CHINA-BORN action superstar Jet Li has embraced Singapore, both in his work and in spirit.

As a guest speaker at a philanthropy seminar here yesterday organised by global investment bank UBS , the 46-year-old actor provided updates on his charitable organisation's plans here.

The organisation, called the Jet Li One Foundation, was set up by Li in China in 2007, and a branch was established here last year. The foundation is building an online platform here where individuals can donate any amount towards its humanitarian causes.

It is also working with financial institutions on a credit-card programme where a small percentage of the bill will be donated to charity.

Additionally, an education platform will be set up to build leaders of Singapore non-governmental organisations (NGO).

"Going forward, one main goal of the One Foundation in Singapore is to build NGO leadership and talent in social enterprises...because only with good leaders can you better help the region," said Li.

His commitment to Singapore is also emphasised in comments he made about life here.

"I have a family, live in Singapore and I'm very happy," said Li, as he explained how he realised the importance of living after his close shave with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

However, a spokesman for the One Foundation refuted on China's Beijing Television claims that its chairman had confirmed on Sunday that Li is a Singapore citizen.

Regardless, it is certain that Li, who acted in films such as Once Upon A Time In China (1991) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), spends a considerable amount of time here.

my paper understands from a director at the One Foundation that Li's family is in Singapore and he tries to spend two weeks every month here.

His two daughters study at the Singapore American School.

The director added that Li's foundation is talking with another Singapore foundation to support education causes here.

kennyc@sph.com.sg

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