ASEAN Prize 2026: Call for Nominations – Recognizing Regional Contributions

JAKARTA, March 3, 2026 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has formally initiated the nomination process for the 2026 ASEAN Prize, seeking to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to regional integration and community building. The call for nominations, launched today, underscores ASEAN’s commitment to acknowledging impactful work in fostering its identity, strengthening people-to-people connections, and promoting an inclusive and dynamic ASEAN Community.

This year’s prize will be awarded at a key ASEAN ceremony held under the Chairmanship of the Philippines, and comes with a monetary award of US$20,000, generously provided by the Temasek Foundation of Singapore. The ASEAN Prize, now in its ninth iteration, invites nominations from across the region, emphasizing contributions made since the launch of the ASEAN Community on December 31, 2015.

Recognizing Regional Contributions

The ASEAN Prize isn’t simply an award; it’s a regional tribute designed to highlight exemplary achievements. Nominations are encouraged to focus on contributions falling into several key areas, including outstanding collaboration between ASEAN Member States (AMSs), impactful partnerships between ASEAN and the wider world, robust people-to-people engagement within the region, and advancements in economic integration and the promotion of standards among AMSs. Beyond these specific categories, nominations can too highlight other significant contributions to the broader ASEAN Community building process.

Applicants are asked to submit a completed ASEAN Prize 2026 nomination form, providing detailed information on the nominee’s accomplishments and future plans. Supporting documentation is crucial, and a character reference can further strengthen a nomination. Self-nominations and posthumous submissions will not be considered.

The Selection Process and Judging Committee

The judging process is chaired by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and involves a committee comprised of both former and current Secretaries-General of ASEAN. This ensures a comprehensive and experienced evaluation of all nominations. The committee will undertake multiple rounds of assessment to determine the recipient of the 2026 prize.

Last year, under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) received the ASEAN Prize in recognition of their work fostering understanding and awareness of ASEAN through youth-led initiatives. Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim and Dr. Kao Kim Hourn presented the award at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The UYFC’s contributions were lauded for promoting regional cooperation, strengthening mutual understanding, and facilitating peacebuilding among ASEAN youth and their international partners. Temasek Foundation, the prize’s financial sponsor, emphasizes its commitment to uplifting lives and communities in Asia through philanthropic endeavors.

A History of Recognizing Excellence

Since its inception in 2018, the ASEAN Prize has been awarded to a total of eight recipients – four individuals and four organizations – representing diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. This demonstrates ASEAN’s broad definition of impactful contributions and its commitment to recognizing a wide range of achievements. The prize serves as a tangible demonstration of the region’s dedication to celebrating those who have actively contributed to the development of a resilient and integrated ASEAN Community.

Eligibility and Submission Details

To be eligible for the ASEAN Prize 2026, nominees must be citizens of an ASEAN Member State or be based within an ASEAN organization. Submissions must be made through the National Focal Points (NFPs) of each respective ASEAN Member State. The deadline for submissions is May 25, 2026, at 5 PM GMT+7 (Jakarta time). A detailed list of National Focal Points and their contact information is provided below.

The Broader ASEAN Context

The launch of the ASEAN Prize 2026 nomination process occurs within a broader context of increasing regional cooperation and integration. Established in 1967, ASEAN now comprises ten Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. The organization’s core objective is to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The formal establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015 marked a significant milestone, aiming to create a single market and production base, a highly skilled and innovative workforce, and a more connected and resilient ASEAN. The ASEAN Secretariat, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, serves as the central administrative body of the organization.

The ASEAN Prize, isn’t merely a symbolic gesture. It’s a concrete expression of the organization’s values and a vital component of its ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more unified, and more impactful ASEAN Community. The nomination period, running until May 25th, invites stakeholders across the region to identify and celebrate those individuals and organizations who are actively shaping a positive future for Southeast Asia.