Our Thought Leaders
Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro
Co-Founder & Chief Executive at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy & Society (CAPS)
Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro is a veteran keynote speaker, moderator and panelist with over three decades of experience speaking over 500 events in dozens of countries and multiple continents across academic, private and government platforms. She also makes frequent media appearances across global channels, including CNBC, Bloomberg TV, CNA and more.
Manisha Mirchandani
Executive Director at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy & Society (CAPS)
Manisha Mirchandani is an experienced panelist and sought-after moderator with over a decade of experience speaking on Asian philanthropy, public‑sector innovation, local governance, and the broader geopolitical context for Asian economies.
From C‑level executives to philanthropists, to city mayors, and rural residents, she has travelled extensively to interview people and understand trends, motivations, and emerging issues around the world, including a year spent traversing rural Myanmar, speaking with more than 200 local government stakeholders and community leaders to unpack on‑the‑ground dynamics in local governance.
Dr. Annelotte Walsh
Director of Research at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy & Society (CAPS)
Dr. Annelotte Walsh is a frequent speaker with more than 50 engagements across conferences, panels and webinars on philanthropy and impact, and three years of university lecturing experience. She has spoken to audiences across the region, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Pakistan and Cambodia. Her areas of expertise include Asian philanthropy trends, climate philanthropy, donor-advised funds (DAFs), blended finance and impact investing, and engaging audiences that include family offices, philanthropists, corporates, government representatives and students.
Kithmina Hewage
Director of Policy Engagement at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
Kithmina Hewage has over a decade of experience as a keynote speaker, moderator, panelist, and lecturer. He has spoken at over 300 events, including television and radio interviews, industry conferences, universities, schools, and corporates in 17 countries on international geopolitics, development finance, corporate philanthropy, impact investing, AI and philanthropy, and trade and investment policy. Kithmina is also a decorated debate coach and has previously coached the national English debate team of Sri Lanka.
Angel (An Chi) Chiang
Director, Research and Advisory, Greater China & Chief Rep, Shanghai Representative Office at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
Angel (An-Chi) Chiang specializes in bridging the gap between high-level philanthropic trends and on-the-ground strategy. She has over a decade of experience convening diverse stakeholders—including foundations, nonprofits, corporates, and international organizations. Beyond public forums, she conducts internal workshops and high-level briefings that translate data into practice, helping audiences identify actionable opportunities in philanthropic strategy, corporate social investment, ecosystem trends, and funding innovation.
Heesu Jang
Director, Northeast Asia at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
A social innovation and philanthropy expert with over a decade of experience across Asia, Europe, and North America, Heesu Jang is a frequent presenter, moderator, and panelist at high-level policy, corporate, and academic events. He has spoken on philanthropic strategy, social economy policymaking, social entrepreneurship, cross-border partnerships, and Northeast Asian impact ecosystems, drawing on various roles across the private, public, and social sectors.
Speaking Highlights
- Asian Longevity Forum 2025
- Japanese Cabinet Secretariat Lecture on Promoting Local Impact Startups 2024
- OECD Policy Seminar on Worker Co-operatives Law 2024
- European Commission Presentation on Youth-led Social Enterprises 2024
- European Social Fund (ESF) Presentation on Building Local Social Innovation Ecosystems 2024
Dr. Chi Chi Huang
Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
Chi Chi Huang has over a decade of experience as a lecturer, keynote speaker, interviewer, and moderator. She has spoken at universities, public talks, academic and industry conferences, BBC television, and schools across the world.