Bill Gates-led facility promises to deliver to China professional sector skills training

The first class of 49 students, from 14 cities across China, has started at the China Global Philanthropy Institute - an organization created by Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates and other leading philanthropists.

Ma Weihua, its first chairman and former president and CEO of China Merchants Bank Co Ltd, said the event marked the official start of what he described as China's first truly international philanthropic institute.

At a ceremony to mark its official opening on May 20, he said he hoped its creation in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, will help produce the next generation of China's charity leaders, and the highest level of professional nonprofit managers of the future.

According to Ma, China's charity sector is booming and there are now almost 5,000 foundations working to make life better for others.

He added, however, the sector is facing a challenging transformation, from being government-dominated to privately driven.

It also needs to become more competitive, and be driven not just by personal compassion, but modern management, he said.

And to meet those challenges, he stressed, it needs top talent and more educational resources, to remain sustainable.

The CGPI was founded in November last year, and is supported by five domestic and international philanthropists, including Gates and Niu Gensheng, the founder of the Chinese dairy giant Mengniu Dairy Group Co.

Bridgewater Associates' founder Ray Dalio, another of its principal supporters, sent personal messages to the students in its first class, in which he promised to offer them the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and best practices in philanthropy.

"You will also be able to form your own philanthropic approach along the lines we learnt - the approach that works for us. As you begin your studies, I hope you take full advantage of your time at the institute and form the meaningful relationships that will enable you to realize your own philanthropic passions."

The CGPI is delivering two major programs: Global Philanthropy Leaders and Executive Management in Philanthropy.

Wang Zhenyao, the institute's first dean, explained the EMP's content was co-developed by the China Philanthropy Research Institute of Beijing Normal University and School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

For that class, he revealed there had been 200 applicants alone, with around 70 percent coming from those already working for philanthropy organizations, with many of the rest in full-time employment.

Within the course, subjects covered will include management for nonprofit organizations, related social innovations and global field learning.

The tutoring team, which will be led by Gates himself, is composed of international philanthropists and entrepreneurs who will offer hands-on practical advice on how some of the world's best charity activities operate.

Students will attend classes in Beijing or Shenzhen for three to four days per month for two years. They are paying total tuition fees of 168,000 yuan ($25,600), but they can apply for scholarships up to $20,000.

The institute will also arrange classes that are open to the public, offer online courses, and other lessons within the higher education system.

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