We have just kicked off an online discussion on the topic of "Social Entrepreneurship in China" on Social Edge (a Skoll Foundation programme).

Are you excited about the development of social entrepreneurship in China?  What are its unique characteristics in China's context?  What are the opportunities and challenges?  What does China have to learn from other countries?  What can China teach others about social entrepreneurship?

Read our discussion primer on social entrepreneurship in China here (in English and Chinese) and let us know what you think. We are interested in hearing your opinion on this topic and are keen to have many voices and perspectives weighing in to faciliate a greater exchange of ideas and experiences.

To follow and comment on the ongoing conversation on Social Edge, click here!

Happy New Year.  Welcome to our revamped website.  Please take a look around and let us know what you think. 

We are often asked what “sow” means.  It is defined as “to plant seed for growth” but it means more than that.  Nearly every cultural or tradition in Asia expresses a version of the idea, “you reap what you sow”.  Simply put, our actions have consequences. 

It’s true for societies, as well as individuals.  If we sow polluted air, water and toxic food, we will reap disease and environmental disaster.  If we sow extreme economic inequality we will reap social discord.  And so on… 

Everything that we do now has repercussions at some point in the future.  It all comes back to us one way or another.  It is as fundamental a law as gravity.

But if we are willing to invest our present resources in new ways that create positive, sustainable impact, the future can be a place where we desire our children to live.  

English dramatist Charles Reade said, “Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit.  Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a consequence.” 

Three years ago, SOW Asia began as a thought that has been transmitted into a series of actions (inputs) that are beginning to transform habits (outputs) and create consequences (outcomes).  It is a long journey but it is one we must begin now.  Stay in touch and sow with us.

Scott Lawson