Leading The Way

A survey of 40 donors across Asia-Pacific who are putting their wealth to good works.

- Grace Chung

For our 12th annual philanthropy roundup we’ve sifted through dozens of candidates to compile a list of altruists attracted to causes in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 40-member honour roll spans entrepreneurs, executives and one celebrity, and unlike our wealth lists, these selections are subjective. The goal is to capture individual philanthropists—those making donations with personal funds and not through their businesses (unless they own a substantial stake in the companies, in which case we consider the giving a part of their fortune). We also don’t include fundraisers or heads of nonprofits, though they play an important role. Forbes Asia zooms in on names with the financial or social capital to put their stamp on issues of importance.

Countries such as China and India traditionally have more names than one like Japan, where cultural sensitivities over celebrating individual generosity can limit our scope. As in previous years, we aim to unearth new names, unless a past donor has made a significant pledge or contribution.

Some people have been fervent in the arts, while many others are committed to efforts in education and health care across the region. For the first time, a philanthropist from Cambodia makes the list: Suwanna Gauntlett, an American residing there for 18 years, has dedicated herself to guarding rain forests and wildlife in the country.

WOMAN OF THE WILD

SUWANNA GAUNTLETT 69 FOUNDER OF WILDLIFE ALLIANCE

One of Asia’s most ardent environmental and animal-welfare advocates, Suwanna Gauntlett, has founded a series of conservation groups that have devoted decades to protecting vital habitats around the globe.