In these recent years, Southeast Asia has emerged as a dynamic hub of digital innovation. This transformative wave has not only unlocked new opportunities for economic growth and development, but also has catalysed significant shifts in societal norms and behaviours. However, amid the region’s digital transformation, notable challenges persist, underscoring the imperative for social and business model innovation aimed at fostering responsible progress.

Against this backdrop of opportunities and challenges, the role of philanthropic leaders in fostering the effective use of digital technologies become increasingly paramount. By leveraging their infrastructure, networks, fundings and resources, philanthropic organisations have potential to drive positive change and empower communities, especially NGOs to harness the full potential of digital innovation.

Moderator and panellists:

• David Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer, Infoxchange
• Ming Tan, Founding Executive Director, Tech For Good Institute
• Gaurav Mehta, Founder and CEO, Dharma Life
• Jeanette Lai, Associate Programme Director, COMO Foundation

Key takeaways:

Collaboration between NGOs and funding partners can unleash tech for social good in the region

NGOs, with their deep-rooted understanding of communities and beneficiaries, serve as invaluable compasses for funders, directing investments towards initiatives with tangible impacts. Their role extends beyond mere guidance, as they also facilitate real-time feedback on project effectiveness, which enables funders to adapt their strategies effectively in response to evolving community needs, thus ensuring relevance and effectiveness. In fostering collaboration with funders, participants underscore the importance of inclusivity and shared vision. NGOs and funding partners should align their directions and future interests to forge meaningful partnerships that go beyond mere financial support. Such alignment fosters a symbiotic relationship wherein both parties complement each other’s expertise and skills, amplifying the impact of their joint efforts.

NGOs should prioritise community needs, employee development, and effective technology use for sustainable impact in response to technological advancements

In order to articulate technology, especially AI, NGOs should not rush into the procurement of technology. Instead, they are advised to begin with a well-crafted problem statement tailored to their target audience. This approach requires confidence in their inherent value – rooted in knowledge, empathy and a deep understanding of both the cause and the community they serve.

Yet, despite these notable intentions, many NGOs are grappling with the challenge of high turnover rates, particularly among their technical staff. In response, participants advocate for the implementation of development programs for bolstering staff’s core skills, as well as providing financial incentives. Additionally, fostering a supportive organisational cultural program emerges as a critical strategy to mitigate this issue effectively. Through these efforts, NGOs can not only retain their technical talents but also cultivate a conducive to long-term success and impact.

To attract funding, NGOs should prioritise intention, process and be outcome-driven

When evaluating NGOs, funders typically favour projects with well-defined plans and a specific emphasis on leveraging technology, highlighting the importance of embracing digital innovation. For instance, funders are inclined to invest in talented individuals capable of forming strong teams that deliver exceptional results—a principle encapsulated in the “3Ps” framework: Purpose, People, and Process.

In navigating their journey, NGOs are advised against working in isolation. Instead, they should seek ambitious partners who embrace collaboration, align with their core theory of change, and demonstrate receptiveness to feedback. Moreover, NGOs should integrate their beneficiaries into the design process, as this can serve as a distinctive selling point, attracting funding and ensuring that projects are finely tuned to the needs of the communities they aim to serve.