Melissa Yeung-Yap

Melissa, a dedicated social entrepreneur, collaborates with diverse communities, including persons with disabilities, farmers, and indigenous peoples. Her extensive travels and immersive experiences in social development have heightened her interest in cultural heritage and anthropology. Melissa’s artistic focus revolves around “IndiGenius” and “Moderd ARThropology,” celebrating indigenous ingenuity and offering a contemporary perspective on culture and history. Through paintings and sculptures, she encourages reflection on indigenous heritage and promotes a forward-looking mindset with deep respect for the environment, art, and culture.

To address the paradox of poverty amid cultural richness, Melissa founded the Got Heart Foundation in 2007. This foundation serves as a platform for developing sustainable livelihood models, empowering communities to create wealth while preserving their unique cultures.

Melissa’s commitment extends to conducting art therapy sessions for underprivileged children and disaster-affected individuals since the age of 13. Professionally, her artistic work has gained international recognition, with exhibitions held in London, Wales, Vienna, Fukuoka, Singapore, Tokyo, and locally in Manila.