Film star Jet Li expressed his dedication to philanthropy at the ceremony. He has been in recent years presenting himself as more of a philanthropist. [Pierre Chen / China.org.cn]

The Jet Li One Foundation Project, a philanthropic organization formed by the Chinese film star, joined hands with Beijing Normal University on Monday in launching the university's One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute.

The institute is the first in China that harbors cooperation between an institute for higher education and a non-profit foundation. It reportedly will offer the executive master of public administration (EMPA) degree program.

Li, globally renowned for his action films, has been in recent years presenting himself as more of a philanthropist. His One Foundation was founded in April 2007 when Li was Chinese Red Cross ambassador.

One Foundation aims at promoting philanthropic activities and spirit by addressing issues related to the environment, education, health, poverty, and disaster relief. According to the NGO, the idea is "1 Person + 1 Dollar/Yuan + 1 Month = 1 Big Family."

Li spoke at a ceremony at Beijing Normal University to churn out educated people dedicated to the philanthropic cause. "Philanthropy can’t go far without the right people to handle it," he said. "A well-educated staff helps advance our cause."

The program has also partnered with institutes of higher education in the U.S. Richard Gelles, Dean of Pennsylvania University’s School of Social Policy and Practice, said, "Philanthropic dollars must be spent wisely," adding that what made Bill Gates and Warren Buffett unique philanthropists "is the amount of preparation they do to ensure the dollars they spent are effective."

The Beijing Capital Normal University One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute will also be providing consultative services to the public. An academic commission was established to ensure its graduates are qualified administrators of philanthropic causes.