Official signage recognizing the Foundation’s first “Clean Water Station.”

Yangon, Myanmar, February 14, 2026 – Two months after the commissioning of the 1,000-liter water tank on December 13, 2025, to bring clean water to the Home of Beacon Orphanage, the Foundation is proud to share the continued progress of our #H2OHope Campaign. Building on this milestone, our project team has successfully completed the installation of official signage recognizing the Foundation’s first “Clean Water Station.” This initiative ensures that every child can freely and confidently drink safe, clean water without fear of contamination, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable health and well-being for vulnerable communities.

LR – Pastor Peter (E.D. for HOB) and Meme Lwin (MF Program Manager) proudly standing Infront of partnership signage.

The commissioning of the water tank on December 13, 2025, also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Foundation and the Home of Beacon (HOB) Orphanage, outlining the responsibilities and shared commitments of both parties for ongoing collaboration and future expansion. Beyond the 85 children currently residing at the Home of Beacon (HOB), nearly 130 individuals live within the compound, including staff and extended residents. Under the leadership of Dr. Myint Aung, Founder of HOB, the orphanage continues to shelter additional children, many of whom are sent from the northern regions of Myanmar in search of safety, care, and opportunity. The growing population underscores the urgent need for expanded clean water capacity, including the installation of additional water tanks to adequately serve the entire compound.

As part of the existing MOU agreement, plans for future expansion are already envisioned to ensure a stable and sustainable water supply for all who call the compound home. The #H2OHope Campaign represents more than infrastructure—it is a promise of dignity, health, and hope. We warmly invite friends, partners, and compassionate supporters to join us in extending this life-changing initiative. Your generosity can help us install additional water tanks and bring safe, clean water to every child and family in need. Together, we can transform access to water into a lasting source of hope and opportunity.

Read More Donate to Impact H20Hope+

My vision remains focused on addressing the evolving needs of orphanages with dignity, sustainability, and measurable impact.” 

As Chairman of the Mary K. Yap Foundation, I reflect on 2025 as a year where impact became clearly visible through our collective efforts. Following the December 2024 charity movie launch that brought a first-ever cinema experience to over 1,300 children, mostly orphaned youths, we began to observe positive behavioral and emotional changes during our follow-up visits across the first five months of 2025. The children demonstrated increased confidence, social engagement, and joy—clear signs that moments of inclusion and care can create lasting transformation. These observations reaffirmed our conviction that thoughtfully designed experiences play an important role in supporting a child’s emotional and social development.

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Throughout 2025, we remained actively engaged in delivering programs that uplifted and empowered children. The successful launches of #SketchandHope and #MelodyofJoy, two of our new social development programs, provided safe platforms for orphaned children to express themselves through art, music, and movement while advancing creativity and self-confidence among themselves. During this same period, we returned to Taungoo, where our Executive Director and our in-country Program Management Team securely and transparently concluded the distribution of remaining funds to affected orphanages from the 2024  Typhoon Yagi Orphan Relief donations.

#SketchandHope Builds Confidence and Creativity 

#SketchandHope Sparks Boldness and Determination

A defining achievement of 2025 was the launch of our educational and health development initiatives, #Road2Digital  and #H2OHope. Through #H2OHope, we delivered clean drinking water to 85 children and members of the surrounding community by installing a water treatment and filtration system within the orphanage compound, directly improving daily health and hygiene. Equally significant was the first commencement ceremony under #Road2Digital, where 11 students received certificates after their first experience learning on desktop computers. These milestones reflect our commitment to long-term development and were made possible through the dedication of our Partners of Hope business partners. I could not be prouder of the work than to honor the trust placed in us by our donors and partners in carrying out these life-enriching programs, especially in times of pressing need for improvements within orphanage communities.

First Road2Digital Cohort from Alpha Educational Center with KMD Instructors.

Marking the Successful Commencement of the First H2OHope Initiative for Safe Drinking Water on December 13, 2025

Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities are both clear and urgent. We are committed to expanding #H2OHope and #Road2Digital in response to growing needs on the ground. At present, three orphanages require immediate intervention for clean drinking water systems, while four orphanages have formally requested after-school educational support. To meet these needs, we aim to establish E-Learning Centers within orphanage compounds, creating safe and structured environments where children can build digital skills and access meaningful learning opportunities.

The progress achieved over the past two decades is possible when compassion is guided by accountability and sustained partnership. As Chairman, my vision remains focused on addressing the evolving needs of orphanages with dignity, sustainability, and measurable impact. Our responsibilities continue to grow, and with them our commitment to serve with integrity. I extend my sincere gratitude to our donors, partners, and local teams, and I invite continued collaboration as we work together to strengthen communities and build brighter futures for the children we serve.

With respect and gratitude,

Dr. John Palmer
Chairman
Mary K. Yap Foundation

The Foundation recognized the urgent need to provide sustainable water solutions that protect children’s health and well-being.

The Foundation’s Campaign #8 Clean Water H20Hope initiative was born from a simple but powerful purpose: to ensure that every orphanage in Myanmar has access to safe and clean drinking water. In a country where children don’t have similar privileges, the Foundation recognized the urgent need to provide sustainable water solutions that protect children’s health and well-being. H20Hope is not just about installing water systems—it is about empowering communities, protecting children, and giving supporters a way to make a meaningful, tangible impact on young lives.

On December 13, 2025, the Foundation proudly commissioned the first H20Hope system at the Home of Beacon, marking a historic milestone in our efforts. This achievement followed a careful selection process where two qualified bidders were invited to present their experience, project track record, and in-country support capabilities. After a thorough evaluation, the project was awarded to Conway Tech Myanmar, a company with eight years of operations in Myanmar and offices across Cambodia, Laos, and Singapore. Their expertise and reliability gave the Foundation confidence that the project would deliver lasting results for the children.

Team from Conway Tech Myanmar

A comprehensive survey and water quality assessment were conducted on-site to measure critical indicators, including pH levels, lead, and iron content of the well water. These measurements informed the Bill of Quantities and determined the complexity and specifications of the filtration system required. This careful, data-driven approach ensured that every aspect of the system meets the highest safety standards and provides clean water for years to come, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to quality and accountability to its donors.

Transporting 1000 ML Tank

Inspection of Water Tank

Unboxing Water Treatment

Installation of Filtration System

Video Recording Demonstration

Hands-on Training

The installation at Home of Beacon brought immediate benefits to 85 children, most of whom are orphans, providing them with safe, clean drinking water from a 1,000 ml tank system. The commissioning allows children to thrive in a healthier environment, while volunteers, orphanage ambassadors, and supporters witness the tangible results of their contributions. Every sip of water now represents the collective effort of donors and partners coming together to create lasting change in children’s lives.

Clean water is a basic right, yet too many children in Myanmar go without it. H20Hope is our commitment to ensuring that every orphanage can provide safe water for its children. This first commissioning is a testament to what can be achieved when donors, volunteers, and partners come together to make a real difference.”

Dr. John Palmer

Chairman, Mary K. Yap Foundation

Reflecting on this milestone, Chairman Dr. John Palmer highlighted the human impact behind every contribution and reinforced the Foundation’s mission to create meaningful change.

Founder Dr. Myit Aung and Pastor Peter embracing the completion of a successful commencement with Peter K Yap

The success of the December 13th commissioning represents the first step in a nationwide campaign to bring clean drinking water to orphanages across Myanmar. Two years of careful planning, campaign efforts, and fundraising have made this launch possible. Moving forward, the Foundation aims to extend Clean Water H20Hope program to every orphanage in need, ensuring children across the country can enjoy one of the most essential human rights: safe, clean drinking water. With the support of caring donors of friends, family and committed partners, H20Hope intiative promises a brighter, healthier future for Myanmar’s orphan children.

Read More at Donate to Impact page #H20Hope+

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Bamboo stands out as a cost-effective, abundantly available, eco-friendly, and fast-to-build material.”

December 7, 2025 – Bago, Myanmar – The visit to the bamboo treatment facility in Bago was an eye-opening experience that expanded our understanding of how traditional materials, when combined with proper treatment and technical knowledge, can meet modern infrastructure needs. Seeing firsthand how bamboo and wood are treated to withstand insect damage, moisture, and environmental stress revealed the real possibility of extending the lifespan and usability of these materials far beyond common assumptions. This approach transforms bamboo from a temporary solution into a reliable construction material suitable for long-term, multi-purpose structures—an important consideration for community-based learning facilities.

For the Mary K Yap Foundation, this visit directly supports our ongoing planning for the orphanages we serve across Myanmar. The Foundation envisions the development of computer-aided E-Learning Centers within orphanage compounds—safe, functional spaces that can accommodate 15 to 20 students at a time. These centers are designed not only for digital learning but also for flexible use, including tutoring, skills training, and community education. The durability achieved through bamboo treatment makes it feasible to build structures that can evolve with the needs of the children and the communities they serve.

Prototype designs and built by Housing NOW

This initiative is a key component of the Foundation’s 10-year vision to establish 50 E-Learning Centers throughout Myanmar. Achieving this scale requires solutions that are both financially and environmentally sustainable. Bamboo stands out as a cost-effective, abundantly available, eco-friendly, and fast-to-build material, making it suited for wide deployment in rural and semi-urban areas. By incorporating bamboo into our construction strategy, we can significantly reduce costs while maintaining quality, allowing donor contributions to reach more children and communities over time.

Bamboo Treatment Testing Center

Borax-Boric Acid Treatment Tank

Bamboo Heat-Treatment Kilns

Bamboo offers a rare combination of strength, sustainability, and accessibility. When properly treated, it allows us to build learning spaces that are resilient, affordable, and deeply connected to local environments—exactly what orphanage communities need for long-term digital education.”

Dr. Jean Luc Kouyoumji

World Bamboo Congress Ambassador, Board Member of Mary K Yap Foundation

In line with this vision, the Foundation plans to work closely with local bamboo contractors and skilled craftsmen, supporting local livelihoods while ensuring that construction knowledge and ownership remain within the communities themselves. This collaborative approach not only strengthens community capacity but also promotes long-term sustainability, self-reliance, and locally driven development outcomes.

Proposed Build of Quantities for Bamboo Housing Unit (1x Unit)

This work is fully aligned with the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #Road2Digital campaign, which aims to promote inclusive digital learning opportunities for children living in orphanages. By integrating sustainable materials with digital infrastructure, the Foundation advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals championed by the Board, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach—building not just structures, but resilient pathways to education, opportunity, and a more sustainable future for Myanmar’s most vulnerable children.

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The Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly kickoff its inaugural #SketchandHope program, part of our inspiring “Art Is My Voice” campaign for the underserved children.

On November 16, 2025, the Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly launched its first Sketch and Hope art program at the Galilee Foundation Church and Children’s Home for Orphan Youths in Shwe Pyi Thar, Myanmar—an inspiring milestone in our mission to empower orphaned children through education, creativity, and emotional development.

This inaugural program welcomed 38 children, who spent the day exploring drawing, painting, and imaginative expression under the guidance of distinguished instructors: Artist Than Thar, Artist Han Thar, and Artist May San.

Art is more than a creative activity—it is a powerful tool that helps orphaned and disadvantaged children build confidence, process emotions, and discover their inner strengths. Through color, shapes, and storytelling, children learn to communicate feelings they may not yet have the words to express. Creative exercises strengthen emotional resilience, improve focus, reduce stress, and encourage problem-solving and self-belief. During the program, many children proudly shared their artwork for the first time, demonstrating how an open, supportive environment can unlock courage, curiosity, and hope.

Children taking their first leap of faith in Sketch and Hope

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Saw Pyae Wa, Founder of the Children Development Center since 2015, for warmly welcoming our team. This marks our third community engagement with Pastor Saw, each one bringing renewed excitement and joy to the children under his care. Meme Lwin, our Orphanage Ambassador, expressed the significance of this return visit, sharing:

Every time we return, the children’s faces light up with recognition and comfort. It shows them that they are not forgotten—our presence reminds them that they are valued, supported, and deeply cherished.”

The Foundation is also deeply grateful to Mr. Christope Felix, a French philanthropist who has lived in Myanmar for more than three decades. His generosity and compassionate presence played a pivotal role in making this milestone possible. We also extend sincere thanks to our Intern Bethany Snyder from Pennsylvania, USA, who traveled to Myanmar with the heartfelt intention of encouraging and inspiring orphaned youth. Reflecting on her experience, Bethany shared,

“I’m getting the hang of this!”

Their smiles reminded me that creativity is a universal language—one that brings hope, healing, and connection no matter where we come from.”

Our appreciation further extends to our three dedicated artists, whose passion and guidance created a nurturing and memorable learning environment for every participant. Their commitment to using art as a bridge to confidence and imagination enriched the entire experience.

Artist Than Thar

Artist May San

Artist Han Thar

This initiative underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—promoting Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals. The generous funding that powers the Sketch and Hope initiatives is made possible through the cherished support of our friends, family members, and business partners, whose compassion enables the Foundation to respond swiftly to essential needs and expand educational access for children in care.

Welcoming the First Batch of Children from Gailleo home for Orphan Youths

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to establish a sustainable, ongoing Sketch and Hope learning program at the Galilee Foundation Church and Children’s Home for Orphan Youths, ensuring consistent access to meaningful art education for disadvantaged children. Together, we remain committed to nurturing creativity, unlocking potential, and building opportunities that can transform young lives for generations to come.

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The Foundation proudly announces the first successful #Road2Digital alliance with Alpha Education Center

October 24, 2025 – San Francisco, CA, USA – The collaboration  was made possible through the introduction of Monsieur Christophe Félix, a long-time French philanthropist residing in Myanmar, and his partner Valérie, both of whom share our commitment to expanding access to education.

Founded by Ms. Kim Hnam, a Chin national and Dagon University graduate, Alpha Education Center has provided care and education to underprivileged children for over a decade. Located in Twantay Township, about 50 kilometers from Yangon, the center houses and supports 18 children alongside Ms. Kim’s family, fostering a nurturing environment that encourages both academic and personal growth.

Through the Foundation’s Campaign 3 #Road2Digital initiative, the Foundation—together with KMD Computer Learning Center, a leader in computer education with over 30 years of experience—conducted a three-day basic computer course for 10 students aged 12–17, with participation from a headmaster and Pastor Daniel Van Lal Suan from Joyful Orphanage. Meme Lwin, the Foundation’s Volunteering Program Manager, stayed on-site throughout the program to ensure that lessons delivered by KMD’s professional instructors were accessible and easily followed by all participants.

First Day Computer Basic Lessons

Despite challenges such as heavy rains and intermittent power outages, the program successfully introduced essential digital skills, including MS Office, internet navigation, and email communication, inspiring confidence and curiosity in technology.

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Philip Charlesworth of the USAID-funded Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity (ACDI/VOCA), our B2B partner Mandalay Productions Myanmar, and Ms. Meme Lwin for their generous donations of laptops and air conditioners, which made the computer sessions both possible and comfortable for the children. We also extend special thanks to Mr. Jay Edwin, one of our dedicated Country Orphanage Ambassadors, for his support in issuing the Certificates of Achievement to students who successfully completed the three-day training course. These collective contributions play a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to empower orphanages with practical learning resources and greater digital access.

Commencement of First Day Computer Basic Lessons

One participating student reflected,

“Before this course, I was afraid of using a computer. Now, I feel confident, and it feels like my world is much bigger. I can see new opportunities for learning and for my future.”

This initiative underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable access to quality education. The generous funding that powers the #Road2Digital initiatives is made possible through the cherished support of our friends, family members, and business partners, whose compassion enables the Foundation to respond swiftly to essential needs and expand access to education for children in care.

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to establish a sustainable computer learning program at Alpha Education Center, ensuring continued access to digital education and empowering the next generation to share their knowledge within their local communities.

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The Mary K. Yap Foundation is delighted to share our ongoing partnership with Agape Child Care Home”

Hlegu, Yangon, Myanmar – Agape Child Care Home is a respected organization that has been serving poor, vulnerable, and fatherless children for more than 25 years in Myanmar. Established with a mission to defend and uplift disadvantaged children, Agape Child Care Home has become a safer haven where love, care, and moral guidance are provided to those who need it most. Located in East Dagon Township, the home nurtures dozens of children who come from challenging family and social circumstances, ensuring they receive not only shelter and nutrition but also emotional and spiritual support that helps them rebuild their sense of belonging and confidence.

Children from Agape Child Care Home 

Our collaboration with Agape Child Care Home began in 2024 through the #FirstMovieExperience for Orphaned Children Initiative, one of the Foundation’s flagship programs designed to foster creativity, imagination, and social confidence among children from orphan care communities. During that event, Agape’s children were among the 23 orphanages, totaling more than 1,300 orphaned youths who experienced a day of joy and discovery through film — a project that continues to symbolize our commitment to using creative activities as tools for emotional growth and community building.

The relationship between the Foundation and Agape grew from that experience, forming a foundation of mutual trust and shared vision for empowering the next generation of orphans and vulnerable youth.

Earlier this year in May, the Executive Director of Agape Child Care Home, Mr. K.K. Kap, reached out to the Mary K. Yap Foundation in the midst of a serious emergency situation. The shelter that serves as both the boys’ dormitory and the main dining hall had suffered extensive damage caused by severe wind and heavy rainfall. The roof structure was nearly torn apart, leaving the children dangerously exposed to the elements during Myanmar’s rainy season. At that time, forty-five children were residing in the home — thirty-five boys and ten girls, of whom twenty-four were orphans. The living conditions quickly became unsafe, and the Agape team urgently appealed for immediate support to ensure the children’s health and security.

True to our mission of bringing hope, dignity, and protection to orphaned children, the Mary K. Yap Foundation responded immediately under our Campaign #9 #OrphanRelief Emergency Aid Program. This initiative was created to deliver rapid, practical relief to orphanages and childcare institutions during natural disasters, emergencies, or times of urgent need. The #OrphanRelief campaign was originally launched in September 2024, during the devastating Typhoon Yagi, when the Foundation mobilized emergency assistance to support orphanage communities affected by flooding and property damage. Since then, the campaign has evolved into one of our core humanitarian outreach programs, symbolizing resilience and unity in times of hardship.

Damaged Rooftop where the Children Sleeps

Damaged Floor from the Storm

The Emergency reconstruction work for Agape Child Care Home began on May 24, 2025, with the first phase focusing on replacing the shelter’s damaged rooftop and reinforcing the structure. Once the roof was secured, the project continued with the installation of new flooring, ensuring a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable living environment for the children. The work was successfully completed on June 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in restoring safety and normalcy to the home. The project site is located in Hlegu Township, approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Yangon, or about a 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic and route. The renovated shelter now provides a secure and dignified space for young, orphaned children, allowing them to dine, study, and sleep peacefully regardless of the weather conditions.

The Foundation generously covered the full cost of materials and labor for this crucial project, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to stand beside orphan care communities whenever they face urgent challenges. Through this impactful act of support, we not only repaired a damaged building but also helped rebuild confidence, safety, and a lasting sense of stability for the children who proudly call Agape their home.

Agape Home Children after the Completion of Rooftop Replacement

Reflecting on the impact of the Foundation’s support, Mr. K.K. Kap, Executive Director of Agape Child Care Home, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Your generous donation was such a great help for us, whereby the children are under secure and able to rest with no worry for the leaking roof and the muddy floor.”

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we believe that every child deserves safety, care, and the chance to dream without fear. Our work through the #OrphanReliefs Emergency Aid Program continues to provide hope and immediate assistance to orphanages in need across Myanmar, strengthening the social fabric that supports our nation’s most vulnerable youth. The generous funding that powers the #OrphanReliefs initiatives is made possible through the cherished support of our friends, family members, and business partners, whose compassion enables the Foundation to respond swiftly and effectively whenever disaster strikes.

We invite all caring individuals, organizations, and partners to join us in this journey. Your contributions and collaboration can help expand the reach of our #OrphanRelief initiatives, ensuring that no orphaned child is left without shelter, security, or hope. Together, we can continue to bring light and resilience to the lives of those who need it most.

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The Board of Directors of the Mary K. Yap Foundation would like to extend a tribute to our cherished and respected advocate for orphaned children, Danny Naasei Mainoo, Orphanage Ambassador, who passed away at the age of 76 on June 15, 2025, in Ghana.

OOur partnership with Danny Nanasei Mainoo began with a friendship rooted in shared values and a long-standing commitment to service. Our Board Member, Joseph Jospeh, and Executive Director, Peter K. Yap, had the honor of knowing Danny since 1999—over 25 years of mutual respect and friendship. Danny was not just a colleague but a visionary leader who transformed Clearcel Ghana from a modest contractor specializing in cell site construction into a national leader in shorthaul bridge solutions across riverbanks. His innovation and drive connected isolated communities, overseeing the development of more than 20 bridges that drastically reduced travel time and opened access to essential services and opportunities.

Ambassador Danny on his 75th Birthday with Children from Royal Seed

When Danny joined our Foundation as an Orphanage Ambassador in 2022, he brought with him not only his executive expertise but also a deep compassion for underserved children. Over the past three years, he championed access to clean water for orphanage communities—a cause he carried with great urgency and commitment. His leadership extended beyond infrastructure; he became a messenger of hope for children who had no voice. Danny did not simply advocate for change; he made it happen, tirelessly pushing for better conditions, improved health, and renewed dignity for vulnerable youths in Ghana and beyond.

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#Danny’s presence at the Royal Seed Home in Ghana left an unforgettable mark. He was not only a representative of our Foundation but a fatherly figure to the children—a symbol of care, consistency, and encouragement. His ability to connect on a personal level gave the children a sense of belonging and worth. Whether helping to install a water tank or simply sharing a meal, Danny’s involvement was hands-on and heart-forward. The more than 300 children impacted by his kindness carry forward his legacy in their smiles, their confidence, and their dreams.

As one of our fourteen ambassadors representing nine countries, Danny stood out for his humility and undivided commitment to service. He set a powerful example for what it means to give back—not out of obligation, but out of love. He lived by action, not words, always choosing to lead by doing. His dedication has strengthened the very core of our Orphanage Ambassador Program and left a standard for others to aspire to. Danny leaves behind his devoted wife, accomplished children, and cherished grandchildren who shared in his mission and supported him as he poured his heart into uplifting others.

Danny’s passing on June 24, 2025, is a profound loss for all of us. The Board, the children, and the broader Foundation community mourn the departure of a man whose life embodied generosity, leadership, and faith in humanity. He touched lives not only in Ghana but throughout our international network, and his absence will be deeply felt. Yet, in remembering Danny, we find strength. His light continues to shine in every child who now walks a little farther, dreams a little bigger, and lives a little freer—because of him. We will miss him dearly, and we honor his legacy with gratitude and love.

Chairman’s Year-End Reflections

Dr. John Palmer, Chairman – Mary K. Yap Foundation

As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I reflect with deep gratitude on the incredible milestones the Mary K. Yap Foundation has achieved. After a decade of careful planning, our charity film project—born from a vision to elevate unheard voices—came to life with a nationwide theatrical release this December across 65 cinemas in Myanmar. For more than 1,300 orphaned children, representing over 23 orphanages across the country, this was not just a movie screening—it was their very first experience in a movie theater. This unforgettable moment was made possible through our Partners of Hope project, generously supported by our B2B partners and the exceptional individuals who stepped up to ensure these children could experience the wonder of cinema for the very first time.

Mary K Yap Foundations’ Core Message

Our film’s impact extended far beyond borders. It earned recognition from 11 international film festivals. It was nominated twice for the Audience Choice Award—honors granted by two prominent Asian film festivals in our neighborhood: the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival and the twenty-year-running DisOrient Film Festival in Eugene, Oregon. At the prestigious Monaco Charity Film Festival, we were honored with both Best Picture and Best Story—testaments not only to the power of storytelling, but to the heart and truth behind our mission. This project was never just about a film. It was about igniting compassion and amplifying the voices of orphan children, giving them a global platform to share their hopes and realities.

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.

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Myanmar Premiere of Unbroken Ties aka Myittar Celebrates a Landmark Night of Charity, Cinema, and Community

The Mary K. Yap Foundation, in proud collaboration with Mandalay Productions and a network of esteemed B2B corporate partners, successfully launched the Myanmar country premiere of Unbroken Ties aka Myittar—an award-winning film created with a purpose far beyond entertainment. Held at the prestigious Tamada Movie Theater in Yangon, the 780-seat venue was filled with supporters, family members, and special guests, including 80 orphaned children from our partner home, St. Mary’s. Their presence served as a heartfelt reminder of the film’s mission: to amplify awareness and support for Myanmar’s orphaned communities through the unifying power of storytelling.

Dr. Grace Swe Zin Htaike at the Premiere in Yangon

The red carpet premiere welcomed distinguished members from the Archdiocese of Yangon, Academy Myanmar Award-winning directors, and respected actors and actresses from Myanmar’s entertainment circles. Their attendance elevated the event’s cultural significance and showcased strong intergenerational support for youth empowerment and humanitarian cinema. The event drew the attention of more than 20 prominent media outlets, all eager to document a historic evening dedicated to social impact, artistic achievement, and community unity. Unbroken Ties, aka Myittar, has already garnered critical acclaim internationally, receiving 11 awards across global film festivals—including two Audience Choice Awards—further underscoring its universal resonance and emotional depth.

“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.

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