ASEANEWS | Nomination opens for $20,000 ASEAN Prize 2026
The ASEAN Prize celebrates and rewards regional excellence. MFAIC
Synopsis: Search begins for Southeast Asia’s most influential leaders and groups who have contributed to the regional community, the best of whom will win a trophy and cash.
.
Now in its ninth edition, the ASEAN Prize honours outstanding achievements that advance the bloc’s identity, deepen people-to-people engagement, and promote an inclusive, dynamic and outward-looking region. The winner will receive a trophy and a $20,000 cash award, sponsored by Temasek Foundation, at a ceremony under the Philippines’ chairmanship.
Nominations are open from March 3 to May 25 and must be submitted through National Focal Points in each member state. Self-nominations and posthumous entries are not accepted.
@[email protected]
.
.
Applicants are encouraged to highlight contributions in areas such as regional collaboration, partnerships with global entities, connectivity, and economic integration. Submissions must include documents demonstrating concrete achievements and a character reference.
The selection process will be overseen by a judging committee chaired by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, comprising both former and current secretaries-general.
In 2025, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) received an award for its efforts to raise awareness and foster cooperation through youth-led initiatives. The organisation was recognised for enhancing regional understanding and supporting peacebuilding. The prize was awarded during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Kim Hourn.
@[email protected]
.
.
Since its 2018 launch, the prize has been awarded to four individuals and four organisations. Eligible nominees must be ASEAN citizens or regional-based organisations and demonstrate measurable impact since the establishment of the ASEAN Community on December 31, 2015.
Ads by:.
.
