Many people assume that giving back is something you do later in life, once a career is established and the savings are secure. One of William Louey’s earliest scholars learned a different lesson.

One of the first scholars

Charlie Gao Feng, born and raised in Beijing, was among the first students William Louey selected from mainland China in 1995. Charlie has described the scholarship as a pivotal moment, something that nobody in his family would even have dared to imagine.

It was a leap of faith for everyone involved. The students were choosing a little-known path abroad over China’s established universities, and some people were sceptical of a philanthropist who did not fit their idea of what one should look like. William’s commitment was personal from the start. Before the scholars left for school, he travelled to Beijing with bags full of clothing so that every student would have a suit to wear.

A friendship that lasted

Over nearly three decades, Charlie and William have built a close friendship, often meeting in Hong Kong. Throughout that time, William has shared one idea that shaped Charlie’s choices: philanthropy does not have to wait for wealth. It begins with a willingness to support others from the heart.

From Morgan Stanley to his own firm

During his studies, Charlie interned at ARM and in the IT department of an investment bank, before joining Morgan Stanley after graduation. He later founded his own investment firm in Hong Kong and mainland China. Throughout, he kept in mind his promise to help more young people from China receive the opportunities he had been given.

Giving back has become a central part of his life. He supports organisations such as Teach For China and mentors young musical talent.

Ways to give that cost little money

Charlie’s story is a reminder that generosity comes in many forms. An hour of mentoring, a thoughtful introduction, honest feedback on a CV, or simply believing in someone before they believe in themselves can change the direction of a young person’s life. These are gifts almost anyone can offer.

A movement is formalised

In 2015, Charlie and other former scholars formalised a Pay It Forward organisation in William’s honour. It was announced at a celebration for William’s 60th birthday, a fitting way to mark the reach of a single idea.

Read Charlie’s Scholar Story or learn more about Pay It Forward.