Taiwan tied with Singapore as No. 1 in Asia in the latest Doing Good Index released by Hong Kong-based Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, the Ministry of the Interior said Nov. 2.
According to the report, Taiwan’s social sector is relatively mature, and its regulations and policies encourage civic engagement. The government has implemented mechanisms to enhance the efficacy of social delivery organizations (SDOs), with recent legislation further empowering entities to negotiate government-commissioned services.
Legislation additionally mandates that all levels of government evaluate the necessary scope of social welfare services to enhance the utility and sustainability of SDO operations. With policies encouraging charitable giving, the social sector is supported by a robust political and legal framework, the report added.
According to the MOI, SDOs play a key role in government efforts to promote social welfare. As of September this year, nearly 25,000 such organizations exist in the country, reflecting rapidly expanding civic participation in public affairs. The government will continue to foster an open environment for the benefit of all, the ministry said.
To this end, the MOI will host an event Nov. 6 to honor contributions to social good, as well as a forum to discuss the DGI findings and increase public awareness.
Inaugurated in 2018, the biennial index examines the readiness of Asia’s social sectors to thrive in the categories of tax and fiscal policy, ecosystem, procurement, funding and regulations. It ranks economies as “doing well,” “doing better,” “doing OK” and “not doing enough,” with Taiwan achieving the top ranking for the fourth time in a row. The latest report saw 140 experts review 2,183 SDOs in 17 regional economies. (SFC-E)
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