How can we support individuals with innovative financing mechanisms while driving systemic change that empowers them beyond their traditional charity? This was the powerful question at the heart of a recent dialogue between the Li Foundation and Leap201, represented by Gracelyn, Cecelia, and Matt.
Founded by Michael Lien (连宗廉) in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and later incorporated as Leap201, Leap201 is a catalytic philanthropy platform committed to uplifting vulnerable households across Southeast Asia. Its mission: to help communities break free from aid dependence and the poverty cycle by enabling them to leap above the US$2-a-day poverty line. Grounded in the belief that real change comes through empowerment, not charity, Leap201’s model emphasizes self-reliance, advocacy for systemic change, and financial sustainability. Notably, 70–80% of its deployed funds are channelled as recyclable social loans, creating a virtuous cycle of impact that multiplies over time. They also take a collaborative and evidence-based approach, harnessing strategic partnerships and conducting research, organisational due diligence, and impact evaluation to maximise intervention outcomes.
This distinctive approach to social impact came to life in Leap201’s sharing on the Care4WorkingFamilies (C4W) Program, a new initiative launched in January 2025 to support working families in Singapore caring for loved ones with severe disabilities or critical illnesses. C4W aims to strengthen transitional support for patients moving from hospitals to homes and, ultimately, back into the workforce. In its first phase, Leap201 is reviewing and recommending enhancements to the CareShield Life scheme. The initiative has already produced a position paper in collaboration with KPMG and convened a multi-sector roundtable, bringing together voices from government, business, community, and philanthropy to identify gaps and co-create solutions.
The exchange proved to be an eye-opening and energising one, with synergies in both organisations’ values and approaches. Both organisations are guided by a shared belief in bold, innovative philanthropy that doesn’t just address symptoms but tackles root causes and unlocks human potential at the individual and systemic levels. As both organisations continue exploring ways to create scalable and sustainable solutions, this dialogue marked a promising step toward future collaboration that could benefit vulnerable communities across the region.
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.