Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh wins Ramon Magsaysay Award

Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh has been named one of three recipients of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award, an honour established in 1957 to recognise outstanding contributions to Asia. The award ceremony is set to take place at Manila’s Metropolitan Theatre on November 15, where Koh will receive a medallion, an inscribed certificate and an undisclosed cash prize. Koh, 88, is a long-serving Singaporean diplomat and academic, known for his decades-long commitment to international law, diplomacy and public service. Koh’s diplomatic career spans over five decades, during which he held numerous high-profile roles within Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He served as Singapore’s permanent representative to the United Nations and as ambassador to the United States. In 1982, he played a crucial part in concluding the negotiations that led to the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. His involvement in shaping international legal frameworks has left a lasting impact on global maritime governance. In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Koh has contributed significantly to education and public life in Singapore. As the founding rector of Tembusu College at the National University of Singapore, he fostered interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. His influence extends beyond government service into academia, where he has inspired generations of students and scholars. Koh recently stepped down as Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the end of a distinguished career in public service. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation highlighted Koh’s dedication to dialogue, the rule of law and international cooperation. These principles guided his work in fostering peaceful relations among nations, even amid complex geopolitical challenges. The foundation praised his ability to navigate difficult negotiations while upholding ethical standards and promoting mutual understanding. His legacy includes not only formal agreements but also the cultivation of leaders, thinkers and advocates committed to peace and justice. Koh is the fourth Singaporean to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, joining a list that includes former ministers Lim Kim San (1965), Goh Keng Swee (1972) and Tony Tay (2017). Each of these recipients was acknowledged for their transformative impact on society, whether through policy reform, humanitarian efforts or educational innovation. Koh’s recognition underscores Singapore’s ongoing contribution to regional and global initiatives aimed at fostering stability and progress. The other awardees include Bangladeshi teacher Runa Khan and Myanmar activist Bo Kyi. Khan, 67, was honoured for her work with disadvantaged communities in Bangladesh. She founded the organisation Friendship Bangladesh in 2002, which provides essential services to the poorest populations, including healthcare, education and economic empowerment. Her initiative supports over 7,500 people through a network of hospitals, clinics and employment opportunities. Khan’s approach reflects a deep sense of social responsibility, transforming personal privilege into collective benefit. Bo Kyi, 61, is a prominent advocate for human rights in Myanmar. He co-founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in 2000, an organisation dedicated to documenting abuses against political detainees and supporting their families. Despite facing multiple arrests and spending seven years in prison for his activism, Bo Kyi has remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice. His efforts have brought international attention to the plight of political prisoners, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The award acknowledges his unwavering commitment to defending human dignity and democratic values. Both awardees exemplify the spirit of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which celebrates individuals who drive positive change through perseverance, compassion and integrity. Their stories highlight the diverse ways in which people can contribute to societal betterment, whether through grassroots advocacy, institutional leadership or cross-border collaboration. As the award ceremony approaches, the focus remains on the enduring impact of these individuals' work on both local and global scales.