The Great Sichuan Earthquake in May this year focused the country’s attention on the immense power of charity. A great strength in our emergent civil society has been found, with public passions displayed to an unprecedented degree. But how can we handle this outbreak of charity in a more efficient and transparent way? Can we transfer this social passion to a more sustainable culture of giving? The Chinese business education world should lead the way in showing how this can be made possible.   

Business education can teach students to donate with maximum impact

Generally, business schools focus on creating wealth and management theories. But as the Chinese economy develops, entrepreneurs are keen to give back to society and make up for societal elements lacking from their own early lives. However, China's new charity culture has emerged over a very short time, leaving much space for further progress both in theory and practice.

Chinese charities also need to leverage global resources

As a non-profit institution founded by Li Ka-shing Foundation, Cheung Kong GSB will establish a charitable fund of its own, advancing and recognizing the philanthropic origins of the school. As a research centre, Cheung Kong is in the right place to introduce modern management techniques into the charity system to help it develop powerfully and healthily. One of the core concepts charities in China need to take on board is the integration of global resources. An aloofness from the world’s foundations sets China back in its efforts to make a difference to society. The other principle to put in practice is the establishment of chain to chain solutions to ensure each step of a donation from giving to distributing can be operated under public supervision.

The full Chinese version was published in Cheung Kong Magazine online