Milken Global Conference Reflections 2023

In May, I had the privilege of attending the annual Milken Institute’s Global Conference in LA bringing together some of the world’s most influential business figures.  It was a chance for me to meet some extraordinary people and I came away inspired. Our theme was “reflect on the disruptions and innovations of the recent past and translate the lessons learnt towards a thriving future”.

I also attended the Philanthropic Investors Forum, in which family principals and heads of corporate and institutional philanthropic organisations met to share insights and experiences. In April this year I also contributed to the Milken Institute’s white paper on  ‘Unlocking Asian Philanthropy’. Much of the report’s key tenets of emerging trends, intergenerational dynamics and philanthropic potential were echoed during the afternoon session. I was delighted to be surrounded by so many peers to exchange learnings and share my own thoughts on ‘moonshot philanthropy.’

I also had the chance to amplify thinking on stage at the Global Conference for the Strategic Philanthropy Around the World panel. Seated alongside exceptional philanthropists and fellow panelists, HRH Princess Lamia Bint Majid Al Saud, Noëlla Coursaris Musunka of Malaika and Laura Lauder of Lauder Partners, the panel was chaired by the ever-insightful Mellissa Stevens.

Together, we each outlined a region as a case study for strategic philanthropy. Citing Asia as a hub for philanthropic growth and cultural influence, I outlined the principles of my own approach to giving. Moonshot philantropy calls upon high-net-worth individuals to invest capital, time and expertise into high-risk, early-stage innovations with the potential to achieve disruptive impact.

Following the panel session, it was humbling to learn that our moonshot mission resonated with so many.  We talked at length about how fellow philanthropists might apply these principles to their own ventures.

Sharing domain expertise is intrinsic to the mission of Milken’s Global Conference. This equally rings true for my own ventures in vision correction and early childhood literacy. I could not imagine a greater platform to underline the importance of placing trust in experts on the ground to identify issues and spearhead the solution.