Field Officer Appreciation Awards

Every year, the Foundation invites partner organizations to participate in the Field Officer Appreciation Awards to honor their front line field staff who are working directly with entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers. Field officers often travel daily to villages and homes of their clients as a key part of building a bond with the entrepreneurs helping to ensure their success.

This means long days in the field, unexpected dangers or obstacles and putting in overtime to help a client that may need some extra mentorship or support to succeed. We extend our appreciation to all our stakeholders, partners, and especially the field officers for supporting entrepreneurs around the world. All winners will receive certificates and cash prizes.

Asia & Pacific Region Winners

  • Asril Pandi is a field officer who manages 227 clients in Bener Meriah Branch, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Pandi, his nickname, has worked in KOMIDA since 2019. He initiated to approach clients with inadequate sanitation to access the sanitation loan in KOMIDA. He analyses his clients' needs about sanitation through his visit to their home. Pandi also support his clients who wants to send their children to school. He's glad that his clients can have a private bathroom in their home and their children can have access to education.

    In his 6 years work-journeys at KOMIDA, Pandi also testifies that one of his clients improved their economic life, from fisherman’s wife who needed to borrow their fishing gear before joining KOMIDA and now she can have her own fishing gear, she even has a motorcycle.

    In his own words: “When I visited my clients’ home in Bener Meriah Branch, I found many clients to have inadequate sanitation, such as did not have a septic tank. I decide to prioritize the socialization about sanitation loan in KOMIDA. I know that the sanitation is important and this loan can help my clients to have their own toilet with septic tank. I think that It’s useless to have money but cannot access the adequate sanitation.”

  • Since 2019, Lo Thi Thao has been a Credit Community Officer at the Muong Ang branch in Dien Bien province — a region known for its rugged area and persistent challenges. In 2024, due to the rotation policy of Anh Chi Em (ACE), Thao has changed to a much more remote commune, with a poverty rate of 29.41% (data as of December 2024 from authorities) and many dirt roads. Despite the hardships and the initial discouragement from locals who had lost hope in agriculture due to diseases, Thao refused to yield by going door-to-door, bringing compassion and persistence into every conversation.

    Her unwavering efforts have convinced about 50% of inactive and new beneficiaries whom she promoted to believe again and join ACE. Her key is never giving up, even when faced with repeated rejections. Her discipline is one of her characteristics that contribute to ACE’s success, particularly in delinquency management. To avoid using a loan for the wrong purposes that leads to delinquency, Thao is always stringent in the loan application (LA) appraisal process. Hence, her managers usually approve the LA without asking or requesting additional documents. When she first took charge of her new commune, the PAR 30 rate stood at 0.21% but she brought it down to 0% just within 6 months - and it has remained there ever since. To do that, she has made a good plan to follow up partners (ACE calls beneficiaries partners, as we respect their role in the development) who have the possibility of delinquency to identify their problems and support them timely.

    Currently, she supports 275 partners with a 100% repayment rate, a testament to her effort. Having once managed 435 partners, and her managers believe that she can do even more in this commune. After being evaluated across 12 rigorous criteria by ACE’s management committee, Thao earned the highest score, proving why she is being re-nominated for this award.

    In her own words: “In charge of this new commune, I found many difficulties in both increasing partners and the tough conditions. However, I receive much support from my colleagues and my family so I can concentrate on my work. From the rice project in my previous commune, I learnt some agricultural knowledge about making compost from ACE’s agricultural worker. I saw that compost is very effective in the field so I share it with my partners in this commune who raise cattle and pigs. About 20% of partners have applied and shared with me that they can make use of agricultural waste, save input cost and see better quality in their lands and crops. It is enough to make me feel happy. Partner’s smile helps me overcome all difficulties. Every challenge I face now feels manageable, knowing that even small efforts can lead to a big, meaningful impact. Receiving this award from Whole Food in2023 has helped me remain my endurance and motivated me to work better to deserve this award”

  • Since 2019, Lo Thi Thao has been a Credit Community Officer at the Muong Ang branch in Dien Bien province — a region known for its rugged area and persistent challenges. In 2024, due to the rotation policy of Anh Chi Em (ACE), Thao has changed to a much more remote commune, with a poverty rate of 29.41% (data as of December 2024 from authorities) and many dirt roads. Despite the hardships and the initial discouragement from locals who had lost hope in agriculture due to diseases, Thao refused to yield by going door-to-door, bringing compassion and persistence into every conversation.

    Her unwavering efforts have convinced about 50% of inactive and new beneficiaries whom she promoted to believe again and join ACE. Her key is never giving up, even when faced with repeated rejections. Her discipline is one of her characteristics that contribute to ACE’s success, particularly in delinquency management. To avoid using a loan for the wrong purposes that leads to delinquency, Thao is always stringent in the loan application (LA) appraisal process. Hence, her managers usually approve the LA without asking or requesting additional documents. When she first took charge of her new commune, the PAR 30 rate stood at 0.21% but she brought it down to 0% just within 6 months - and it has remained there ever since. To do that, she has made a good plan to follow up partners (ACE calls beneficiaries partners, as we respect their role in the development) who have the possibility of delinquency to identify their problems and support them timely.

    Currently, she supports 275 partners with a 100% repayment rate, a testament to her effort. Having once managed 435 partners, and her managers believe that she can do even more in this commune. After being evaluated across 12 rigorous criteria by ACE’s management committee, Thao earned the highest score, proving why she is being re-nominated for this award.

    In her own words: “In charge of this new commune, I found many difficulties in both increasing partners and the tough conditions. However, I receive much support from my colleagues and my family so I can concentrate on my work. From the rice project in my previous commune, I learnt some agricultural knowledge about making compost from ACE’s agricultural worker. I saw that compost is very effective in the field so I share it with my partners in this commune who raise cattle and pigs. About 20% of partners have applied and shared with me that they can make use of agricultural waste, save input cost and see better quality in their lands and crops. It is enough to make me feel happy. Partner’s smile helps me overcome all difficulties. Every challenge I face now feels manageable, knowing that even small efforts can lead to a big, meaningful impact. Receiving this award from Whole Food in2023 has helped me remain my endurance and motivated me to work better to deserve this award”

  • Yamone Nwe, Credit Officer at the Thazi Branch of BRAC Myanmar Microfinance Company Limited, has exemplified dedication and resilience since her inception time joining the organization in 2022. Yamone has maintained an excellent portfolio at 0% PAR while managing over 600 clients, including 24 PWDs, with a loan portfolio totaling over 219 million MMK.  This is proof of her mindful work ethic and commitment to client success. Yamone was raised in a family where she shared responsibilities with her mother from a young age, Yamone developed a deep sense of empathy and accountability. These values continue to guide her professional journey. Through her role, she has come to appreciate the critical role women play in managing household finances, and she actively supports their empowerment in both her daily work and broader community engagement. ​

    One of Yamone’s most impactful contributions has been through her involvement with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Project. Recognizing the untapped potential within this marginalized group, she proactively identified and nurtured income-generating opportunities for persons with disabilities. Her efforts didn’t stop at the individual level. Yamone’s inclusive approach fostered broader community support, transforming mindsets and encouraging others to see ability beyond disability. Her compassionate leadership extended to organizing capacity-building trainings, enabling participants to gain financial independence and self-confidence.

    As a result, new pathways for meaningful employment and social inclusion emerged , touching not only the lives of PWDs but also their families and the community at large.

    In her own words:  “As a proud representative of BRAC, Yamone believes that building inclusive societies begins with recognizing and nurturing the potential of every individual. She views microfinance institutions like BRAC Myanmar MFCL as crucial agents of this change, bridging opportunity gaps and empowering marginalized groups. Yamone takes deep pride in her role, working for an organization that champions diversity and actively promotes inclusive community development.”

  • Dipendra is with Nirdhan for over 10 years now, who joined on December 31, 2014 and serving at Sripur Branch, Parsa since January 24, 2023. He has taken the challenge in serving the border district characterized with decades-old superstition. ​

    Convincing the down-trodden and deprived women in grouping together towards envisioning and realizing their economically sound future entails persistent effort that Dipendra has achieved over these years. He is outgoing, extrovert and passionate on clients’ business, clients’ economic development and also serious in achieving the targets. Continuous education of the member/clients including financial literacy, business literacy and periodic counselling and guidance to them is the hall-mark of his success in the field. His working strategy is an examples for our organizations.

    In his own words: “Nirdhan Utthan – uplifting poor economically and socially – is the best institution in the industry contributing significantly towards poverty reduction and women empowerment through reaching-out to far-flung locations not ventured out by other institutions. The institution regular effort to development of its poor clients as well as staffs. It has ensured efficient operation with modest office setting including at its head office. This modesty and simplicity is binding me in serving the Nirdhan clients morally in the rural field.”

  • Asril Pandi is a field officer who manages 227 clients in Bener Meriah Branch, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Pandi, his nickname, has worked in KOMIDA since 2019. He initiated to approach clients with inadequate sanitation to access the sanitation loan in KOMIDA. He analyses his clients' needs about sanitation through his visit to their home. Pandi also support his clients who wants to send their children to school. He's glad that his clients can have a private bathroom in their home and their children can have access to education.

    In his 6 years work-journeys at KOMIDA, Pandi also testifies that one of his clients improved their economic life, from fisherman’s wife who needed to borrow their fishing gear before joining KOMIDA and now she can have her own fishing gear, she even has a motorcycle.

    In his own words: “When I visited my clients’ home in Bener Meriah Branch, I found many clients to have inadequate sanitation, such as did not have a septic tank. I decide to prioritize the socialization about sanitation loan in KOMIDA. I know that the sanitation is important and this loan can help my clients to have their own toilet with septic tank. I think that It’s useless to have money but cannot access the adequate sanitation.”

  • Since 2019, Lo Thi Thao has been a Credit Community Officer at the Muong Ang branch in Dien Bien province — a region known for its rugged area and persistent challenges. In 2024, due to the rotation policy of Anh Chi Em (ACE), Thao has changed to a much more remote commune, with a poverty rate of 29.41% (data as of December 2024 from authorities) and many dirt roads. Despite the hardships and the initial discouragement from locals who had lost hope in agriculture due to diseases, Thao refused to yield by going door-to-door, bringing compassion and persistence into every conversation.

    Her unwavering efforts have convinced about 50% of inactive and new beneficiaries whom she promoted to believe again and join ACE. Her key is never giving up, even when faced with repeated rejections. Her discipline is one of her characteristics that contribute to ACE’s success, particularly in delinquency management. To avoid using a loan for the wrong purposes that leads to delinquency, Thao is always stringent in the loan application (LA) appraisal process. Hence, her managers usually approve the LA without asking or requesting additional documents. When she first took charge of her new commune, the PAR 30 rate stood at 0.21% but she brought it down to 0% just within 6 months - and it has remained there ever since. To do that, she has made a good plan to follow up partners (ACE calls beneficiaries partners, as we respect their role in the development) who have the possibility of delinquency to identify their problems and support them timely.

    Currently, she supports 275 partners with a 100% repayment rate, a testament to her effort. Having once managed 435 partners, and her managers believe that she can do even more in this commune. After being evaluated across 12 rigorous criteria by ACE’s management committee, Thao earned the highest score, proving why she is being re-nominated for this award.

    In her own words: “In charge of this new commune, I found many difficulties in both increasing partners and the tough conditions. However, I receive much support from my colleagues and my family so I can concentrate on my work. From the rice project in my previous commune, I learnt some agricultural knowledge about making compost from ACE’s agricultural worker. I saw that compost is very effective in the field so I share it with my partners in this commune who raise cattle and pigs. About 20% of partners have applied and shared with me that they can make use of agricultural waste, save input cost and see better quality in their lands and crops. It is enough to make me feel happy. Partner’s smile helps me overcome all difficulties. Every challenge I face now feels manageable, knowing that even small efforts can lead to a big, meaningful impact. Receiving this award from Whole Food in2023 has helped me remain my endurance and motivated me to work better to deserve this award”

  • Yamone Nwe, Credit Officer at the Thazi Branch of BRAC Myanmar Microfinance Company Limited, has exemplified dedication and resilience since her inception time joining the organization in 2022. Yamone has maintained an excellent portfolio at 0% PAR while managing over 600 clients, including 24 PWDs, with a loan portfolio totaling over 219 million MMK.  This is proof of her mindful work ethic and commitment to client success. Yamone was raised in a family where she shared responsibilities with her mother from a young age, Yamone developed a deep sense of empathy and accountability. These values continue to guide her professional journey. Through her role, she has come to appreciate the critical role women play in managing household finances, and she actively supports their empowerment in both her daily work and broader community engagement. ​

    One of Yamone’s most impactful contributions has been through her involvement with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Project. Recognizing the untapped potential within this marginalized group, she proactively identified and nurtured income-generating opportunities for persons with disabilities. Her efforts didn’t stop at the individual level. Yamone’s inclusive approach fostered broader community support, transforming mindsets and encouraging others to see ability beyond disability. Her compassionate leadership extended to organizing capacity-building trainings, enabling participants to gain financial independence and self-confidence.

    As a result, new pathways for meaningful employment and social inclusion emerged , touching not only the lives of PWDs but also their families and the community at large.

    In her own words:  “As a proud representative of BRAC, Yamone believes that building inclusive societies begins with recognizing and nurturing the potential of every individual. She views microfinance institutions like BRAC Myanmar MFCL as crucial agents of this change, bridging opportunity gaps and empowering marginalized groups. Yamone takes deep pride in her role, working for an organization that champions diversity and actively promotes inclusive community development.”

  • Karunainathan Vinoth joined BMIC in 2019 as a Micro Investment Facilitator. He got two promotions and currently working as a Micro Investment Adviser at the Chenkalady branch in Batticaloa District, where he manages 837 borrowers with a loan portfolio of LKR 78,617,258 (approximately USD 262,693), maintaining a PAR of 0%. All 837 clients are enrolled in a savings scheme, with a total savings amount of LKR 5,045,639 (approximately USD 17,039.35).

    He is a mission-focused individual, closely connected to the members of his groups, and works relentlessly to improve the lives of the community he serves. Going beyond his role, he has supported a financial grant of LKR 5,000 (per family) provided by BMIC for 34 flood affected client families during 2024 to assist the difficult time of his client’s needs. His supervisor praises his transparent, dedicated, and respectful conduct.

    In his own words: “It gives me immense happiness to see my clients succeed and lead happy lives through microfinance solutions. For instance, Mrs. Mehala Ahastin Dimal, who lives in Thanamunai village and earns a modest income by making and selling mixer products, came to me for her first loan of LKR 30,000. She also received Financial Literacy training, IYB (Record Keeping) training, and participated in exposure visits, all of which have helped improve her business.​

    Currently, she is in her fifth loan cycle, with a loan amount of LKR 350,000. She now employs four women in her business. From her monthly income, she fully supports the educational needs of her children, who are in Grades 12 and 7, as well as other family expenses.​

    Being in a position to provide such microfinance support and witnessing my clients transform their lives—like Mrs. Mehala—brings me great joy.”

  • Asril Pandi is a field officer who manages 227 clients in Bener Meriah Branch, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Pandi, his nickname, has worked in KOMIDA since 2019. He initiated to approach clients with inadequate sanitation to access the sanitation loan in KOMIDA. He analyses his clients' needs about sanitation through his visit to their home. Pandi also support his clients who wants to send their children to school. He's glad that his clients can have a private bathroom in their home and their children can have access to education.

    In his 6 years work-journeys at KOMIDA, Pandi also testifies that one of his clients improved their economic life, from fisherman’s wife who needed to borrow their fishing gear before joining KOMIDA and now she can have her own fishing gear, she even has a motorcycle.

    In his own words: “When I visited my clients’ home in Bener Meriah Branch, I found many clients to have inadequate sanitation, such as did not have a septic tank. I decide to prioritize the socialization about sanitation loan in KOMIDA. I know that the sanitation is important and this loan can help my clients to have their own toilet with septic tank. I think that It’s useless to have money but cannot access the adequate sanitation.”

  • Since 2019, Lo Thi Thao has been a Credit Community Officer at the Muong Ang branch in Dien Bien province — a region known for its rugged area and persistent challenges. In 2024, due to the rotation policy of Anh Chi Em (ACE), Thao has changed to a much more remote commune, with a poverty rate of 29.41% (data as of December 2024 from authorities) and many dirt roads. Despite the hardships and the initial discouragement from locals who had lost hope in agriculture due to diseases, Thao refused to yield by going door-to-door, bringing compassion and persistence into every conversation.

    Her unwavering efforts have convinced about 50% of inactive and new beneficiaries whom she promoted to believe again and join ACE. Her key is never giving up, even when faced with repeated rejections. Her discipline is one of her characteristics that contribute to ACE’s success, particularly in delinquency management. To avoid using a loan for the wrong purposes that leads to delinquency, Thao is always stringent in the loan application (LA) appraisal process. Hence, her managers usually approve the LA without asking or requesting additional documents. When she first took charge of her new commune, the PAR 30 rate stood at 0.21% but she brought it down to 0% just within 6 months - and it has remained there ever since. To do that, she has made a good plan to follow up partners (ACE calls beneficiaries partners, as we respect their role in the development) who have the possibility of delinquency to identify their problems and support them timely.

    Currently, she supports 275 partners with a 100% repayment rate, a testament to her effort. Having once managed 435 partners, and her managers believe that she can do even more in this commune. After being evaluated across 12 rigorous criteria by ACE’s management committee, Thao earned the highest score, proving why she is being re-nominated for this award.

    In her own words: “In charge of this new commune, I found many difficulties in both increasing partners and the tough conditions. However, I receive much support from my colleagues and my family so I can concentrate on my work. From the rice project in my previous commune, I learnt some agricultural knowledge about making compost from ACE’s agricultural worker. I saw that compost is very effective in the field so I share it with my partners in this commune who raise cattle and pigs. About 20% of partners have applied and shared with me that they can make use of agricultural waste, save input cost and see better quality in their lands and crops. It is enough to make me feel happy. Partner’s smile helps me overcome all difficulties. Every challenge I face now feels manageable, knowing that even small efforts can lead to a big, meaningful impact. Receiving this award from Whole Food in2023 has helped me remain my endurance and motivated me to work better to deserve this award”