http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090731-158155.html
Jet Li's new S'pore charity moves
Fri, Jul 31, 2009
my paper
CHINA-BORN action superstar Jet Li has embraced Singapore, both in his work and in spirit.
As a guest speaker at a philanthropy seminar here yesterday organised by global investment bank UBS , the 46-year-old actor provided updates on his charitable organisation's plans here.
The organisation, called the Jet Li One Foundation, was set up by Li in China in 2007, and a branch was established here last year. The foundation is building an online platform here where individuals can donate any amount towards its humanitarian causes.
It is also working with financial institutions on a credit-card programme where a small percentage of the bill will be donated to charity.
Additionally, an education platform will be set up to build leaders of Singapore non-governmental organisations (NGO).
"Going forward, one main goal of the One Foundation in Singapore is to build NGO leadership and talent in social enterprises...because only with good leaders can you better help the region," said Li.
His commitment to Singapore is also emphasised in comments he made about life here.
"I have a family, live in Singapore and I'm very happy," said Li, as he explained how he realised the importance of living after his close shave with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
However, a spokesman for the One Foundation refuted on China's Beijing Television claims that its chairman had confirmed on Sunday that Li is a Singapore citizen.
Regardless, it is certain that Li, who acted in films such as Once Upon A Time In China (1991) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), spends a considerable amount of time here.
my paper understands from a director at the One Foundation that Li's family is in Singapore and he tries to spend two weeks every month here.
His two daughters study at the Singapore American School.
The director added that Li's foundation is talking with another Singapore foundation to support education causes here.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_410224.html
Jet Li on running his charity
Straits Times, July 30, 2009
By Michelle Tay
Jet Li's (left) charity, headquartered in China, is based on the notion that if each person donates at least one dollar or yuan each month, the individual donations can be transformed into a much greater fund. --PHOTO: UBS
TWO years ago, Chinese movie star and philanthropist Jet Li set up the One Foundation because he was pondering the meaning of life.
His charity, headquartered in China, is based on the notion that if each person donates at least one dollar or yuan each month, the individual donations can be transformed into a much greater fund.
It aims to address issues related to disaster relief, health and education.
Today, more than one million volunteers have pledged their commitment to his cause by registering on the One Foundation website (www.onefoundation.cn), said Mr Li.
But his main concern now is to ensure the charity is as professionally managed as a corporation.
Speaking in Mandarin at the UBS 'thought leadership' seminar Building Leadership in Philanthropy in Asia on Thursday, Mr Li said: 'Perhaps the One Foundation is not that large now, but I hope that as long as there are human beings with heart, we can develop the foundation sustainably.'
This involves solving problems that plague non-governmental organisations in China, which include the lack of credibility, transparency, a long-term vision and too much hassle involved in making a donation.
The foundation has spent two million yuan on building public credibility. This involved engaging major accounting firm Deloitte as its global auditor and enabling donations to be made via mobile phones.
Said Mr Li: 'I use the same methods that any corporate entity uses to ensure professional management, transparent processes and sustainable development in the organisation.
'For example, we issue quarterly progress reports to donors over the Internet to let them know where every dollar goes.'
Mr Li said traditional models of charity involve either an altruistic desire to better humankind, or using wealth and power to change the world.
Sidebar
Social entrepreneurship
Jet Li believes it is important in the 21st century to have social entrepreneurship.
'If you want to be a philanthropic leader, you must be a volunteer. But volunteers have limited time and resources.
'People say you can't make money doing philanthropy, but with social entrepreneurship you can. Social entrepreneurship (can help groom) the next generation (of leaders).'
In a parting plea, Mr Li said: 'One dollar is not little; $1 million is not a lot. What's most important is that we are willing to give.'
