In health and medical research, and in purpose-driven organisations more broadly, the distinction between campaign urgency and campaign readiness is one that boards and executive teams rarely get right, and rarely get a second chance to correct.

Getting it wrong is not merely a fundraising setback. It can damage institutional credibility, exhaust leadership, and erode donor trust in ways that take years to repair.

Earlier this year, Jean Sung had the honour of speaking before social workers, practitioners and cross-generational leaders of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, an institution with over seven decades of deep-rooted commitment to community care and social welfare. The challenges we face today, be it inequality, sustainability, or social resilience, are not short-term problems. They cannot be solved through isolated efforts or episodic generosity. They demand something more deliberate and intentional.

Global Philanthropic is pleased to announce that Jean Sung has joined its main board as a Non-Executive Director, effective 11th December 2025.

Jean is one of the most experienced philanthropic leaders in Asia, with a career spanning private wealth, corporate philanthropy, and cross-sector collaboration. This is a strategic and critical appointment for Global Philanthropic as the organisation continues to strengthen and grow its presence across Asia, a region of profound philanthropic ambition, complexity and opportunity.

Talking Philanthropy 2024 has been a forum of truly remarkable conversations, uniting brightest minds, passionate philanthropists, and dedicated leaders from across the world.

Reflecting on the incredible discussions, I am reminded of the amazing amount of work that goes into making such an event possible. My deepest gratitude to Lady Edwina Grosvenor for her unwavering support, our incredible partners and guest speakers, and the phenomenal Global Philanthropic team who made this extraordinary event a reality.

We are thrilled to announce that Cindy Forde has joined Global Philanthropic's main board as a Non-Executive Director. Cindy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, particularly in the fields of environmental sustainability and education. She is the founder of Planetari, an organisation dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation to create a thriving world that lives in harmony with nature.

The Grosvenor Family are no strangers to philanthropy. With a longstanding track record of supporting charitable initiatives throughout their history, they continue to provide long term sustainable help and opportunities throughout the world.

Lady Edwina Grosvenor, sister of the 7th Duke of Westminster is a passionate advocate for prison reform and founder and Chair of One Small Thing, an organisation that aims to redesign the justice system. Her extensive philanthropic work most recently saw the opening of Hope Street in June 2023, a safe space for women to serve their sentences in the community alongside their children.

We are therefore delighted to announce that Lady Edwina has been appointed Chair of Global Philanthropic’s Advisory Board with immediate effect.

Global Philanthropic has announced that Martin Haigh has been elected the group’s new Chair of the Board with effect from 1st January 2024.

An early investor in Global Philanthropic, Martin’s involvement with the company began in 2000 and he has served on the Board for the last 15 years. His career as a stockbroker saw him head up trading teams dealing in the emerging equity markets of South America and Asia for some of the world’s largest institutional brokers such as HSBC, Banco Santander, Merrill Lynch and Standard Chartered. Having lived and worked in Hong Kong, more recently he has been pivotal in Asia event ticketing, working for Magnetic Asia as well as for the world’s largest promoter Live Nation as Head of Ticketmaster Asia.

Does your board engage in fundraising and take responsibility for your organisation’s revenue and growth? Or are they passive, or even invisible, in this process?

If you feel your board could do more, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are solutions to these challenges.