The largest international gathering of social investors in Asia is taking place in Bangkok at the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Conference. In partnership with the Khonthai Foundation, the event has attracted over 600 social investors from around the world, all committed to building the social sector ecosystem in Asia. The Conference officially launches today with an inaugural address from former Prime Minister H.E. Anand Panyarachun.
The AVPN Conference brings together representatives from over 30 countries representing social investors across a diverse range of perspectives: international foundations like Rockefeller and Sasakawa Peace Foundation, local family offices and companies involved in philanthropy and impact investing, international corporates including Coca Cola, Google and Credit Suisse, and government agencies like USAID and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The more than 100 Speakers contributing to the 3 day Conference include thought leaders, innovators and practitioners from across the region including some of the most influential people driving the social sector in Thailand. Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President, Thailand Development Research Institute, will share insights on social investment in Thailand and Dr. Bandid Nijathaworn, President and CEO of the Thai Institute of Directors will be discussing Examples of Collaborative Platforms for Social Investments in Thailand.
The conference focuses on collaboration across social, corporate and government sectors touching on key social challenges faced by Asia. Helping to contextualize the discussions will be AVPN's release of their latest research: The Social Investment Landscape in Asia. The Landscape is a holistic study of the current Asian philanthropy and social investment market across 14 regions including Thailand. The report, unveiled today, offers an overview of the societal needs across Asia, using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to map out key areas of focus where social investors can have the most impact.
The Landscape highlights the diversity of economic growth in Asia and how this impacts the areas where social investors can be most effective. For instance, while emerging economies such as India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam have to address pressing social challenges in healthcare, sanitation, education and water, developed economies such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong tackle ageing, growing inequalities, declining workforce, labour productivity and gender equality. The report also highlights the need across the entire region to address environmental issues from energy access and infrastructure in emerging economies, to climate risk mitigation and natural resources management in the island countries of Asia.
"The question, 'What is the problem?' is not an obvious starting point for many social investors who arrive in Asia with set assumptions about what is needed," says AVPN's CEO, Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra. "While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the key findings of this report highlight some common elements embedded in Asia's long-standing tradition of giving. We feel that this report provides much needed guidance to help channel the generosity of Asian philanthropists into areas with the greatest need to maximize impact."
Insights from the report on Thailand reveal some impressive social welfare indicators, not least the 100% primary school enrolment rate achieved in 2015 and the 100% health coverage rate achieved with the government's Universal Coverage Scheme. However, it also points to problems such as the urban–rural divide, different quality in the public education system, environmental degradation, and changing demographics as areas needing attention.
"Thailand has a growing share of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) and a long history of family giving based on traditional Buddhist values," says Kevin Teo, Managing Director of AVPN's Knowledge Centre. "The country ranks high in terms of the percentage of people donating to charities but a substantial portion of domestic philanthropy is made on an ad-hoc basis, primarily to temples and religious foundations. We hope this report will help inform more strategic approaches."
For those inspired by the Conference and the report, an investment showcase, called Deal Share Live, will provide direct access to over 30 organisations creating impact throughout Asia. From Thailand, organisations like Teach For Thailand, Child's Dream Foundation, Learn Education, Socialgiver, The Asia Foundation, The Internet Education and Research Lab and Yaowawit School, will share projects that are looking for funding to tackle education gaps, access to technology in rural areas, poverty and human trafficking. All organisations pitching are endorsed by AVPN members already supporting these initiatives, allowing new investors to feel confident about becoming involved.
"Our investment showcase has been the most successful part of the AVPN Conference over the past 4 years," says Teo. "We have historically seen a 25% success rate for participating charities and social enterprises receiving funding from delegates of the AVPN Conference, so we hope to see that track record continue in Thailand."
Photo shows: H.E. Anand Panyarachun (second from left), Former Prime Minister together with Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra (far left), AVPN's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Doug Miller (second from right), AVPN's Founder and Chairman, and Mr. Vichien Phongsathorn (far right), Chairman of Premier Group of Companies and Founder of Khonthai Foundation at the opening of the AVPN Conference, aiming to enhance collaboration across Thailand and region to improve the lives of millions through social investment.