2025 International Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy

On September 5, 2025, which marked the 10th “China Charity Day,” the 2025 Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy was held at Zhejiang University. More than 60 distinguished experts, scholars, and industry leaders from 15 universities and 8 philanthropic institutions across China, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries gathered at Zhejiang University’s Zijingang Campus. The symposium aims to promote global philanthropy research, explore and disseminate innovative models of philanthropy, and highlight the contributions of overseas Chinese and Chinese diasporas, while enhancing societal awareness, understanding, and participation in charitable causes and volunteering services. Riding on the pivotal moment of Zhejiang’s high-quality development and the construction of a demonstration zone for common prosperity, the symposium seeks to contribute Chinese wisdom and Zhejiang solutions to advancing social equality and narrowing the "three gaps" (wealth, regional, and urban-rural disparities) through philanthropic initiatives.

2025 International Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy, hosted at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China.

The opening ceremony was co-hosted by Professor Qing Miao from the School of Public Affairs at Zhejiang University and Professor Min Zhou from UCLA. Mr. Limin Shi, Vice President of the Zhejiang Philanthropy Federation, warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the critical role of Chinese philanthropy in promoting social development, strengthening national unity, and fostering dialogue among regions and nations. Professor Zhirong Zhao, Dean of the School of Public Affairs at Zhejiang University, delivered a welcome speech highlighting Zhejiang University’s philanthropic research initiatives and calling for a reimagination of Chinese philanthropy theory with distinctive Chinese characteristics and global influence. Professor Min Zhou, Director of the UCLA Asia Pacific Center, extended her congratulations, underscoring that Chinese philanthropy is a great legacy of the Chinese people and diaspora, playing a vital role across countries and historical eras. This was the second in-person GCP symposium that APC has co-hosted with an institutional partner (Zhejiang University) since the global pandemic, and was made possible through the support of the Cyrus Tang Foundation and Long Family Foundation.

2025 International Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy – Opening Ceremony on September 5, 2025

Notable scholars gave keynote speeches during the symposium, including the following:

• Professor Denggao Long (Tsinghua University) delivered a keynote titled “Chinese Traditions of Philanthropy and Their Overseas Development.” He highlighted how philanthropy, rooted in traditions of self-governance and community trust, has flourished through overseas Chinese institutions and business donations, particularly in SoutheastAsia, while shaping distinctive governance practices at home and abroad.
• Professor Mingang Lin (Nanjing University) spoke on “Structuring the Participation of Philanthropic Forces: An Iterative Examination of China’s Path of Public Welfare Development.” He analyzed how philanthropic participation in China has become increasingly platformized, shifting from state-led absorption to network-basedcrowdfunding and digital platforms that both empower society and reinforce government control, making philanthropy a form of social infrastructure.
• Professor Jialiang Xu (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) presented a keynote on “Transformation of Social Governance and Innovation in Community Social Enterprise Operation Models.” He argued that governance reforms show government is no longer the sole actor, as enterprises, social organizations, and residents now participate in grassroots, innovation-driven collaborations—demonstrated through joint ventures and community initiatives in Beijing Changping, Shenzhen Futian, Chengdu, Anwei, Ningbo, and Guangdong.
• Professor Liyong Shen (Zhejiang University), Director of the University Foundation Research Center, delivered a talk titled “The Theoretical Logic, International Experience, and Chinese Practice of University Education Foundation Fundraising.” Through comparative analysis and case studies of leading U.S. and Chinese universities, he made a timely and compelling case for the pivotal role of higher education institutions in diversifying funding, enhancing reputation, and sustaining research and education beyond limited state support.
• Mr. Yahui Liu (Deputy Secretary-General, Alibaba Philanthropy Foundation) shared insights in a talk titled “Three Hours for Everyone, Ten Years of Believing in Belief.” He described Alibaba’s “Three Hours for Everyone” initiative, which mobilizes employees and enterprises through business methods and technology into large-scale, participatory philanthropy that strengthens both social impact and organizational culture.

2025 International Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy, hosted at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China.

A roundtable forum, chaired by Qiu Zhe, Director of the Center for Philanthropy Development at Zhejiang University’s Institute for Social Governance, featured distinguished guests including Huang Zhenping (Tsinghua University, Convener of the World Philanthropy Forum), Ye Zhengmeng (Zhejiang Philanthropy Culture Research Institute), Wu Wei (Chairman, Smile Tomorrow Charity Foundation), and Professor Zhu Jiangang (Zhejiang University). They engaged in in-depth dialogue on the cultural inheritance, model innovation, and future development of Chinese philanthropy.

2025 International Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy – Roundtable Forum on September 5, 2025

In the afternoon, two parallel forums—“Chinese Philanthropy Research Forum” and “Chinese Philanthropy Practice Forum”—were convened, producing multiple outcomes. Experts from diverse countries and regions engaged in substantive discussions on research experiences and innovative practices in Chinese philanthropy, sparking new ideas through close dialogue and sharing.

2025 International Symposium on Global Chinese Philanthropy – Concurrent Session on September 5, 2025

Conclusion

The successful convening of the symposium provided an important collateral conversation for advancing and synergizing Chinese philanthropy research and practice . Bringing together the wisdom and experience of experts and practitioners from home and abroad, the event deepened the integration of theoretical research and practical exploration, offered crucial intellectual support for the development of Chinese philanthropy, and contributed valuable “Chinese solutions” to the advancement of global philanthropy.

2024-25 UCLA Global Chinese Philanthropy Research & Training Program Cohort Members with UCLA Asia Pacific Center Director Min Zhou and UCLA Asia Pacific Center Graduate Research Associate Lena Siyue Wang.

Post-Symposium Alibaba Hangzhou Headquarters Site Visit on September 6, 2025

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