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WHO WE ARE
Our Team
Sallo Polak
Founder & Executive Director
"This is more than work; it’s the life I’ve passionately signed up for and oddly love."
Originally from the Netherlands, Sallo founded PCF in Thailand in 2011. After years of working in Dutch television, his travels to Southeast Asia gave him the vision of helping local communities in need by providing them with the necessary resources to improve their living conditions and lead dignified lives.
DJ Robertson
Chief Operating Officer
"Our well oiled machine is ensured by a perpetually full coffee machine."
From Scotland. DJ brings a diverse background in corporate business management and wealth of leadership experience to the operational running of PCF.
In addition to managerial expertise, DJ brings knowledge from many years in front-line voluntary work in fields ranging from medicine to life skills education and psychological support for humanitarian and children’s organisations.
Pah Panitnantanakul
Finance and Accounting Manager
She has been working in multicultural environments for around 15 years, primarily in the Thai and international NGO and business sectors. Pah has been crunching numbers as a cost controller in a food chain company and an accounting firm.
Pah has actively engaged in various meaningful initiatives – raising funds to help those in need in the border regions of northern Thailand area; and has contributed to a team dedicated to creating sustainable food sources for wild elephants, ensuring the local community’s food supply remains intact.
Khun Kham Rhur (Khun)
Project Coordinator
"Finding joy in every task, big or small, knowing that every step makes a difference."
Khun, originally from the Pa-Oh ethnic group in Myanmar, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching and Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences. His journey in education began at the grassroots initiatives, teaching in monastic schools, volunteering with local and youth organisations, and supporting students with limited access to quality education.
With over five years of experience in the NGO and education sectors, Khun has developed strong experience in youth empowerment, community development, and educational leadership. His deep passion for education is rooted in a commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Motivated by a desire to expand his impact, Khun joined PCF to continue his mission of empowering youth and supporting marginalised communities. He is inspired by PCF’s focus on sustainable development and education, which closely aligns with his values and offers a meaningful platform to contribute to long-term change.
Soe Thura Aung (Stephan)
Projects Team Manager
"I may look calm, but inside I’m auditioning for a horror movie."
Soe Thura Aung (Stephan), originally from Yangon, Myanmar, is a seasoned specialist in Project Management and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), with extensive experience managing donor-funded projects across Southeast Asia. He has led MEL initiatives for several international humanitarian and development organisations, with a focus on civic engagement, media development, and governance. His work places strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Stephan holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Studies from the Myanmar Institute of Theology and is currently pursuing a weekend Master of Science in Knowledge and Innovation Management at Chiang Mai University.
Motivated by a deep commitment to community empowerment, Stephan joined Philanthropy Connections Foundation (PCF) to support its mission of finding, helping, and empowering people in need. His alignment with PCF’s values, combined with his dedication to driving positive change, makes him a valuable asset to the organisation’s efforts in the region.
Sai Pee (Bee)
Project Coordinator
"Your effort writes your story."
Once a construction worker with a deep passion for learning, Bee pursued his education by studying English and GED in the evenings, eventually earning a BA in International Relations and Development, with a focus on stateless communities in Chiang Mai.
With over four years of hands-on experience supporting migrant children, youth, and stateless individuals in accessing healthcare and education, Bee brings both heart and expertise to his role.
He joins PCF with a strong belief in the power of education and child empowerment, and a personal commitment to creating meaningful change for vulnerable communities.
Adam Lawrence
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
"Keep buggering on!"
Though originally from the UK, Adam spent most of his early life in Portugal and has been working in South East Asia as an English teacher and teacher trainer since 2008. After focusing his MA thesis on migrant students in northern Thailand, Adam decided to settle in Chiang Mai and joined PCF in October 2022.
Krist Inmanee (Ton)
Teams Support Officer
"Live & Learn."
Ton, originally from Bangkok, joined PCF in May 2021. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and administration, he brings a practical skills to his role. His background in hotels, condominium management, and tour booking has given him strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, which he now applies to support the PCF team.
At PCF, Ton plays a role in keeping daily operations running smoothly. He supports team members and sponsors with travel and logistics, manages office maintenance, organises purchasing, and maintains donor and sponsor databases. Ton ensures that the team can focus on their work for day-to-day operations and in the field. Outside of work, he enjoys playing volleyball, games and meditation.
Kanyarat Pinyonitchakul (Kan)
Administrative Officer
"Sending my selfie to NASA, because I’m a star."
Kan, originally from the Karen ethnic community in Thailand, has dedicated over 14 years to working with NGOs before joining PCF. Her experience spans the human rights and environmental sectors, where she has actively supported indigenous networks and ethnic minority groups.
Bringing management, human resources, and interpersonal skills, Kan joined PCF as an Administrative Officer in 2018. She contributes her diverse knowledge to support the organisation’s daily operations and ensures smooth coordination across teams. Kan values working collaboratively with every team member and takes pride in knowing that each donation and every contribution are managed with efficiency and reach the beneficiaries effectively.
Sarawut Pengsannoo (O)
Communications Officer
"We rise by lifting others."
O, from Thailand, joined PCF with a strong belief that opportunity is the first step towards improving futures. He sees quality and equity in education as the foundation for building knowledge and skills for the future, believing that everyone has the right to access education regardless of race, gender, or age.
O is passionate about working with PCF because its mission and vision align closely with his professional goals. He brings experience from both business and humanitarian work to the organisation through impactful communications skill. Using his voice to advocate for those who are often unheard, O shares stories that inspire change and raise awareness about the people and communities PCF supports.
Zaw Moon Ra (Arra)
Communications Team Manager
"Be yourself, unless you harm others."
Arra, of Kachin ethnicity from Myanmar, graduated with a BA in International Relations and Development, focusing on youth migration study in Myanmar. With two years of experience in political and social research in Kachin State, and helping grow small business owners from rural areas at a social enterprise in Yangon, Myanmar, he is passionate about empowering others and serving underprivileged communities.
Arra is delighted to join PCF as he is driven by a desire to create meaningful change through educational and economic empowerment initiatives.
Phong Changyue
Media Officer
"Su su."
Phong, a native of the picturesque hill tribe region of Chiang Rai, Thailand, is a passionate individual with a profound educational background in Social Sciences. His academic journey provided him with a strong research foundation, particularly in the realms of humanitarian and environmental issues.
Throughout his life, Phong has aspired to bring about positive change, driven by his understanding of social sciences and a compassionate heart. His unwavering dedication to creating a better world through his work in humanitarian and environmental fields has made him a remarkable force for change and an inspiration to those around him.
Saw Kyaw Soe Win (Win)
Programme Officer
"If my smile brightens your day, I wish you have a great day."
From nearly dropping out of school in Myanmar, Win completed high school as a novice in a monastic school and later earned his first bachelor’s degree in Geography from Yangon University of Distance Education, supporting himself through work with an NGO and strong determination. He went on to complete a second bachelor’s degree in Teaching at Asia-Pacific International University and holds a Master’s in Social Innovation and Sustainability from Thammasat University in Thailand.
Win began as a volunteer English teacher in a Monastic Summer English Programme. Since then, he has supported young people as a mentor, helping Myanmar youth with university admissions and scholarship preparation in Thailand. He has worked on women’s empowerment with local NGOs and youth development with international organisation. His years of teaching at an international school strengthened his passion in the power of education, leading him to join PCF to lend a helping hand to vulnerable communities while promoting long-term educational impact.
Din
Chief Morale Officer (CMO)
"Why work when you can nap?"
Born in the leafy comforts of Chiang Rai and raised in the bustling streets of Chiang Mai, Din is no ordinary team member. Son of the revered Pooklook and Ninee, and brother to the equally notable Hin and Namtan, Din comes from a distinguished lineage.
Din’s mornings start with a hearty serving of moo ping (strictly no substitutions). A lover of people, Din enjoys soaking up attention like a sponge, belly rubs, in particular, are the fastest way to win his respect and admiration.
Din is the life of any canine playgroup and always ready for fun with his fellow four-legged friends. Special skills? Expert manipulator of the PCF team, fly-hunting ninja, and, of course, providing top-notch emotional support.