Our Story

We started Hexagram Foundation with a modest sum and an ambitious goal. We believe in a few simple yet powerful ideas:

1. The Power of Compounding
2. “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
3. Running a charitable organization like a business

Personal Journey

I was born in China, grew up in Singapore, and settled in the USA. Reflecting on my life, the greatest fortune I received was the gift of education—whether it was a set of history books, a few great teachers during my school years, a generous scholarship from the Ministry of Education in Singapore, or a lifetime of learning and sharing from books, talks, and letters by my role models like Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, and Ben Graham.

The Power of Compounding

Einstein called compounding the 8th wonder of the world. A happy life is a successful compounding journey:

1. Financial Wealth: By underspending and carefully investing your income, you can compound your financial wealth throughout life.

2. Knowledge: Learning a little bit more every day compounds your knowledge over time.

3. Relationships: Building relationships with loved ones day by day accumulates long-term trust and love.

At Hexagram Foundation, we aim to build a financial base through patient long-term investments with minimal expenses. We also strive to earn a seamless web of deserving trust by doing good in the world, one kind action at a time.

Teach a Man to Fish

We believe education is the best way to uplift someone’s social and financial situation. It has a stronger impact than simply giving money to those in need. While many charitable organizations successfully provide a basic safety net for the less fortunate, we focus on what we are most passionate about—providing the gift of education to those who need it most.

Running Like a Business

Although Hexagram Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation in the US, we approach philanthropy through a business lens. Our goal is to generate superior returns on investment. To achieve this, several principles are essential:

1. Maximizing Donor Impact: We operate the Foundation with minimal expenses. Every dollar you donate will be used 100% towards the causes you support. Our operating expenses are covered by investment returns, not new donations.

2. Targeting Exceptional Talent: We seek the most gifted children from the most impoverished backgrounds. By turning a family’s income from $1,000/year to $100,000/year, we achieve a 100 to 1 return on invested capital.

3. Ensuring Measurable Outcomes: Every dollar invested must have measurable outcomes. We avoid empty slogans and corporate bureaucracy, instead setting clear, efficient, and effective goals.

4. Maintaining Integrity: We will not engage in bribery or any form of unethical behavior. Our commitment to integrity is unwavering.

By following these principles, Hexagram Foundation aims to transform lives and create lasting impact through strategic, outcome-driven philanthropy.