Bangkok, Thailand – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) hosted a meaningful Day of Service activity in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Cafe.

Ms. Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President, Asia Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Ms. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), led their respective delegations to participate in a charitable bread-baking activity alongside employees with disabilities at the social enterprise bakery.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), welcomed the distinguished guests and facilitated the collaborative activity that brought together international development leaders and persons with disabilities in a shared mission of community service.
The Rockefeller Foundation and TICA teams worked side-by-side with the talented employees with disabilities at APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Cafe, learning the art of bread-making through hands-on experience. Participants kneaded dough and baked fresh bread specifically for donation to students at the Bangkok School for the Blind, demonstrating a spirit of giving and solidarity.

Following the baking session, Ms. Khanna, Ms. Hiam, Mr. Laismit, and their delegations personally delivered the freshly baked bread to the Bangkok School for the Blind. The school's director, teachers, and students warmly welcomed the visitors in a heartfelt and friendly atmosphere, expressing gratitude for the thoughtful donation and the spirit of inclusion it represented.

"This Day of Service exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing disability inclusion and empowerment," said Mr. Piroon Laismit. "We are honored to partner with The Rockefeller Foundation and TICA in demonstrating that meaningful social impact is achieved when we work together across sectors and bring persons with disabilities to the center of our initiatives."

The activity highlighted the success of APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Cafe as a model social enterprise that provides dignified employment opportunities for persons with disabilities while delivering quality products and services to the community.

This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of The Rockefeller Foundation, TICA, and APCD to promoting inclusive development, disability rights, and sustainable inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region.