The vision of the Asia Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy (ACSEP) is to advance understanding and impactful practice of social entrepreneurship and philanthropy throughout Asia through research and education. Our goal is to be a resource and knowledge hub to bridge those who have the ability and desire to do good and with those in need.

The Asia-Pacific region, despite recent economic success, is home to two-thirds of the world’s poor. Some two billion people are estimated to live on less than US$2 a day in the Asia-Pacific region, among whom about one billion live on less than US$1.25 a day. Besides poverty, other social issues in the Asia-Pacific region include early childhood mortality, children’s and women’s health, basic sanitation and access to clean water, as well as nutrition and education.

At the same time, public awareness of social entrepreneurship and philanthropy are rapidly growing worldwide, particularly in Asia. More significantly, the population of high net worth individuals in Asia-Pacific continues to grow.  A new generation of Asian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and leaders from other sectors are increasingly seeking opportunities to leverage their wealth, contacts, insights, and passion to address pressing social concerns throughout the region. 

Building understanding and capabilities will be key. So, our focus will be on collaborative research on topics and issues of interest to policy-makers, non-profit as well as for-profit leaders, grant makers, philanthropists, and practitioners. Our education efforts will emphasise and support capabilities-building through undergraduate and graduate courses, executive education and practical learning experiences.

With the support of our stakeholders, partners and friends, we hope to influence thinking and inspire social innovation that makes for a more vibrant, inclusive and equitable future for all.