The Wealth Management Institute (WMI) has announced a partnership with the Private Banking Industry Group (PBIG) to strengthen philanthropy advisory capabilities within Singapore’s private banking sector. This initiative, revealed at the Global Family Office Summit on 29 September 2025, seeks to position Singapore as a leading hub for effective philanthropy in Asia.
Since launching the Impact Philanthropy Partnership (IPP) in 2023, WMI and PBIG have facilitated forums and roundtables, producing seven research reports on topics like catalytic giving and donor-advised funds. The new phase focuses on enhancing the skills of client-facing advisers to align financial strategies with long-term legacy planning, addressing the growing demand for values-based philanthropy.
Young Jin Yee, Co-head of UBS Global Wealth Management APAC and Chair of the PBIG Philanthropy Workgroup, highlighted the need for skilled advisers. “Families want trusted partners who can engage in meaningful conversations about values, legacy, and purpose,” she said. This collaboration aims to equip advisers to support these aspirations and foster greater impact awareness among clients.
WMI’s philanthropy programmes have seen significant enrolment, with about 600 participants since 2022. New initiatives, including a Certificate in Philanthropy and Social Impact for Greater China Markets, are set to launch in November 2025. Foo Mee Har, CEO of WMI, noted that philanthropy often unites generations, emphasising the importance of informed and actionable conversations.
Beyond training, WMI and PBIG are exploring ways to elevate Singapore’s role as a philanthropy hub, potentially through convenings, advocacy, and research. With its robust financial ecosystem and regional connectivity, Singapore aspires to be a global centre for philanthropy, gathering leading philanthropists and thinkers to drive meaningful social impact.
