New research series highlights corporate philanthropy strategies across Asia

Economist Impact on Wednesday (Oct 22) -- supported by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) -- released a multi-part research series examining the range of ways that companies across Asia are embedding public benefit into business strategy.

The research series -- "The Business of Doing Good" -- draws on extensive research across 13 Asian markets and insights from more than 40 executives, foundation officials, academics, and other authorities.

The initiative responds to a growing need for regionally grounded insights into corporate philanthropy, an area that is expanding rapidly across Asia but evolving on its own terms. 

The series offers practical tools to help companies align purpose with governance, operations, and stakeholder relationships. 

The first report -- The Business of Doing Good in Asia -- examines what drives companies in Asia to contribute to public good and identifies six distinct profiles of corporate engagement. 

That included companies guided by enduring beliefs, often shaped by founders or family legacy; businesses that align with national priorities to scale impact and build legitimacy; organizations that empower employees to shape and implement purpose-driven policies; firms that cultivate credibility in low-trust environments to unlock strategic advantage; actors that influence sector-wide standards and regulatory frameworks; and enterprises that develop pioneering commercial models to address unmet social or environmental needs.

As for the second report, titled "The Business of Doing Good in Asia: exploring profiles in action," it uncovers how companies are putting these profiles into practice—through long-term investment, employee engagement, partnerships, trust-building, and data-driven
decision-making. Each profile is illustrated with case studies and accompanied by reflection questions to support internal dialogue and planning.

"By capturing the diverse ways companies pursue public good, the series helps to advance a more strategic and context-aware approach to corporate purpose," said Lester Huang, Chairman of the IoP.