This year also marked the launch of our newest humanitarian initiative: the H2OHope clean water campaign. Designed to bring sustainable water solutions to orphanage communities, this program reflects our commitment to long-term wellness and dignity for every child. None of this would be possible without our passionate volunteers, who have stood on the front lines, giving their time and hearts to push every mission forward. Their selfless efforts continue to light the path toward opportunity, healing, and hope.

As Chairman, I am continually inspired by the resilience of the children we serve and the dedication of those who walk beside us.

“A Hope for All Orphans means giving them love, support, and opportunities that they need to grow, dream, and succeed, ensuring every child can thrive and reach their full potential,”— Dr. John Palmer.

For 24 years, the Mary K. Yap Foundation has stood committed to this cause. The outlook for 2025 is as exciting as ever, with new initiatives and positive impact programs on the horizon. Together, we are not just changing lives—we are building futures.

“We are humbled by the overwhelming response to our Myanmar premiere,” said Peter K. Yap, Executive Director of the Mary K. Yap Foundation. “Unbroken Ties is not just a film—it’s a movement born from compassion. With every scene, we aim to open hearts and raise awareness for orphaned children who deserve hope, love, and a brighter future. This premiere marks a powerful step forward in uniting culture, philanthropy, and cinematic excellence for the greater good.”

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of staff members and volunteers from both the Foundation and Mandalay Productions worked tirelessly to ensure every detail of the premiere evening was filled with joy, hospitality, and meaningful connections. From guest coordination and ushering to technical support and media relations, their efforts created an atmosphere of warmth and professionalism that left a lasting impression on all attendees. The event also served as a platform to announce future collaborations and philanthropic campaigns that will continue uplifting vulnerable communities through education, arts, and sustainable support.

The Foundation also extends its deepest appreciation to our business-to-business (B2B) partners, who have so graciously aligned their brand values with our service mission. Their support amplifies our ability to reach more children, provide them with more resources, and elevate the voices of those who are often unheard. Among the many notable sponsors are Unilever, ABank, Blazon, Excellence, YTL Foundation, KPay, Ipanema Kids, Sedona Hotel, Kui Shin Bo, Clinique, Yangon Trade and Convention Center, CODISA Foundation, Taungi Hotel, and Cambium Networks. These companies have exemplified a spirit of generosity and corporate responsibility that stands as a model for meaningful partnership.

Finally, we recognize the individuals who form the heart of this movement—those whose personal acts of giving have made a profound difference. We thank Dr. Aung, Ko Alf, Peter Wong, Seeni Mohammed, Dr. Su, Auntie Thet, Christophe, and the many devoted friends and family members who have become our Partners of Hope. Your compassion for voiceless and vulnerable children has breathed life into this film and the cause it represents. We are especially grateful to our orphanage ambassadors worldwide, including MeMe Lwin, Enrico Domingo, and Jay Edwin, as well as to all our passionate volunteers who have given their time and effort to benefit the children we serve. We appreciate their dedication and advocacy for the orphaned youths we support. Through Myittar (Unbroken Ties), we not only share a powerful story—we share a collective message of love, resilience, and hope that transcends borders and reminds us of the impact we can have when we stand together for those in need.

Thanks to the swift generosity of donors and the unwavering commitment of the Mary K Yap Foundation’s network of friends and partners, the OrphanRelief campaign raised over USD 3,200 within its first week. These funds played a pivotal role in our early response efforts. Beyond providing aid, the campaign has become a beacon of hope, showing that even in the face of immense hardship, compassion and unity can light the way forward.

#During his visit, Dr. Kouyoumji took time to personally connect with the children—sharing stories, asking questions, and listening intently to their hopes and struggles. His engagement wasn’t passive; he observed the living conditions closely and paid particular attention to two critical needs: access to clean drinking water and mental wellness support for the children and staff. These observations have directly fueled new energy behind our upcoming #H20Hope Clean Water Campaign in 2025, which will aim to bring lasting, life-saving solutions to the communities we serve. Dr. Kouyoumji’s empathetic approach left a powerful impression, reinforcing the idea that leadership grounded in humanity creates lasting change.

#A major strength of the #FirstSeed campaign is its deep collaboration with local experts and community members. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the Foundation works with agricultural professionals and volunteers who understand the unique soil conditions, climate, and cultural practices of each region. This tailored guidance ensures that each orphanage receives exactly what it needs to succeed. Moreover, training is not limited to children; staff and caretakers also receive coaching, creating a shared environment of learning and growth. This strengthens the internal system of each orphanage, reducing dependency on external food supplies. By involving the surrounding community, the campaign fosters connections and collective ownership, turning each garden into a hub of support that can thrive beyond the Foundation’s direct involvement.

With H20Hope, we are doing far more than quenching thirst—we are nurturing futures. Each drop we deliver echoes with the promise of health, opportunity, and a life free from preventable hardship. Together, we can build a world where every orphaned child in Myanmar, and beyond, wakes up with fresh water, renewed hope, and a future filled with endless possibilities.

#The itinerary was meticulously planned, featuring strategic meetings with stakeholders such as Legendary Myanmar Academy Winner Actress Grace Swe Zin Htaik, the Unit Director for the Charity Film, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Peter K Yap, and the Program Manager, Meme Lwin to discuss upcoming festival participation in the USA and Europe, and what is needed to amplify the film’s charitable impact further. Other discussions were held in parallel about the prospects of establishing the first union association, the Myanmar Orphan Association (MOA), to unite all the supporters, NGOs, and INGOs under one umbrella to bring awareness to the needs of vulnerable children and communities living under orphanage care.

We proudly champion initiatives like #NourishHope and #TeddyBear4Hold, two campaigns designed to meet children’s emotional and physical needs. Through these efforts, we ensure that children feel loved, supported, and consistently nourished with healthy meals. By nurturing the body and the spirit, we foster a more profound sense of security, emotional well-being, and belonging for those who need it most. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are excited to launch a new wave of campaigns that continue to expand our support system. New initiatives include #H20Hope, which aims to provide access to clean drinking water; #FirstSeed, introducing sustainable gardens in orphanages; and #LifeLine, which is focused on increasing access to basic vaccinations. In addition, we are proud to introduce #OrphanRelief, a vital campaign dedicated to supporting orphanages during emergencies caused by natural disasters and other crises. By responding swiftly during hardship through our web of active volunteer networks, #OrphanRelief will help protect children’s safety and ensure their essential needs are met when they are most vulnerable.