This morning, Microsoft man and the second richest man in the world, Bill Gates, gave a speech at Peking University in Beijing to reach out to students about the important of charity.

Itโ€™s no surprise that Bill Gates would choose such a high calibre educational institution to give a speech about giving. Peking University, amongst Tsinghua and Fudan University rank in the top three schools in China, thereby often producing the most successful and powerful people in Chinaโ€™s future. Bill Gates is also a trustee of Peking University.

Since leaving the helm of Microsoft, Bill Gates has devoted himself to the role of Chairman of the Gates Foundation. The foundationโ€™s belief is that โ€œall lives have equal valueโ€ and seeks to help people live healthy and productive lives and lift themselves out of poverty. The foundation has already funded initiatives totalling US$24.8 billion from 1994.

In his speech, Gates encouraged students to start thinking about charity and giving early. Gates believes that the young generation play a pivotal role in making the world a better place by leading social trends. He also talked about the importance of innovation, noting breakthrough may take a long time but it is what is needed to โ€œpromote the development of mankind.โ€

Gates visited Beijing with Warren Buffet in September 2010, to promote philanthropy to Chinaโ€™s 50 richest people.

It is inspiring to see Bill Gates use his wealth the help make the world a better place, for all of us.

Jason is an Australian born Chinese living in Beijing, specializing in entrepreneurship, start-ups and the investment eco-system in China, especially in the tech and social area.

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