Philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges across Asia. Every year, numerous individuals and organizations commit their resources and expertise to create meaningful change in their communities. In this article, we celebrate some of Asia’s 2021 Heroes of Philanthropy, highlighting their outstanding contributions and the impact of their work.
1. Jack Ma: Education and Health Initiatives
As the founder of Alibaba Group, Jack Ma has become one of the most prominent philanthropists in Asia. He established the Jack Ma Foundation in 2014, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and health. In 2021, the foundation provided financial and medical support to numerous countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing Ma’s commitment to global health and well-being.
2. Azim Premji: Generous Giving and Social Impact
Indian business magnate Azim Premji, the chairman of Wipro Limited, is renowned for his generous giving. Through the Azim Premji Foundation, he has contributed billions of dollars to education, health, and community development initiatives in India. In 2021, Premji committed over $3 billion to philanthropic causes, reinforcing his position as one of Asia’s leading philanthropists.
3. Masayoshi Son: Disaster Relief and Community Support
SoftBank Group’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, is another influential figure in Asian philanthropy. Following natural disasters like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Son provided financial aid and support to affected communities. In 2021, he donated over $40 million to assist Japanese earthquake victims, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to disaster relief and community support.
4. Fan Bao: Empowering Future Generations
Fan Bao, founder and CEO of China Renaissance, is dedicated to empowering future generations through education. In 2021, he established the Bao Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to underprivileged students pursuing higher education in China. By investing in education, Bao aims to create a more equitable and prosperous society.
5. Agnes Gund: Art for Social Change
Art collector and philanthropist Agnes Gund has used her passion for art to drive social change in Asia. Through her initiative, Gund has worked to address mass incarceration and promote criminal justice reform. In 2021, she collaborated with Asian artists and organizations to expand her efforts globally, using art as a powerful tool for social change.
6. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Health and Innovation
Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon Limited, has dedicated her resources to improving healthcare and promoting innovation. In 2021, she donated $13 million to establish COVID-19 vaccination centers in Bengaluru, illustrating her commitment to public health and scientific advancement.
7. Tadashi Yanai: Combating Climate Change
Fast Retailing founder and CEO, Tadashi Yanai, has taken significant steps to address climate change and promote sustainability. In 2021, Yanai pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across his company’s operations by 2050, exemplifying corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship in the retail industry.
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