Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy
(LEAP)

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Programme Length

9 days in-person learning,
with virtual engagements across 3 months

Total Programme Fee

USD 1,200 (Exclude travel and accommodation)

Medium of Instruction

English

Delivery Approach

Face-to-face and online to a cohort of
30 participants

Venue

Hong Kong and Virtual Platform

Organised by

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

About Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy (LEAP)

Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy (LEAP) is a flagship fellowship programme of the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), established to cultivate a new generation of philanthropic leaders across Asia. Designed as a cohort-driven fellowship, LEAP equips emerging senior philanthropic leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive enduring change—grounded in Asia’s diverse realities and attuned to the region’s growing role in shaping global possibilities.

About the Institute of Philanthropy

The Institute of Philanthropy was established in September 2023 through a seed grant of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. Established as an independent “think-fund-do” tank for China and Asia and beyond, IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in collaboration with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.

About the University of Hong Kong

Established in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the territory’s oldest institute of higher learning and also an internationally recognised, research led, comprehensive university. As a leading international university in Asia, HKU drives impact through internationalisation, innovation, and interdisciplinary research, while contributing to social progress through global engagement and regional initiatives.

About the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab is a global research centre based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology aimed to reducing poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by rigorous, scientific evidence.

About the London School of Economics and Political Science

The London School of Economics and Political Science, established in 1895, is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the University of London. The school specialises in the pure and applied social sciences.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Designed for the Asian philanthropic landscape, LEAP will help you to:

  1. Navigate Asia’s complex politicial, social, and cultural landscape and design strategies that resonate with the context.
  2. Design a robust impact measurement framework that builds credibility, informs strategy, and scales up programme.
  3. Develop strategies and conditions that foster effective cross-sector partnerships and broader ecosystem collaborations.

You’ll leave LEAP ready to lead with purpose, shaping the future of philanthropy across Asia.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Fellowship Curriculum

The LEAP fellowship curriculum unfolds across three intensive modules, each led by a world‑class academic partner. Together, they combine rigorous instruction, immersive learning, and practical application to prepare leaders for the complexities of Asian philanthropy.

Module 1:

Philanthropic Leadership in Asia

Led by:

This opening module equips participants with adaptive leadership and strategic management insights grounded in Asia’s social, cultural, and geopolitical landscape. Through immersive learning and case‑based discussions, participants will examine how to design organisational strategies that deliver sustained impact across diverse philanthropic contexts.

Module 2:

Measuring What Matters: Impact in Asian Philanthropy

Led by:

This module strengthens participants’ ability to measure and communicate impact using rigorous yet practical approaches. Through direct engagement with world class faculty and practitioners, tailored case studies, and applied exercises, participants will learn how to design impact evaluations, interpret findings, and transform evidence into actionable insights for their organisations.

Module 3:

Scaling Through Partnerships: Sector Collaborations in Asian Philanthropy

Led by:

This module focuses on multi‑sector collaboration, policy alignment, and innovation for scale. Participants will explore how philanthropic institutions can partner with governments, businesses, and communities to achieve sustained, ecosystem‑level change.

Virtual Learning and Reflection between Modules

Between modules, participants will engage in a five‑week virtual and experiential reflection activities, such as

  • Strategy development workshops focused on the My LEAP Challenge
  • Peer‑led reflection circles and virtual cultural exchanges
  • Coaching dialogues and interactive fireside chats

This integrated learning journey connects classroom insights with practical application, while fostering peer‑supported reflection and collaborative growth.

Philanthropist-in-Residence

The LEAP programme will also feature a Philanthropist-in-Residence, a world-renowned global leader in philanthropy who joins the programme to share experience, insight, and inspiration with participants. 

Throughout the programme, the Philanthropist-in-Residence will engage with participants through fireside conversations, small-group dialogues, and social networking events, fostering meaningful exchanges on reimagining philanthropy, leadership, and social innovation.

Virtual Office Hours with Philanthropic Leadership Advisors

LEAP pairs each participant with leading figures in Asian and global philanthropy for one‑on‑one conversations. These exchanges provide personalised guidance on leadership, strategy, and career pathways, enabling participants to refine their vision and strengthen their capacity to drive impact.

Certification and recognition

Graduates will be awarded:
 
  • Individual certificates of completion from HKU, J-PAL, and LSE
  • A joint LEAP Fellowship Certificate endorsed by IoP and academic partners
  • A digital credential for display on professional networks such as LinkedIn

Participants who complete all modules will be formally recognised as LEAP Fellows and welcomed into the regional alumni community.

SCHEDULE AND VENUE

* Please note that the associated activities are subject to change.
Programme Commencement and Virtual OnboardingApril 2026Online
Module 1:
Philanthropic Leadership in Asia		27–29 April 2026Hong Kong, led by HKU
Reflection on Module 1, and preparation for Module 2 and 3May 2026Online
Module 2:
Measuring What Matters: Impact in Asian Philanthropy		4–6 June 2026Hong Kong, led by J-PAL
Module 3:
Scaling Through Partnerships: Sector Collaborations in Asian Philanthropy		8–10 June 2026Hong Kong, led by LSE
Post-Programme Reflection and Engagement*June – July 2026Online

Who should attend

LEAP is tailored for experienced professionals ready to amplify their leadership in philanthropy.

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
  • Leaders with responsibilities in strategy, programme development, or impact management
  • Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree and demonstrating strong English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 required if the degree was not taught in English)
  • Professionals engaged in Asian markets, with a proven commitment to advancing regional social impact initiatives are preferred
  • Endorsed by C-suite senior leaders of the same organisation

NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICANTS

Application timeline

15 January – 15 February 2026

Application and submission of:

  1. Reference letter from a C-suite leader (i.e. CEO, COO, or Chair) of your ogranisation, demonstrating your leadership mindset, potential in Asian philanthropy and confirming organisational support.
  2. 1-page Curriculum Vitae that demonstrates your leadership and potential in the philanthropic sector.
  3. 300-word LEAP Challenge Proposal that includes:
    • A pressing organisational challenge, which requires a transformative “leap” forward.
    • State the issue’s underlying causes.
    • Propose a preliminary approach with clear potential for organisational transformation.

    These materials will help us identify leaders best positioned to benefit from and contribute to LEAP’s mission of advancing philanthropy across Asia.

16 – 27 February 2026Application review
2 – 13 March 2026Offer release

CONTACT

For further information or enquiries, please reach out:

1.     The University of Hong Kong

2.     Institute of Philanthropy (IoP)

Deferment Policy

  • Participants may defer their participation in the programme for a maximum of one year only.
  • If a participant wishes to defer, they must provide an official statement in English detailing the situation and reason for deferral. This will be reviewed by our faculty office, which will determine whether the deferral request is approved.
  • Administrative fees may apply to deferment applications.

FAQ

Yes. All teaching, materials, and assignments will be delivered in English. Participants are expected to have a strong command of written and spoken English. If your bachelor’s degree was not taught in English, an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.

Participants must attend two in-person sessions in Hong Kong — one for Module 1 (April) and one combined trip for Modules 2 and 3 (June), as well as the online sessions. Participants are expected to complete all coursework, including the LEAP Challenge in a thoughtful and timely manner.

More detailed information on course requirements will be communicated at the start of the course.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and passport. IoP and HKU will issue official invitation letters to support visa applications once an applicant is formally accepted. Participants are responsible for applying well in advance and complying with all travel requirements.

Each LEAP cohort will have up to 30 participants, fostering deep engagement and personalised interaction with faculty, practitioners, and peers.

Networking opportunities include:

  • Pre-module virtual meetups and My LEAP Challenge coaching
  • Field visits and informal dinners during the Hong Kong modules
  • Post-programme community events and alumni networking
  • Ongoing access to the LEAP Fellows Network, connecting leaders across Asia
    (such as the Philanthropist-in-Residence and the virtual office hours)

Graduates continue to engage as LEAP Fellows through:

  • Invitations to IoP and partner academic events
  • Continued access to the online community platform and learning resources

The programme fee is USD 1,200 per participant. This covers tuition, academic materials, field visits, and participation in all programme activities. Travel, accommodation, and personal expenses are not included.

Participants who withdraw after acceptance will not receive a refund. Withdrawal may also affect the applicant organisation’s eligibility for future cohorts. In cases of unforeseen circumstances, such as visa denial, participants may be permitted to defer to the following cohort, subject to IoP approval.

Successful applicants will be notified by mid-March 2026. Selected candidates must confirm participation and complete fee payment within two weeks of notification.

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