Prologue
If a philanthropist’s heart is likened to clear spring water,
perhaps our greatest fear is not that we have too little strength,
but that we may run dry before nourishing others.
Thus, the ideal state of giving is not the fleeting blaze of a candle that burns itself out,
but rather a deep wellspring — one that flows endlessly with life-giving water, its depth reflecting the light of the sky above.
若将公益之心比作一泓清泉，
我们最大的恐惧，或许不是力量微薄，
而是在润泽他者之前，自身已然枯竭。
故而，那理想之境，并非蜡烛般烛火燃尽时的壮烈，而应如那眼深泉～
既能源源不绝地涌出甘霖，其自身亦深邃丰沛，映照着天光云影。
On 31 October 2025, as the first rays of dawn rose over Singapore’s coastline, 18 social impact leaders from China concluded their week-long immersive learning journey and returned home, bringing with them renewed insight and deepened passion for dialogue.
Jointly organized by the China Global Philanthropy Institute (CGPI) and Li Foundation, the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) Singapore module was created to nurture social impact leaders who give with wisdom, purpose, and joy. Centred on the theme “Uncovering Southeast Asia’s Philanthropy Ecosystem and the Practice of Family Legacy,” the inaugural module brought together 18 leaders from NGOs, social enterprises, foundations, and family for an immersive exchange in Singapore — a global hub for innovation and social impact.
Leading up to CGPI’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the program also holds symbolic significance. It was initiated by Mr. Lionel Li, alumnus of CGPI’s EMP, ELP, and GPL programs and founder of Li Foundation, in honor of the prominent American philanthropist, Ray Dalio, one of CGPI’s founders. Thus, the program is not only a passing of the torch to the younger generation but also reflects the continued vision to empower Chinese philanthropy with Asian resources, wisdom, and a global perspective.
The seven-day itinerary was dense yet rewarding. The program combined theory with practice through visits to 23 leading institutions and dialogues with social impact leaders, centred around five themes:
Among the highlights of the program were:
Participants also visited Lions Home for the Elders and Dignity Kitchen, engaged with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and ImpactSG, and heard from raiSE, Community Chest, Kamet Capital, Leap201, and Li Foundation. Through these exchanges, they gained comprehensive insights into Singapore’s philanthropic landscape — from eldercare and social enterprises to regulatory policy and donor ecosystem development.
Each visit went beyond observation — it was an immersive dialogue that inspired reflection and equipped participants with the practical tools to “row their own boats” in advancing social impact.
“Those who are depleted within cannot lift others up.”
Understanding the importance of self-care and rejuvenation, the ELP Singapore module places equal emphasis on personal renewal and professional growth.
The 18 fellows represent a new generation of China’s philanthropic leaders. Coming from diverse fields, they share one mission — to nourish others through meaningful giving. During the opening ceremony at sea, participants envisioned collaborative futures together under the South China Sea breeze. In informal gatherings, they shared their purpose and journeys of perseverance. At the closing fireside reflection, they reviewed their learnings and discussed real challenges ahead.
These heartfelt exchanges transformed learning into community. Fellows described the program as not just a knowledge journey, but also a source of emotional and spiritual nourishment — the “warmth of togetherness” that keeps one’s purpose alive.
Many reflected that their greatest takeaway was not only a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia’s philanthropic ecosystem, but the friendships forged and the adoption of a new mindset for philanthropy — one that views giving through a strategic, innovative, and collaborative lens.
The successful conclusion of the first ELP Singapore module marks a new beginning rather than an end. From 2025 onwards, the program will train 36 leaders annually, or a total of 108 fellows over three years. This growing network will continue to inject professional expertise, global insight, and collaborative spirit into China’s philanthropic sector.
As participants return to their respective organisations, they carry with them not just knowledge, but a renewed commitment — to act as ambassadors of cross-border philanthropy, advocates of innovation, and practitioners of personal and professional growth.
Looking ahead, CGPI and Li Foundation will continue co-developing the ELP Singapore module to nurture philanthropic leaders with global vision, professional ability, and innovative spirit.
When more changemakers are nourished this way, the spring of Chinese philanthropy will flow endlessly, joining the world in creating a brighter, more compassionate future.
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.