The inaugural Tsinghua-PAA Impact Summit under the theme "Collaboration for Good: Leadership, Innovation, Scale" was held in Beijing from October 15 to 17. Executive Vice President of Tsinghua University Zeng Rong, Singapore's Ambassador to China Peter Tan Hai Chuan, and Chairman of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Edmund Koh delivered speeches. Vice Chancellor of Tsinghua University Council Yang Bin, Senior Vice Chancellor of Tsinghua Medicine and Vice Provost of Tsinghua University Wong Tien Yin, and Distinguished Professor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsinghua University and Dean of Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) Bai Chong-En were also at present.

Participants pose for a group photo at the inaugural Tsinghua-PAA Impact Summit in Beijing, October 15, 2026.

Zeng Rong said philanthropy is a universal language that transcends borders. Tsinghua University will leverage its interdisciplinary strengths to foster closer ties between academic research and philanthropic practice. He expressed hope that participants would build consensus on collaboration, establish long-term mechanisms for exchange, and contribute to sustainable development in Asia.

Peter Tan Hai Chuan added that philanthropy can serve as a new bridge between China and Singapore, bringing people from different sectors closer together, fostering greater exchange and opening up new opportunities for cooperation.

Edmund Koh said philanthropy can help promote the sharing and continued development of good ideas and practices as intergovernmental cooperation continues to deepen.

The summit featured several panel discussions. Yang Bin and Wong Tien Yin delivered keynote speeches at the "Optimizing Human Capital Potential" panel and "Advancing One Health at Scale" panel respectively. The participants exchanged views on topics including organizational structures, ecosystem development, institutional coordination mechanisms, and ways philanthropic funding can support the translation of innovative research into practical applications.

John L. Thornton, a member of the Tsinghua SEM Advisory Board and co-chair of the board of Asia Society, engaged in a fireside chat themed "Powering the Energy Transition," exploring topics such as cross-border partnerships and global sustainable development with Zhang Lei, chairman of Envision Group.

Four parallel sessions were held, with participants engaging in discussions on topics including "Innovation for Health and Well-Being," "Innovation for Inclusive Development," "Innovation for Sustainable Transformation" and "Technology for Impact."

On October 16-17, the participants took part in a learning journey, visiting projects focused on sustainable development, health care and inclusive development. The visits offered an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into how these initiatives are implemented and the impact they have on society.

The summit was co-organized by Tsinghua SEM, PAA, Tsinghua University Institute of Global Development and Tsinghua University Institute for Sustainable Social Value. Around 300 representatives from the philanthropic, business, government and academic sectors attended the event.

Source: Tsinghua University Institute of Global Development

Editor: Ren Zhongxi