Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy (LEAP)
Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy (LEAP)
Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy (LEAP) is an executive education fellowship designed to empower Asia’s next generation of philanthropic leaders.
Developed by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) in collaboration with globally renowned academic partners — The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J‑PAL), and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) — LEAP blends rigorous academic insights with hands‑on learning and the cultivation of a trusted pan‑Asian network in Philanthropy.
What You Will Gain
LEAP offers participants a transformative experience designed to strengthen leadership, expand networks, and accelerate impact in Asian philanthropy.
Navigate Asia's complex political, social, and cultural landscape and design strategies that resonate with the context.
Design a robust impact measurement framework that builds credibility, informs strategy, and scales up programme.
Develop strategies and conditions that foster effective cross-sector partnerships and broader ecosystem collaborations.
Expand your network through curated peer exchanges and mentorship, and gain actionable insights from leading sector experts.
Who Should Attend
LEAP is tailored for experienced professionals ready to amplify their leadership in philanthropy.
- Ten years of relevant experience, with a proven commitment to social impact initiatives in Asia.
- A current or potential leadership role in strategy, programme development, or impact management.
- Endorsed by C-suite senior leaders of the same organisation.
- A bachelor’s degree with strong English proficiency. (IELTS 7.0 is required if the degree was not taught in English.)
Programme Content
LEAP unfolds across three intensive modules — from philanthropic leadership, effective impact measurement, to cross-sector collaboration. Designed and taught by faculty from renowned institutions, the modules equip you to become tomorrow’s transformative leaders.
Learning Modules
Module 1
Philanthropic Leadership in Asia
Led by:
The playbook for Asian philanthropy leadership needs to focus on strategic thinking and adaptive leadership in today’s dynamic geopolitical landscape. Participants will gain insights into navigating the region’s unique complexities and build governance capabilities for enduring impact.
Module 2
Measuring What Matters: Impact in Asian Philanthropy
Led by:
Measure what matters in a way that resonates with Asian philanthropic realities. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to define meaningful outcomes, rigorously assess what works, and inform impactful and transparent organisational decisions.
Module 3
Scaling Through Partnerships: Sector Collaborations in Asian Philanthropy
Led by:
Effective partnerships and stakeholder collaborations multiply the impact of philanthropy. Participants will learn to build effective public, private, and philanthropic partnerships that unlock resources, scale innovation, and drive solutions across Asia's socio-political landscape.
Fellowship Highlights
Bring your organisational challenge to LEAP
Each participant will be invited to bring a pressing sector challenge that their organisation is facing. Through the programme, you will explore high-impact solutions by incorporating key learnings from the modules, and leveraging the collective insight of the cohort, with dedicated expert coaching.
Philanthropist-in-Residence
A world-renowned global leader in philanthropy will join the programme to share experience, insight, and inspiration with participants through fireside conversations, small-group dialogues, and social networking events, fostering meaningful exchanges on reimagining philanthropy, leadership, and social innovation.
Personalised guidance from Philanthropic Leadership Advisors
Participants also benefit from one‑on‑one engagement with Philanthropic Leadership Advisors — accomplished philanthropic practitioners from Asia and around the world. Through virtual office hours, advisors offer personalised guidance on leadership, strategy, and career pathways, helping participants sharpen their vision and expand their networks for lasting impact.
Programme Schedule
Pre-programme, including onboarding activities and preparation for Module 1*
Online
April 2026
5 hours
Module 1
Philanthropic Leadership in Asia
In-person, Hong Kong
27 – 29 April 2026
21 hours
Reflection on Module 1, and preparation for Module 2 and 3*
Online
May 2026
12 hours
Module 2
Measuring What Matters: Impact in Asian Philanthropy
In-person, Hong Kong
4 – 6 June 2026
21 hours
Module 3
Scaling Through Partnerships: Sector Collaborations in Asian Philanthropy
In-person, Hong Kong
8 – 10 June 2026
21 hours
Post-programme reflections and activities
Online
June – July 2026
12 hours
*Including online discussions, self-paced reading and assignments.
How to Apply
Application Timeline
15 January - 15 February
Application and submission of:
1. Reference letter from a C-suite leader (i.e. CEO, COO, or Chair) of your organisation, demonstrating your leadership mindset, potential in Asian philanthropy and confirming organisational support.
2. 1-page Curriculum Vitae that demonstrates your leadership and potential in the philanthropic sector.
3. 300-word LEAP Challenge Proposal:
- Describe a pressing challenge faced by your organisation, which requires a transformative "leap" forward
- State the issues and potential underlying causes.
- Propose a preliminary approach to addressing the challenge, with clear potential for transformation.
These materials will help us identify leaders best positioned to benefit from and contribute to LEAP’s mission of advancing philanthropy across Asia.
16 February - 27 February
Application review period
2 March - 13 March
Offer and confirmation
FAQ
Programme Initiated By:
The Institute of Philanthropy was established in September 2023 through a seed grant of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. Established as an independent “think-fund-do” tank for China and Asia and beyond, IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in collaboration with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.
Modules Delivered By
Established in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the territory’s oldest institute of higher learning and also an internationally recognized, research led, comprehensive university. As a leading international university in Asia, HKU drives impact through internationalisation, innovation, and interdisciplinary research, while contributing to social progress through global engagement and regional initiatives.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab is a global research center based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology aimed to reducing poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by rigorous, scientific evidence.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), established in 1895, is an internationally renowned university specialising in the social sciences. Its expertise spans a wide range of disciplines from economics, politics and law, to sociology, health policy, data science and finance.