12Apr2026

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Contacts

HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104         USA

PROJECT OFFICE:                  Pearl Condo, Bldg A, 15 Fl., Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.,      Yangon, Myanmar

hello@marykyapfoundation.org

US: +1 415 991 2030                 US: +1 415 799 8282                    MM: +95 9 977 66 7777

Tag: UnbrokenTies

December-2025-2
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Cinema with a Social Cause

At the Culture and Creative Industries Forum, Cinema with a Cause showcased the transformative power of storytelling when creativity is guided by purpose.

November 30, 2025 – Yangon, Myanmar – At the Culture and Creative Industries Forum, Cinema with a Cause showcased the transformative power of storytelling when creativity is guided by purpose. The session featured Mr. Peter K. Yap, Executive Director of the Mary K. Yap Foundation and Producer of the award-winning film Unbroken Ties, who took the stage to share a compelling success story of how cinema can serve as a bridge between art, compassion, and sustainable social impact.

“Time Out with the Executive Director Mr. Peter Yap”

Addressing an engaged and diverse audience, Mr. Yap illustrated how the Foundation supported a cinematic project that goes beyond entertainment—one that aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Through authentic storytelling rooted in empathy and human connection, Unbroken Ties demonstrated how creative works can raise awareness, inspire action, and generate meaningful outcomes for vulnerable communities, particularly orphan children experiencing the magic of cinema for the first time. His message resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring many to envision how their own creative pursuits could drive positive social change

#The Culture and Creative Industries Forum is a flagship initiative fully funded by the French Government and organized by the French Institute of Myanmar in collaboration with the French Embassy in Yangon. The program is designed to support and empower young Myanmar entrepreneurs across the creative sectors, including dance, music, singing, webtoon creation, digital media, and storytelling. By bringing together emerging talents and industry practitioners, the Forum provides a platform for creatives to share their success stories, exchange ideas, and explore pathways to sustainable growth within the creative economy.

The Nine Impactful Campaigns for Betterment of Orphaned Children 

Stories have the power to move hearts, but when they are created with compassion and responsibility, they can also change lives. I encourage every young creativity to align their talents with purpose and to use storytelling as a force for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” As Mr. Yap concluded in his remarks

In this collaborative and forward-looking environment, the work of the Mary K. Yap Foundation stood as a powerful example of responsible and impact-driven creativity. The Foundation’s support of a successful, socially conscious film encouraged young creatives in attendance to think beyond artistic expression alone—to consider how their work can contribute to the broader global agenda. 

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

A Heartwarming XMas Visit

From Los Angeles to Yangon: A Heartwarming Holiday Visit with Myanmar’s Orphaned Girls

Hwabi, Yangon, Myanmar – Just three days before the most celebrated holiday in the world, the Mary K. Yap Foundation had the heartfelt privilege of visiting Myittarmone Orphanage in Hwabi, Yangon—one of our longest-standing partners, home to over 70 young girls, most of whom are orphans. Spending a day at the orphanage during Christmas week is truly priceless, especially when our visit is led by an army of passionate volunteers whose only mission is to spread love, joy, and laughter. The energy and warmth shared throughout the day made it one of the season’s most unforgettable moments for everyone involved.

Actor Gin Mung at Myittamone Orphanage

This special visit came with delightful surprises that uplifted the spirits of the children in ways words cannot fully describe. Flying in from Los Angeles, Unbroken Ties lead actor Gin Mung and his gracious wife, Cing Cing, made a surprise appearance that drew cheers and smiles from the children. They were joined by Serenitee Ayobamidele Yap, the talented voice behind the film’s original score, adding an extra spark of inspiration. The Foundation’s Executive Director, Peter K. Yap, alongside Orphanage Ambassador Meme Lwin and a dedicated team of eight volunteers, brought a sense of family and celebration to every corner of the orphanage.

In partnership with Unilever, our generous corporate donor, the Foundation provided essential household items such as toothpaste and shampoo—small things that make a big difference in daily life. We also brought freshly prepared rice plates and sweet desserts for all the girls to enjoy, adding a comforting touch to the festivities. Throughout the day, the children engaged in various team games, dancing activities, and lighthearted competitions that created a vibrant and joyful atmosphere, echoing the spirit of Christmas.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day came during small group sessions, where volunteers sat with the girls, divided into groups of eight, to talk about their dreams and aspirations. Each girl shared what she hopes to become when she finishes her studies, whether a teacher, doctor, singer, or artist. These heart-to-heart conversations reminded us of the power of hope and the importance of nurturing dreams. It was a day filled with celebration, connection, and compassion that captured the essence of giving during the holiday season.

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CORPORATE NEWS

A Charity Film Premieres

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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