A new advisory platform dedicated to growing climate philanthropy in Asia has launched, with Laura Lee appointed as founding head.
Billed as the first Asia-led platform focused on mobilising philanthropic capital for climate action, the Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory (ACPA) aims to close Asia’s climate finance gap and accelerate homegrown solutions. The organisation is headquartered in Singapore.
ACPA is backed by several climate and philanthropic foundations, including the Tara Climate Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Asia Philanthropy Circle, Growald Climate Fund, High Tide Foundation, and Sequoia Climate Foundation.
“Our mission is to make climate giving in Asia simpler, more strategic, and more impactful,” said Lee in a statement. “By pairing trusted knowledge with regional context and networks, we aim to empower Asian philanthropists to act decisively and shape a sustainable future for the region.”
Asia faces an estimated US$815 billion annual climate finance shortfall, even as the region drives nearly two-thirds of global wealth creation. Yet, Asia’s philanthropists currently contribute only 12 per cent of global climate philanthropy. ACPA seeks to bridge this gap by addressing barriers such as complexity, fragmented collaboration, and a lack of region-specific knowledge and guidance.
Lee brings nearly two decades of experience spanning humanitarian, financial and philanthropic sectors to the role. Before taking on the new position, she served as chief representative for Hong Kong and Asean at The Fred Hollows Foundation, where she led the organisation’s regional strategy and partnerships across Asia for more than six years.
She previously worked as Asia Pacific head of engagement for a Singapore-based single family office and as vice president for philanthropy advisory at Credit Suisse, advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals on impact and climate giving.
Lee began her career in the humanitarian sector with roles at Médecins Sans Frontières, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre.
