The smartest approaches in how to be effective philanthropists – an increasingly regular theme – have been set out in a Singapore-based forum organised by Credit Suisse.

The smartest approaches in how to be effective
philanthropists – an increasingly regular theme – have been set out in a Singapore-based
forum organised by Credit Suisse.

Over 20 high-profile speakers, including
philanthropists, business heads and leaders of non-profit groups attended the
event, while around 150 participants in total were present, the bank said in a
statement about its programme. The Credit Suisse event is entitled Strategies for Effective Philanthropy.

There is a growing desire among philanthropists globally to
shift from the traditional model of leaving behind legacies, towards “giving
while living”. This has resulted in more active and engaged philanthropy in Asia, leading to an increased demand by wealthy
individuals and families for more philanthropy-related advisory services,” Francesco
de Ferrari, Credit Suisse’s head of private banking Asia Pacific, said.

The forum is an example of how wealth management firms such
as UBS, BNP Paribas, Coutts and JP Morgan are making philanthropy advice and
support a part of their overall service offering, creating awards events,
seminars and conferences to connect with clients and their offspring.

Guest of honour at the Singapore
event was Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic
of Singapore; special guest Hans-Ulrich
Meister, head of private banking and wealth management and chief executive, region
Switzerland,
was the special guest at the forum.

The forum examined ways for donors to better realise their
philanthropic ambitions, and to make best use of resources they commit.