Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) announced the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award recipients, recognising three Asian personalities for their outstanding contributions to society and human development.
The 2026 awardees are:
| Awardee | Country | Major Contribution |
| Tommy Koh | Singapore | International law and negotiations for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) |
| Runa Khan | Bangladesh | Empowerment of remote river-island communities through education, healthcare and floating hospitals |
| Bo Kyi | Myanmar | Human rights advocacy and documentation of abuses through the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) |
Contributions of 2026 Awardees
Tommy Koh – Singapore:
A veteran diplomat and legal expert, Tommy Koh was recognised for his contribution to international law and his important role in negotiations that led to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Runa Khan – Bangladesh:
Social entrepreneur Runa Khan has worked to improve the lives of people living in remote river-island communities. Her initiatives have focused on education and healthcare, including the use of innovative floating hospitals to reach communities that are difficult to access.
Bo Kyi – Myanmar:
A human rights defender and former political prisoner, Bo Kyi co-founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The organisation works to document human rights violations and abuses, particularly involving political prisoners.
Ramon Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is regarded as one of Asia’s most prestigious honours and is often described as “Asia’s Nobel Prize.”
The award was created to recognise selfless service, courage, transformative leadership and greatness of spirit in Asia, irrespective of a person’s race, gender or religion. It honours individuals and organisations that address complex societal challenges and contribute significantly to human development.
Background
- The award was established in 1957 by the trustees of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) of New York City.
- It was created with the concurrence of the Philippine government.
- It commemorates Ramon Magsaysay, the 7th President of the Philippines, who died in a plane crash in March 1957.
- The first awards were given in 1958.
- Winners are selected annually by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF).
- Awardees receive an embossed medallion, formal calligraphy certificate and cash grant.
Evolution of Award Categories
From 1958 to 2008, the award followed fixed categories covering different areas of public and social contribution, including:
- Government Service
- Public Service
- Community Leadership
- Journalism, Literature & Creative Communication Arts
- Peace & International Understanding
- Emergent Leadership for individuals aged 40 years or below
From 2009, the Foundation discontinued the fixed-category system, allowing it to assess candidates more flexibly across interconnected areas such as social development, governance, human rights and environmental protection.
The exception is Emergent Leadership, which continues with support from the Ford Foundation.
Selection and Legacy
Laureates are chosen through a rigorous, independent and confidential nomination and vetting process conducted solely by the RMAF Board of Trustees.
Over more than six decades, the award has honoured more than 350 outstanding leaders and organisations across Asia, giving it a significant legacy in recognising transformative work throughout the continent.