Shaping Impact that Lasts: CHIEF Asia Learning Journey in Bali

"What does it take to build impact that lasts?' This was the question we sought to answer with CHIEF Asia.

Over four days in early February, the Changemaker Impact Endeavour Fellowship (CHIEF): Asia Learning Journey—a flagship programme by the Wealth Management Institute (WMI), a leading centre for wealth and asset management education and research backed by Temasek and GIC, in partnership with the Asia Centre for Changemakers (ACC)—created a space to explore this question. As the final in-person module of its inaugural one-year cohort, the journey brought together 22 fellows from diverse backgrounds—including philanthropists, family office leaders, and social innovators—for an immersive experience in leadership, regenerative thinking, and the real-world practice of impact.

Delivered alongside globally recognized thought leaders such as Jed Emerson and Bruno Roche, the programme also featured Earth Company’s Co-founder and Chief Exploration Officer, Tomo Hamakawa, as part of a faculty committed to bridging theory and practice in the impact space.

More than a trip to Bali, the journey offered behind-the-scenes access to organizations shaping Bali’s impact ecosystem. Participants engaged directly with founders—asking honest questions and gaining insight not only into what works, but also into the challenges and realities behind sustaining impact.

At the heart of the programme was a strong emphasis on learning from practitioners. Sessions were grounded in lived experience, making frameworks more grounded and actionable. The facilitation led by Tomo Hamakawa stood out for its clarity, depth, and intentionality, which created space for both reflection and meaningful dialogue.

Bali itself became an active learning environment. Through site visits to organizations such as Bumi Sehat, Kopernik, Mana Earthly Paradise, Bamboo Pure and ChopValue, and Astungkara Way, participants gained firsthand insight into how impact is implemented and sustained. Conversations with Robin Lim at Bumi Sehat left a lasting impression through her long-standing commitment and inspiring leadership, while Kopernik resonated for its innovative and practical approach—highly relevant to the fellows’ own work in impact and development.

Beyond the sessions and site visits, the programme created space for peer learning and open dialogue. Conversations, shared experiences, and connections across sectors added depth to the journey, reinforcing that meaningful learning is often co-created.

Over the course of four days, participants engaged not only with ideas, but with people who embody their values in daily practice. They witnessed how social enterprises in Bali navigate economic, social, and ecological realities with courage and creativity.

The experience did not offer a single, definitive answer to what it takes to build impact that lasts. Instead, it revealed a pattern: lasting impact is shaped through practice, consistency, and community. It is built by those who continue showing up, learning from reality, and working alongside others toward a shared vision.

And perhaps that is what meaningful learning journeys are meant to do—not simply provide answers, but to deepen understanding and strengthen the commitment to create lasting change.

Standing in the rice fields with farmers, listening to midwives at community health clinics, learning from innovators who have spent decades strengthening communities – I was reminded that regenerative leadership begins with intentionally slowing down, reconnecting with ourselves, and remembering why we do what we do… To the incredible organisations in Bali who generously opened their doors and hearts to us – thank you for showing us what “possible” looks like.

Dawn Tan, Head of Asia Centre for Changemakers

What I love about this program is the opportunity to meet participants from various backgrounds in person and have meaningful conversations with them. That is something I truly value about this experience. And thank you to Earth Company for putting everything together and creating such a comprehensive learning journey. Seeing how the ecosystem supports one another, learning about people’s background stories, and being able to ask questions directly was incredibly inspiring.

Chang Liu, CEO and Founder of ASKHealth Asia

Ahmad Aziz, Program Head of Campaign.com