Three Asian humanitarians honored with prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards
A Singaporean diplomat, a Myanmar democracy activist, and a Bangladeshi aid worker were named this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award recipients.
The Ramon Magsaysay Awards committee announced three laureates: Singapore diplomat Tommy Koh, Myanmar activist Bo Kyi, and Bangladeshi former teacher Runa Khan. Koh, famed for leading the United Nations conference that produced the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, was praised for promoting rule-of-law and peaceful coexistence among maritime nations. Bo Kyi, who has spent decades confronting Myanmar’s military junta, co-founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners to document abuses and aid families of detainees.
Khan, coming from a privileged background, established Friendship Bangladesh in 2002, expanding it to operate hospitals, ship-based clinics and livelihood projects for the nation’s most vulnerable. The awards ceremony will take place at Manila’s Metropolitan Theatre on Nov. 15, where each honoree will receive a medallion, certificate and an undisclosed cash prize. The prize, often likened to Asia’s Nobel, celebrates selfless service across the continent.
Why it matters
The awards highlight individuals whose work advances human rights, international law and poverty alleviation in Asia.
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