Page 138 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

Skoll Foundation

Founded in 1999 by Jeff Skoll, who played a key role in eBay’s rise as the world’s largest online
marketplace, the Skoll Foundation is guided by his vision of “a sustainable world of peace and
prosperity” (Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2012). The foundation invests in, connects, and
supports social enterprises that promote public health, climate resilience, justice, and equity
through strong governance (Devex).

Its flagship initiative, the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, recognizes individuals who
have made a significant impact and demonstrate strong potential to drive systemic change.

Each awardee receives 1.25 million USD in funding, along with strategic support and access to
a global network of social enterprise leaders (Yarbura, 2014). They also receive consulting,
capacity-building support, and an invitation to the annual Skoll World Forum, a major gathering
of social entrepreneurs and thought leaders that fosters collaboration and knowledge
exchange.

Past recipients include Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy of Aravind Eye Care System, recognized
for delivering affordable eye care and performing millions of surgeries to reduce blindness in
India; Jordan Kassalow of VisionSpring, honored for producing low-cost eyeglasses that have

improved vision and economic opportunity for millions; and Molly Melching of Tostan,
awarded for advancing community development and human rights education in West Africa,
contributing to the decline of female genital mutilation (FGM) (Harrison et al., 2022).

Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC)
Established in 2015, the Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) was founded by three philanthropic
billionaires from Southeast Asia: Laurence Lien and Stanley Tan of Singapore, and Cherie
Nursalim of Indonesia. Together, they created a collaborative platform that brings together

over 60 philanthropists from across Asia to tackle pressing societal challenges and generate
positive social impact. APC’s core mission is to promote strategic philanthropy and strengthen
social outcomes in Asia by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among
philanthropists. The organization places particular emphasis on education, healthcare,
environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment (Asia Philanthropy Circle).

In 2021, APC provided 3 million USD in funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, an international
organization working to expand access to new and underutilized vaccines for children in the
world’s poorest nations. This support aimed to improve vaccine coverage in underserved

regions. APC also offered both financial and strategic assistance to the Teach For Malaysia
Fellowship, an initiative focused on addressing educational inequality in Malaysia (Gavi).

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