ASEAN Prize 2021 | call for nominations

ASEAN has launched its call for nominations for ASEAN Prize 2021. Now in its fourth year, the prestigious regional award acknowledges outstanding ASEAN citizens or ASEAN-based organisations who have made exceptional contribution and shown exemplary work in strengthening the ASEAN community building, promoting regional integration, fostering inclusivity and raising ASEAN awareness.

The Community Affairs Director of ASEAN Secretariat Lee Yoong Yoong, who oversees the ASEAN Prize administration, said: “After a challenging 2020, ASEAN Prize 2021 is an opportunity to celebrate the indomitable spirit of ASEAN citizens in helping to improve our lives as a community. We hope to identify and recognise another ASEAN champion to inspire the region as we journey together towards post-pandemic recovery.”

According to the rules, the nomination should be submitted by at least one reference. Submissions must include the summary or highlights of the nominee’s achievements and relevant supporting documents since the launch of the ASEAN Community on 31 December 2015.

The Judging Committee, chaired by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato Lim Jock Hoi, and his predecessors, will review the nominations and select the ASEAN Prize 2021 Recipient, who will receive the ASEAN Prize trophy to be presented at the 54th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, and a US$20,000 cash prize. The ASEAN Prize is supported by Temasek Foundation, Singapore and Yayasan Hasanah of Malaysia.

Since its establishment, ASEAN Prize has been awarded to three recipients. In 2018, Erlinda Koe from the Philippines was the Prize’s inaugural recipient in recognition of her efforts to build an inclusive ASEAN Community by raising awareness on autism. The following year, Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, an ardent humanitarian leader from Malaysia, received the Prize for her contributions in championing humanitarian responses across the region and the world. Last year, the ASEAN Studies Centre from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute of Singapore was awarded the Prize for their long-standing work in promoting regional integration in ASEAN.

Award Nomination and Eligibility for ASEAN Prize 2021

• Nomination starts on 1 February 2021.
• The nominee must be an ASEAN citizen or an ASEAN-based organisation.
• The nominee must produce valid/verifiable documents, and highlight his/her achievements and impact on ASEAN since the launch of the ASEAN Community in 31 December 2015.
• The nominee should also share future plans in continuing the work after winning the Prize.
• All nominations must be submitted to the respective ASEAN National Focal Points by 23 April 2021 (Friday) at 5pm (Jakarta time).

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967 and constitutes ten Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established, encompassing the political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Please submit nominations to your respective National Focal Point (see website). The ASEAN Prize 2021 nomination form can be downloaded at https://asean.org/asean-prize/.