It honours 40 philanthropists from 13 countries across Asia Pacific.

The list not only features philanthropists who have made the news with their donations in the past year, but also recognises people who have compiled a long record of supporting worthy causes.

Honourees include a mix of billionaires, businesspeople and captains of industries who are also making a mark with their generosity.

China’s Pony Ma, chairman and chief executive of Tencent Holdings, pledged 100 million shares of his Internet service provider – worth US$2.3 billion (Bt81 billion) – to the Tencent Foundation, which supports healthcare, environment protection and new technology.

In Malaysia, the husband and wife team Lee Oi Hian, chairman of Kuala Lumpur Kepong, and Sandra Lee, executive chairman of Daybreak, pursue separate causes. Named after his father, Lee’s Tan Sri Lee Loy Seng Foundation awards scholarships to 50-60 students a year, while his wife’s training centre rehabilitates physically and mentally challenged people.

In Singapore, several philanthropists are honouring their family’s legacy through the act of giving. Robert Ng, chairman of Sino Group, set up the Ng Teng Fong Foundation in 2010, named after his father. Its largest donation of $92 million went to rebuilding a hospital in Jurong.

Tan Kheng Lian, chairman of the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, is the daughter of the late OCBC chairman and philanthropist, Tan Chin Tuan. She heads the family’s foundation, which has given tens of millions of dollars since its inception in 1976 to causes such as education, the arts and community development.

Geronimo B de los Reyers, Jr, chairman emeritus of Gateway Property Holdings of the Philippines, started his namesake foundation in 1995 to provide scholarships and support faculty development and research.

Also a big giver is Thailand’s Harald Link, chairman of B Grimm Group, which supports education, health care, wildlife conservation, the arts and equestrian sports in Thailand through his privately held conglomerate and family foundation.