What's Up With Pornthip ?

Bui Simon ( previously known as Pornthip Nakhirunkanuk ), founder of the Angels Wings Foundation International, which provides schools, healthcare and other support for needy children in Thailand, said that helping students reach their full potential will be her primary goal as a member of the Pepperdine University Board of Regents.

Mrs. Simon, a Malibu resident and Pepperdine graduate, was one of four new members elected to the 40-member Board of Regents. She will officially joined the Board on July 1, 2010.


“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve the faculty and students of my Alma Mater as a member of the Board of Regents,” said Mrs. Simon. “The Angels Wings Foundation believes that every child is an angel and deserves wings to fly to their fullest potential. I look forward to extending this principle to the Pepperdine student body as I work with the Regents to further the educational goals of this great university.”



A native of Thailand and the 1988 Miss Universe, Mrs. Simon is the wife of Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon, who is a founder of Simon Property Group, Inc., the largest owner of shopping malls in the United States.

But she is best known for her decades of work helping needy children. She was awarded the Thai Royal Medal of Honour by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1988 and later that year was named United Nations Goodwill Ambassador of Thailand because of her work helping impoverished children.

In 2002, Mrs.Simon founded the Angels Wings Foundation to build and fund schools and
orphanages and supply healthcare for underprivileged children in Thailand.