On 6 February 2025, the eve of the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards ceremony in Manila — I was appointed Director of UK and China Relations for the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation.

I won’t pretend there was a formal boardroom process. Chairman Sir Billy Chan, who has been a friend and ally since 2010, and even more so since I first became a Peace Award Laureate at the inaugural ceremony in 2019, asked me to take on the role in the way that the best appointments often happen: directly, personally, and with genuine conviction. When someone of Sir Billy’s character and standing asks you to serve, you say yes.

What the Foundation Does

The Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation was founded in Manila to enhance the quality of life for all of humanity with perspectives of peace from Asia. It brings together healthcare professionals, academics, artists, journalists, policymakers, and philanthropists from around the world — pooling collective resources to recognise and empower leaders of peace, from distinguished individuals to institutions.

Each year, the Foundation gathers laureates from across the globe for a ceremony in Manila, preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at the José Rizal national memorial — a tradition I was deeply moved to be part of at the inaugural event in 2019. The ceremony is followed by a charitable initiative in which the Foundation donates medical supplies, food, and essential equipment to hundreds of underprivileged families in Manila.

Previous and fellow laureates have included figures of extraordinary global standing — from heads of state and former UN ambassadors to Rotary International presidents, Olympic athletes, and pioneering scientists. It is humbling company to be in.

My Role

As Director of UK and China Relations, my mandate is to strengthen the Foundation’s engagement across two of the world’s most important bilateral relationships — the UK’s connection to Asia, and China’s growing role in the global conversation around peace, philanthropy, and sustainable development.

It is a role that sits at the intersection of everything I have spent the past twenty years building: deep roots in China, a genuine commitment to philanthropy through Come Together Community (CTC), relationships across the British business and diplomatic community in South China, and — since my knighthood by the Order of the Knights of Rizal in February 2025 — a formal connection to the Philippines itself.

A Full Circle Moment

The timing felt significant. My journey with the Foundation began in 2019 as a laureate — recognised for the work CTC had done over eight years (now fifteen years) for underprivileged children and those with autism in Zhuhai. Six years later, I find myself not just a recipient of the Foundation’s recognition, but an active contributor to its mission and growth.

I am deeply grateful to Sir Billy Chan and the Foundation for their trust and confidence. I look forward to helping build bridges — between the UK and China, between business and philanthropy, and between the remarkable people this Foundation continues to bring together.

🔗 Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation 🔗 The Committee 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn

Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA CPA KOR — Group CFO, C2W Group | Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce South China | Founder, Come Together Community | Director of UK & China Relations, Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation