Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy
(LEAP)
Our partners
- The Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), established and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust
- The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J‑PAL) by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute
Programme Length
3 months
Programme Fee
USD 1,200 (Exclude travel and accommodation)
Medium of Instruction
English
Delivery Approach
Face-to-face and online
(a small cohort of 30 participants only)
Venue
HKU Campuses and online
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
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 an intensive, cohort‑based experience, LEAP equips mid‑ to senior‑level professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive systemic change in the region. Through a curriculum that integrates academic insight, practitioner mentorship, and immersive learning, LEAP strengthens leadership capacity, fosters cross‑sector collaboration, and advances innovative approaches to social impact. Anchored in IoP’s mission as an independent “think‑fund‑do” tank, LEAP provides an Asia‑based platform for global engagement, empowering participants to shape the future of philanthropy and contribute to the betterment of societies everywhere.
Three Pillars of LEAP
- World‑Class Curriculum, Rooted in Asia — Co‑created with leading institutions and taught by distinguished faculty, focused on Asia’s diverse philanthropic models, governance, and socio‑political realities.
- Practice‑Based Learning for Real‑World Impact — Interactive case studies, simulations, field immersions, and practitioner‑led sessions where participants tackle their own LEAP Challenge, a real issue from their organization.
- Trusted Community of Practice — Peer learning circles, cohort‑building events, and engagement with global leaders through the Philanthropists‑in‑Residence series and exclusive speaker sessions.
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.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
What You Will Learn
LEAP offers participants a transformative experience designed to strengthen leadership, expand networks, and accelerate impact in Asian philanthropy. By the end of LEAP, participants will be able to:
- Design strategic philanthropic initiatives that respond to Asia’s social, cultural, and geopolitical complexities.
- Measure and communicate impact using evidence‑based frameworks tailored to Asian contexts.
- Build high-impact collaborations across public, private, and non‑profit partners to scale sustainable social change.
- Lead adaptively in diverse environments by applying systems thinking and design‑driven leadership practices.
What You Will Gain
LEAP equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and frameworks to lead adaptively and drive systemic change in Asian philanthropy. As a participant, you will:
- Join a select cohort of mid‑ to senior‑level leaders advancing the future of Asian philanthropy.
- Gain actionable insights from world‑class academic partners and leading sector experts.
- Strengthen your leadership, strategic, and analytical skills to drive systemic change.
- Expand your network through curated peer exchanges and mentorship from Philanthropists‑in‑Residence.
You’ll leave LEAP ready to lead with purpose, shaping the future of philanthropy across Asia.
Benefits for Your Organisation
LEAP equips your organisation with leaders who can translate vision into strategy, build partnerships, and deliver measurable impact.
- Strengthen strategic leadership capacity: Equip mid‑ to senior‑level leaders to translate vision into effective action.
- Enhance impact effectiveness: Apply learning to improve governance, measurement, and strategy for greater results.
- Build cross‑sector partnerships: Develop the ability to collaborate across industries and regions to scale change.
- Gain visibility: Join an international alumni network advancing innovative approaches to Asian philanthropy.
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: HKU Business School
Supported by: HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute
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.
- Systems thinking in social change and governance excellence
- Leadership styles in Asian contexts
- Strategic planning for complex, relationship‑driven environments
Participants will develop responsive, contextually relevant leadership strategies that enable them to navigate philanthropic challenges across the region.
Module 2:
Measuring What Matters: Impact in Asian Philanthropy
Led by: The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J‑PAL)
This module strengthens participants’ ability to measure, evaluate, and communicate impact using rigorous yet practical approaches. Through direct engagement with world‑class faculty and practitioners, participants will learn how to design impact studies, interpret evaluation findings, and transform data into actionable insights for their organisations.
- Evidence‑informed philanthropy and building evaluation strategies
- Impact measurement frameworks for Asian funding contexts
- Communicating and scaling evidence for greater influence
Participants will be able to design effective impact measurement systems and leverage evidence to inform smarter, data‑driven philanthropic strategies.
Module 3:
Scaling Through Partnerships: Sector Collaborations in Asian Philanthropy
Led by: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
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.
- Models of giving and trust‑based partnerships in Asia
- Emerging financing instruments such as impact bonds and outcome‑based models
- Public policy engagement for scaling social innovations
Participants will gain the tools to design partnerships and institutional strategies that amplify philanthropic initiatives and extend their systemic reach.
Immersion Experience
Between modules, participants will engage in a five‑week virtual and experiential immersion. Guided by an experienced philanthropic practitioner, they will refine their personal My LEAP Challenge—a real‑world issue drawn from their current professional context.
- 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.
1 on 1 engagements with top global leaders in philanthropy
Inspired by the Entrepreneurs‑in‑Residence model, LEAP pairs each participant with leading figures in Asian and global philanthropy for one‑on‑one mentoring. 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
What kind of certification will I receive?
- 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
Pre-Programme | Prep & Pep: Your Programme Jumpstart | Before Onboarding | Online |
Module 1 | HKU Business School – Philanthropic Leadership in Asia | 27–29 April 2026 | HKU Campuses |
Virtual Immersion Activities | 5‑week virtual and experiential immersion. Guided by an experienced philanthropic practitioner | May–June 2026 | Online |
Module 2 | J-PAL (MIT) – Measuring What Matters: Impact in Asian Philanthropy | 4–6 June 2026 | HKU Campuses |
Module 3 | LSE – Scaling Through Partnerships: Sector Collaborations in Asian Philanthropy | 8–10 June 2026 | HKU Campuses |
Philanthropist-in-Residence | 1 on 1 engagements with top global leaders in philanthropy | Ongoing | Online or Virtual |
FORMAT OF LEARNING
LEAP offers an immersive, blended learning experience that integrates in‑person classroom instruction with interactive online components and engagement activities. The programme is intentionally designed for a small cohort of 30 participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment and ensuring ample opportunities for individual interaction with faculty.
This blended format balances academic rigor with practical application, ensuring participants gain both deep insight and real‑world relevance.
FACULTY PROFILES
Programme Director
Prof. Guojun He
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Economics
Professor in Economics, HKU Business School
Director, HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute
Associate Director, Institute of China Economy
Mr. Balaji Ganapathy
Adjunct Professor, HKU Business School
Chief Social Responsibility Officer and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
GUEST SPEAKERS
Guest 01 - Name
Job Title
Guest 02 - Name
Job Title
Guest 03 - Name
Job Title
Guest 04 - Name
Job Title
*More speakers from different industries will be announced soon. Speakers are subject to change depending on the programme schedule.
FEES AND FUNDING
Full programme fee:
Course Fee: USD 1,200 per participant
Includes: Tuition, course materials, group activities, field visits, and certification
Excludes: Travel and accomodation
Who should attend
LEAP is tailored for experienced professionals ready to amplify their leadership in philanthropy.
- A minimum 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
APPLICATION
Application Requirements
To ensure alignment with LEAP’s mission and to help us understand each candidate’s leadership journey, applicants are asked to provide the following materials:
1. Reference Letter
- From a C‑suite leader (i.e. CEO, COO, or Chair) of your organisation, demonstrating your leadership mindset, potential in Asian philanthropy, and confirming organisational support.
2. 1-page Curriculum Vitae
- A leadership track record in advancing philanthropic strategy or impact
3. 300-word LEAP Challenge Proposal
- Motivation for joining LEAP and anticipated personal growth outcomes
- Identify one pressing challenge in your current work that requires a transformative “leap” forward
- Analyse the issue’s underlying drivers and complexities
- Propose a preliminary approach with clear potential for innovative or systemic impact
These materials will help us identify leaders best positioned to benefit from and contribute to LEAP’s mission of advancing philanthropy across Asia.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed through a rigorous, multi‑stage process designed to ensure alignment with LEAP’s goals:
1. Application and Submission (15 January – 15 February 2026)
- Applicants submit all required documents via the LEAP Online Application Portal (Reference Letter, CV, Personal Statement, LEAP Challenge Proposal).
2. Application Review Period (16 – 27 February 2026)
- Submitted applications are assessed for completeness, leadership potential, and alignment with LEAP’s mission.
3. Offer and Confirmation (2 – 13 March 2026)
- Selected candidates receive offers and confirm their participation in the fellowship cohort.
This process ensures that each cohort brings together diverse, high‑impact leaders committed to shaping the future of Asian philanthropy.
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICANTS
1. Prepare Documents
- Reference Letter from your organisation’s C-suite or Director-level sponsor
- 1-page Curriculum Vitae
- 300-word LEAP Challenge Proposal describing a key challenge in your work and a potential transformative approach
2. Submit Online
- Applications open 15 January 2026
- Apply via: LEAP Online Application Portal
- Deadline: 15 Feb 2026
3. Await Review
- Application review period: 16 – 27 February 2026
4. Confirm Offer
Offers issued: 2 – 13 March 2026
Confirm participation and complete fee payment within two weeks of receiving the offer
5. Join LEAP
Notification by mid March 2026
Begin your fellowship journey in April 2026″
CONTACT
For further information or enquiries, please reach out:
1. The University of Hong Kong
- Ms. Natalie Mo: natalie3@hku.hk
2. Institute of Philanthropy (IoP)
We look forward to connecting with leaders committed to advancing philanthropy across Asia.
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.
