CINGS Spotlight: at the intersection of finance, sustainability, and preservation, meet Annie, CINGS’ President Emeritus
CINGS (China Institute Next Gen x Serica)
One Vision, One Goal
As a founding team member of CINGS, Annie Liang-Zhou brought more than just enthusiasm to convene a group of like-minded people—she brought vision and heart. Now serving as President Emeritus, her impact on CINGS spans from shaping its core mission to fostering key partnerships that shaped the organization's direction. A natural connector with a multifaceted background in finance, philanthropy, and advocacy, Annie embodies CINGS' mission of bridging different worlds to drive meaningful connections.
Annie wears many hats. She co-founded Liang Capital Partners, which specializes in next-generation wealth succession with a focus on sustainability and education. Her decade-plus career spans U.S.-China philanthropy, where she supported initiatives like the Philanthropy Dialogue with the Committee of 100 and created a forum for dialogue and tangible change. She is also involved with the World Monuments Fund, where she explores her passion for global heritage and actively participates in cultural preservation initiatives.?
Annie is currently pursuing a Master's in Historic Preservation at UPenn, following in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, Lin Huiyin. Lin enrolled in architecture courses at Penn in 1924, a decade before the University began awarding architecture degrees to women. She was part of a cohort of 23 Chinese students, the only woman among them. An article on Penn's website solidifies her reputation: “Lin is arguably the first and most famous female architect in modern China.” Penn recently awarded Lin Huiyin a posthumous architecture degree.
On Chinese social media RedNote (Xiaohongshu), Annie regularly documents her travels to ancient monuments in China and globally. She combines historical storytelling with personal reflections, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire action on issues close to her heart.?
Annie served as the president of CINGS until last year and is now the President Emeritus. She stays involved and connected with CINGS. She recently donated a piece of artwork from her collection.?
领英推荐
The piece by Yang Yongliang explores the juxtaposition between modern industry and traditional landscapes and the environmental challenges posed by industrialization.
"The intersection of philanthropy and measurable impact drives our work," says Annie.
"Through CINGS, we're building partnerships that align profit with purpose, while engaging members in initiatives that create lasting social and environmental change across US and China."
The CINGS Spotlight series celebrates our vibrant community of over 70 next-generation leaders working across emerging technologies, arts and culture, finance, marketing, and nonprofits. Through their diverse professional expertise and shared commitment to environmental protection and social equity, our members strive to strengthen US-China ties while creating meaningful impact in their communities. Each spotlight illuminates how our members transform their expertise into tangible social change.
The China Institute Next Gen x Serica (CINGS) brings together next-generation leaders who are passionate about driving social and environmental impact. As a collaborative initiative between the China Institute and Serica, CINGS focuses on connecting and inspiring like-minded leaders to create actionable change through knowledge sharing and on-ground action. Members serve as ambassadors, building cultural bridges while promoting CINGS' mission through their diverse professional networks and expertise.