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.