What's Happening?
Anla Cheng, a veteran financier based in New York City, is actively working to amplify Asian American stories and promote philanthropic giving within the Asian American community through her Serica Initiative. Founded in 2018, Serica focuses on storytelling,
convening leaders, and empowering the Asian American community, a mission that gained urgency amid rising anti-Asian hostility. Cheng's philanthropy extends beyond Serica; she co-manages the Mark and Anla Cheng Kingdon Fund, which holds significant assets and supports diverse causes. Serica's projects include documentary series like 'be/longing: Asian Americans Now' and educational collaborations with institutions like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Cheng is also addressing the disparity in philanthropic funding for Asian American communities, which receive a disproportionately small percentage of institutional dollars. To tackle this, Serica launched the Family Office Philanthropy Legacy Program in 2026, in partnership with HSBC and EY, to introduce wealthy AAPI families and entrepreneurs to strategic philanthropy.
Why It's Important?
Anla Cheng's efforts through the Serica Initiative are crucial for addressing the underrepresentation and underfunding of Asian American communities in both media and philanthropy. By actively amplifying Asian American stories, Serica helps combat ignorance and stereotypes, fostering greater understanding and belonging. The disparity in philanthropic funding—Asian American communities receiving only 0.34% of U.S. institutional philanthropic dollars—highlights a significant equity gap. Cheng's Family Office Philanthropy Legacy Program is vital for mobilizing wealth within the Asian American community towards impactful giving, potentially shifting the philanthropic landscape. This initiative not only encourages financial contributions but also aims to integrate philanthropy into wealth-building conversations from an earlier stage, fostering a culture of giving back among a new generation of affluent Asian Americans. Her work also underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in addressing systemic inequalities and promoting cultural visibility.
What's Next?
The Serica Initiative's Family Office Philanthropy Legacy Program, launched in 2026, is expected to expand its reach in educating wealthy AAPI families and entrepreneurs on strategic philanthropy, potentially leading to increased funding for Asian American causes. Cheng's continued collaborations with media platforms like PBS and educational institutions suggest more projects aimed at making Asian American history and experiences more visible. As anti-Asian hostility persists, Serica's role in fostering community and combating hate through storytelling will remain critical. Cheng's personal commitment to environmental conservation, particularly through her involvement with The Nature Conservancy, also indicates potential future collaborations that bridge cultural understanding with global issues like climate change. The gradual engagement of her children in the family foundation suggests a long-term vision for sustained philanthropic impact across generations.
Beyond the Headlines
Anla Cheng's journey reflects a deeper narrative about identity, resilience, and the power of philanthropy to effect social change. Her personal background as the child of refugees who prioritized education and helping others deeply informs her current work. The challenges she faced with her previous for-profit news company, The China Project, amidst souring U.S.-China relations and accusations of foreign influence, highlight the complex geopolitical landscape that can impact even well-intentioned initiatives. This experience underscores the heightened scrutiny and prejudice that Asian Americans can face, reinforcing the necessity of organizations like Serica. Cheng's emphasis on combating ignorance as a root cause of hate speaks to the transformative power of education and cultural exchange. Her work is not just about financial giving but about building bridges, fostering empathy, and ensuring that the diverse experiences of Asian Americans are recognized, valued, and integrated into the broader American narrative.
