A delegation of more than 50 Gobi Philanthropy Ambassadors visited Singapore from 29 July to 1 August 2026 as part of the 21st Xuanzang Road Business School Gobi Challenge (“Gobi 21”). The learning visit focused on philanthropy, social innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
On the afternoon of 30 July, the delegation attended a session at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) themed “Philanthropy in Singapore: From Ecosystem to Practice.” Lionel Li, Founder and Chairman of Li Foundation, and Dr. Ada Zhang shared complementary perspectives on Singapore’s philanthropy ecosystem and the development of a family foundation. Prof. Gu Qingyang of LKYPSS and Chair of the Master in Public Administration and Management (MPAM) Programme, shared insights on Singapore from a public policy perspective.
The delegation was led by Mr Qu Xiangdong, Founder of the Xuanzang Road Business School Gobi Challenge (“Xuanzang Road”), together with Mr Huang Yi, Secretary-General of Geyou Foundation. The visit reflected a shared interest in how philanthropy can move from individual commitment towards organised, sustainable social impact.
Dr. Ada Zhang opened the session with an overview of Singapore’s philanthropy ecosystem, highlighting the roles of government agencies, foundations, cooperates, social service organisations and civic actors. Her sharing showed how policy support, enabling platforms, resource mobilisation and community-based service delivery work together to encourage cross-sector collaboration and respond to evolving social needs.
Lionel Li then shared his personal philanthropic journey, from his early involvement with Lions Clubs in China to the establishment of Li Foundation in Singapore. He introduced the Foundation’s belief in inspiring lives and impacting lives, as well as its collaborative approach to philanthropy across Singapore, China and other parts of Asia.
His sharing also highlighted several of Li Foundation’s flagship initiatives, including the China ECD Collaborative, Relay Majulah in Singapore and Inspiring Asia. Together, these initiatives reflect the Foundation’s commitment to supporting children, strengthening communities and connecting social impact stories across Asia.
The session provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on public policy, family philanthropy, social innovation and community action. It also explored how philanthropic resources, volunteer networks and cross-sector partnerships can contribute to more sustainable social impact.
Li Foundation was honoured to take part in the exchange and looks forward to continued engagement with the Gobi community.
Xuanzang Road Business School Gobi Challenge (玄奘之路 “Xuanzang Road”) is a well-known endurance and leadership journey for business school participants. Inspired by the historical journey of Master Xuanzang, the challenge brings together participants from business schools to cross the Gobi Desert, combining physical endurance, teamwork, reflection and personal growth. Over the years, Xuanzang Road has grown beyond an endurance challenge into a distinctive community shaped by perseverance, self-transcendence, mutual support and service. The official Xuanzang Road site currently refers to the 21st edition as the 21st Xuanzang Road Gobi Challenge.
Geyou Foundation (北京市戈友公益援助基金会) traces its origins to the Xuanzang Road community’s response to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, when Gobi participants voluntarily formed what later became the Foundation’s predecessor. The Foundation was formally registered with the Beijing Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau on 21 September 2011
and received a 4A foundation rating in 2019. Guided by the belief of “awakening life and living actively,” Geyou Foundation continues to promote volunteer action, education philanthropy and public service through the Gobi community.
The Gobi Philanthropy Ambassadors are a cross-school volunteer network initiated by Geyou Foundation to promote philanthropy and carry forward the spirit of the Gobi Challenge. Its members support initiatives in disaster relief, environmental conservation, rural education and cultural heritage.
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.