[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] Peter Singer and Brian Wong to Debate “Heart vs Evidence” in Philanthropy at HKU iCube

Hong Kong — Effective Altruism Hong Kong (EAHK) will host Heart vs Evidence: Peter Singer vs Brian Wong at HKU iCube, 40/F, Two Exchange Square, Central, bringing together leading voices in moral philosophy and public thought to examine how serious philanthropy should be guided today.

The lunchtime event will see Professor Peter Singer, Emeritus Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University and founder of The Life You Can Save, debate Professor Brian Wong, HKU‑100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, on the motion: “In philanthropy, what works best counts for more than what feels right.”

“Across Hong Kong and Asia, there is growing interest in a more evidence‑based approach to philanthropy, especially among families and institutions asking how to give more intentionally and effectively,” said Kenneth Chan, Managing Director of Effective Altruism Hong Kong. “But the real challenge is not simply choosing between heart and data. It is navigating the layered tensions between personal conviction and measurable outcomes, between family values and external evidence, and between supporting causes close to home and directing resources to where they may do the most good globally. This debate is designed to bring those tensions into the open in a serious, practical, and intellectually honest way.”

Brian Wong said he was “excited to be participating in this highly meaningful event” and “looking forward to sparring with, learning from, and being inspired by Prof. Peter Singer, a long‑time friend.” He added: “Philanthropy that lasts is more an art of passion than a scientific discipline.”

Peter Singer said evidence remains crucial because differences in impact between charities can be dramatic. “If we don’t use evidence when making our philanthropic decisions, then we could be missing opportunities to do 100 times as much good per dollar we donate — so in effect, we are wasting 99 cents in every philanthropic dollar.”

Professor Bonnie Leung said the debate reflects a live question for many wealthy families in the region. “I observe many ultra-high net worth families in Asia seeking ways to maximize the impact of their philanthropic efforts. This debate promises to be an engaging discourse on how Asian families might define and maximize their impact.”

The event takes place as Hong Kong deepens its role as a regional wealth and philanthropy hub. Recent studies commissioned by Invest Hong Kong indicate that more than 3,380 single‑family offices now operate in the city, an increase of over 20 per cent in two years, with many managing substantial assets and thinking more systematically about succession and social impact. In parallel, new institutions such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Institute of Philanthropy signal growing interest in professionalising giving and building long‑term philanthropic capacity in Hong Kong and across Asia. The debate also reflects Effective Altruism Hong Kong’s broader work through GiveWise, its philanthropy advisory and giving platform, which connects Hong Kong donors with highly effective global charities through evidence-backed, tax-efficient giving and measurable impact reporting.

The programme will begin at 12:00 with arrival and networking over a light plant‑based lunch. The formal debate starts at 12:20, followed by a fireside conversation at 13:00 on implications for philanthropy, family capital, and strategic giving, moderated by Professor Bonnie Leung, Programme Director & Professor of Practice of the Master's in Family Wealth Management at the University of Hong Kong. Selected audience questions and closing remarks will conclude the session.

The discussion is aimed at donors, family office principals, philanthropy professionals, and impact‑oriented practitioners who are grappling with how to balance passion, tradition, and measurable impact in an increasingly complex global environment. By bringing Singer and Wong into direct conversation in Hong Kong’s financial district, organisers hope to foster more open and rigorous debate about how capital for social good is deployed from the city.

Tickets are priced at HK$360, with a light lunch provided. Full event details and registration are available via the event page on Luma.

Event details

• Event: EAHK Lunch Debates: Heart vs Evidence, Peter Singer vs Brian Wong

• Venue: HKU iCube, 40/F, Two Exchange Square, Hong Kong

• Ticket price: HK$360

• Speakers: Professor Peter Singer; Professor Brian Wong

• Moderator: Professor Bonnie Leung, Programme Director of the Master’s in Family Wealth Management at the University of Hong Kong

• Chair: Kenneth Chan, Managing Director, Effective Altruism Hong Kong

About Effective Altruism Hong Kong

Effective Altruism Hong Kong is a community of people who want to use evidence and careful reasoning to do as much good as possible. As part of the broader global effective altruism community, EAHK convenes events and conversations that help funders, professionals, and students think more clearly about which problems to prioritise, which interventions to support, and how to turn limited resources into greater positive impact. Its philanthropy advisory and giving platform, GiveWise, connects Hong Kong donors with highly effective global charities through evidence-backed, tax-efficient giving and impact reporting. linkedin

Media contact

Kenneth Chan

Managing Director, Effective Altruism Hong Kong

info@eahongkong.org