align innovation with purpose, they suggested SDOs engage specialists to look into the power of AI, utilize open-source software and invest in data management.

Participants enjoyed a vibrant networking session after the event, engaging with like-minded individuals from diverse sectors, including nonprofits, corporations and foundations. 

Thanks to ACS Board Director Wai Yee Lam for her insightful closing remarks and ACS volunteer Jennifer Lai for acting as the MC.