Li Foundation recently hosted Mr Tao, founder of YiSHAN Data, for a conversation on the role of data, research, and cross-border collaboration in shaping the future of philanthropy.
Since 2018, YiSHAN Data has been building the digital infrastructure for China’s philanthropy sector—aggregating data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights on giving trends, resource flows, and key sector challenges. More recently, it launched the Giving China Report series, which Li Foundation has been privileged to support alongside the Gates Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, and several other major foundations. The series aims to analyse key trends in China’s philanthropy space, from donation sources and top issue areas to year-on-year changes in donations. By transforming fragmented pieces of information into organized knowledge, YiSHAN Data supports more informed decision-making for foundations, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders, while strengthening transparency and trust across the broader ecosystem.
A key theme of the discussion was how data and practice can work hand in hand. While data infrastructure enables better understanding of the sector, real-world experimentation and collaboration are essential to translate insights into impact. The conversation explored how this interplay can inform interventions in diverse fields such as early childhood development, impact investing, and more.
Both sides also highlighted growing opportunities to strengthen connections between China and Southeast Asia’s philanthropic ecosystems. Specifically, an increasing number of Chinese NGOs are looking to expand their work abroad, while drawing in resources and learning from best practices in the wider Asian region.
As cross-border giving and engagements increase, there is a rising need for shared platforms, localized knowledge, and trusted partnerships to ensure resources are deployed effectively. Li Foundation is honored to partner with YiSHAN Data on this journey to build a more connected, evidence-based, and collaborative Asian philanthropy ecosystem that enables strategic and sustained impact.
The book showcases how the participants challenged their limits and conquered the World Marathon Challenge and North Pole Marathon to inspire people to challenge their own limits and pursue their dreams boldly.
The book tells the stories behind the event which saw the largest number of people in history running 1045km round Taiwan in 19 days.