Dr. Arnil Paras is Executive Director, Insights & Academy at AVPN, where he leads learning, research, and thought leadership initiatives to strengthen Asia’s social investment ecosystem. His work connects evidence and practice, helping philanthropists, impact investors and other social investment leaders deepen their knowledge, build partnerships and deploy capital more effectively for impact.
He oversees AVPN Academy’s fellowship programmes in philanthropy and impact investing, training courses, and learning circles on social impact issues. He also leads AVPN’s research and thought leadership work, examining how collaboration, policy and different forms of capital shape social investment across Asia, and translating insights into practical guidance for the sector.
Arnil has nearly two decades of experience in research and teaching. He was previously an associate professor of economics at the Asian Institute of Management, where he also served as director of the Master in Development Management programme.
He holds postgraduate degrees from the London School of Economics and City University of Hong Kong, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy.
