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Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026: From Commitment to Impact: Catalysing Community Resilience Through Investing in Children and Youth

From China:
Xu Shan, Vice Dean, Beijing Normal University China Philanthropy Research Institute (CPRI):

“The foundation of a resilient community lies in how different stakeholders collaborate and mobilise resources to support children and youth. Smaller communities are often inherently vulnerable, hence it is essential to draw on diverse external resources to support community development and sustain a healthy ecosystem.

As the implementing agency for the 2026 edition of the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative in China, CPRI believes this Initiative is a timely and strategic approach to strengthening resilience in our community. Its shift from broad-based thematic funding to a targeted, place-based implementation model sharpens its focus on urban contexts. Through a systematic approach that combines psychosocial support, inclusive networks, and local capacity building, the Initiative contributes to a more equitable future for children and youth.”

From India:
Vaibhav Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, SwaTaleem Foundation: “One of the biggest lessons we have learned while partnering with government systems in India is that trust-building and long-term relationship management are just as important as program design. Government partnerships require patience, alignment with existing priorities, and the ability to remain adaptive while maintaining program quality. We have also learned that demonstrating credibility through consistent field presence and evidence of impact helps create stronger ownership within the system and enables deeper scale over time.

CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative has played an important role in strengthening SwaTaleem’s work by going beyond financial support to creating an enabling ecosystem for our girls and team. Through opportunities such as hosting girls at CapitaLand India’s office in Bangalore, CapitaLand staff volunteer engagement, and additional support like the schooling essentials distributed during International Women’s Day, the Initiative has helped broaden exposure, aspiration, and confidence among the girls we work with. The partnership has also created meaningful avenues for collaboration, visibility, and institutional support that strengthen our long-term impact."

(SwaTaleem Foundation is a CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative 2025 Grantee – India)

From Singapore:
Dr. Andrew Lim, CEO, Presbyterian Community Social Services (PCS): “For PCS, a strong ecosystem for vulnerable children and youth is one where acceptance and equal opportunities are assured, and where the community responds to each individual’s needs holistically. At PCS, we work through our 3E framework—Engage to understand each client, Equip them with relevant skills and support, and Empower them to reach their potential. Programmes like the CareAbilities Programme (CAP), supported by the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative, reflect this approach by equipping and empowering youth with special needs to contribute meaningfully to the Community Care Sector.

Funding from the Initiative has enabled PCS to design CAP in a more rounded and sustainable way—providing stipends that give trainees financial stability over a year‑long programme, while also opening access to CapitaLand’s ecosystem of staff volunteers and resources that enrich trainees’ exposure, confidence and communication skills. Being part of the CHF network has also allowed PCS to explore provision of targeted training for youth with special needs to develop roles in facility and event management."

(Presbyterian Community Social Services is a CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative 2025 Grantee – Singapore)

From Vietnam:
Huynh Thi My Lam, Communications & Fundraising Coordinator, Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association: “In the context of working with children and youth, we define resilience not only as the ability to overcome hardship, but also as the capacity to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of urban challenges such as poverty, migration, and social pressures. In urban areas of Vietnam, one of the greatest barriers is the lack of coordination among social services, education systems, and families, as well as limited resources and opportunities for children’s voices to be heard. Multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly among companies such as CapitaLand, social organisations, and local authorities, have proven effective in building holistic and sustainable support systems.

With the support of CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative, we have expanded access to education, life skills and child rights programmes, vocational training, mental health support, and family livelihood initiatives, helping vulnerable children and communities strengthen their resilience, confidence, and opportunities for a more equitable future."

(Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association is a CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative 2025 Grantee – Vietnam)