Pre-conference Session, 13 May 2025: Schools Forum
The Schools Forum invites all Schools professionals to discuss and address issues and challenges surrounding advancement in schools. It is a forum for independent schools and advancement professionals to network, sharpen their skills, and find inspiration to thrive in their careers.
Speakers will explore integrating advancement with other school functions, such as admissions and fundraising, or including families in alumni relations, fostering a holistic approach to school community engagement for advancement.
Session Objectives:
- Appreciate the various factors and impetus around the culture of philanthropy and understand the various pathways in engaging with donors
- Gain insights to strengthen engagement with parents that can help to support the School’s mission and purpose
- Apply tips and best practices to identify and adapting strategies that respect and respond to diverse cultural perspectives.
- Apply principles to design professional and visually engaging communications that effectively reflect and align with the expectations of their target community
Chair
Crickett Kasper
Crickett Kasper was Director of Schools at CASE from August 2023 to March 2026. Previously, Kasper served as the Chief Advancement Officer at Singapore American School (SAS) where she was responsible for leading a unified community engagement approach through the integration of parent relations, alumni relations, annual giving, and major giving. With more than 16 years of advancement experience, Kasper has hosted a variety of events to support school communities and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining SAS in July 2019, she led fundraising efforts at Shanghai American School as Director of Development and Alumni Relations for five years. Her background is in advancement in U.S. independent schools, universities, and non-profit radio.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Room: Event Room 1+2, Lower Ground
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM UTC +8
Registrations
Event Room Foyer, LG/F
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM UTC +8
Welcome
Event Room 1+2, LG/F
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM UTC +8
Pathways to Philanthropy from Chinese Donors
Explore the evolving landscape of Chinese philanthropy in this session focused on understanding values, emerging trends, and donor motivations. Learn how to engage meaningfully with donors from mainland China and beyond, and gain insights into building lasting philanthropic relationships in a complex and dynamic environment.
Panel Moderator: Crickett Kasper, Director of Schools, CASE
Panelists: John Godfrey, Strategic Partner, Chapel & York, Edward Wong, Executive Director, Chapel & York Hong Kong Foundation, Daniel Martin, Senior Consultant Managing Director, Marts & Lundy, Jane Narich, Executive Director of Advancement, Chinese International School
Event Room 1+2, LG/F
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM UTC+8
Refreshment Break
Event Room Foyer, LG/F
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM UTC+8
Parent Engagement That Supports Your School
Most schools understand why parent engagement matters—but the challenge is how do you do it effectively? This session explores practical strategies for engaging parents in ways that align with your school’s mission and goals. Discover approaches that turn involvement into meaningful support for your school community.
Speaker: Crickett Kasper, Director of Schools, CASE
Event Room 1+2, LG/F
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM UTC+8
Networking Lunch
Event Room Foyer, LG/F
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM UTC+8
Challenges and Opportunities for Schools in Asia Pacific
Hear the recent trends and insights on philanthropy from CASE and explore challenges and opportunities for the schools in Asia Pacific in round table conversations with peers and experts.
Event Room 1+2, LG/F
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM UTC+8
Refreshment Break
Event Room Foyer, LG/F
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM UTC+8
Revamping School Communications: Strategies for Success
In today’s digitally connected world, the quality of a school’s communications is a reflection of its calibre and values. This presentation will share how Chinese International School has successfully elevated its communications for both current and prospective families and faculty. By implementing three significant digital projects—a Parent Portal, a redesigned public-facing website, and revamped parent communications—we have transformed community engagement and improved user experiences. Attendees will gain actionable insights into creating professional, impactful, and visually engaging communications that align with the expectations of their community.
Spaekers: Liz Kingston, Project Director, Inner Works for Schools, Catherine Han, Executive Director of Community Relations, Chinese International School, Cheryl Lee, Director of Communications, Chinese International School
Event Room 1+2, LG/F
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM UTC+8
Wrap-up session
Event Room 1+2, LG/F
5:00 PM UTC+8
Programme Conclude
6:00 PM UTC+8
Welcome Reception
Grand Ballroom, 2F