[The following is issued on behalf of the Institute of Philanthropy]

Economist Impact, supported by the Institute of Philanthropy, examines how companies across Asia are integrating “doing good” initiatives into their business strategies

Supported by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), Economist Impact has today released The Business of Doing Good, a multi-part research series examining the range of ways that companies across Asia are embedding public benefit into business strategy. The series draws on extensive research across 13 Asian markets and insights from more than 40 executives, foundation officials, academics, and other authorities.

The initiative responds to a growing need for regionally grounded insights into corporate philanthropy—an area that is expanding rapidly across Asia but evolving on its own terms. As part of IoP’s mission to strengthen philanthropic ecosystems, the series offers practical tools to help companies align purpose with governance, operations, and stakeholder relationships. It reflects a broader shift toward strategic, locally responsive models of doing good that are distinctly shaped by Asia’s cultural, institutional, and economic dynamics.

“This research reflects our commitment to equipping leaders with regionally grounded tools for action,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy. “By capturing the diverse ways companies pursue public good, the series helps to advance a more strategic and context-aware approach to corporate purpose.”

The first report, The Business of Doing Good in Asia, examines what drives companies in Asia to contribute to public good. It identifies six distinct profiles of corporate engagement—each offering a lens through which companies can assess their purpose, refine their strategy, and explore new pathways for impact:

●        Values Anchor – Companies guided by enduring beliefs, often shaped by founders or family legacy.
●        Government Enabler – Businesses that align with national priorities to scale impact and build legitimacy.
●        Internal Advocate – Organisations that empower employees to shape and implement purpose-driven policies.
●        Trust Builder – Firms that cultivate credibility in low-trust environments to unlock strategic advantage.
●        Industry Accelerator – Actors that influence sector-wide standards and regulatory frameworks.
●        Social Innovator – Enterprises that develop pioneering commercial models to address unmet social or environmental needs.

The second report, The Business of Doing Good in Asia: exploring profiles in action, uncovers how companies are putting these profiles into practice—through long-term investment, employee engagement, partnerships, trust-building, and data-driven decision-making. Each profile is illustrated with case studies and accompanied by reflection questions to support internal dialogue and planning.

To support practical application, an accompanying infographic distils the six profiles into a strategic tool for leadership teams, sustainability officers, and philanthropic advisors. It enables organisations to quickly assess their positioning, identify blind spots, and initiate targeted conversations around purpose alignment and impact strategy.

“In Asia, doing good has long been woven into the fabric of business,” says Charles Ross, head of policy and insights, Asia-Pacific at Economist Impact. “Shaped by cultural values, government priorities, and collective responsibility, companies across the region recognise that prosperity and purpose go hand-in-hand. Our research shows that these unique-to-Asia influences are driving more strategic and purposeful approaches to corporate doing good.”

The Business of Doing Good forms part of IoP’s wider effort to strengthen philanthropy across Asia by generating insights, building strategic tools, and fostering collaboration across sectors. By examining how companies define and operationalise purpose, the series contributes to the development of resilient, locally grounded ecosystems that can scale impact sustainably and respond to regional needs.

The full series—including case studies, strategic frameworks, and planning tools—is available for download now: The Business of Doing Good

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, 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 Economist Impact
Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, Economist Events, El Studios and SignalNoise.

Our track record spans 75 years across 205 countries. Along with creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, we produce framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling. This makes Economist Impact's offering unique in the marketplace. Visit www.impact.economist.com for more information.