Runa Khan, Tommy Koh and Bo Kyi named 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 01, 2026

Photo courtesy: Ramon Magsaysay Award Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines — Three prominent Asian leaders have been named recipients of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award for their work in humanitarian service, diplomacy, education, health care and human rights.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced Runa Khan of Bangladesh, Tommy Koh of Singapore and Bo Kyi of Myanmar as this year’s laureates on August 31. The award is widely regarded as one of Asia’s highest honors for public service and transformative leadership.

Runa Khan

Bangladeshi social entrepreneur Runa Khan was recognized for her work with Friendship, a nongovernmental organization she founded to serve remote and climate-vulnerable communities.

Friendship began with a hospital ship and later expanded into a broader development model providing health care, education, climate adaptation, livelihood support and other essential services to millions of people living in riverine, coastal and refugee communities.

The organization has also developed movable and climate-resilient infrastructure, including schools that can be relocated when communities are threatened by flooding or river erosion.

Tommy Koh

Singaporean diplomat, lawyer and academic Tommy Koh was honored for decades of work promoting international cooperation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Koh played a major role in negotiations that led to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established a global legal framework governing the use of the world’s oceans and maritime resources.

He has also contributed extensively to academia, public policy and the development of future leaders in Singapore and internationally.

Bo Kyi

Myanmar human rights activist Bo Kyi was recognized for his decades-long advocacy for political prisoners, accountability and democratic rights.

Bo Kyi was arrested following Myanmar’s 1988 pro-democracy demonstrations and spent a total of seven years in prison.

After leaving Myanmar, he co-founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in 2000. The organization has documented arrests, detention and human rights abuses while providing support to political prisoners and their families.

Its work became particularly significant following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, as thousands of people faced arrest and detention amid the military crackdown.

The three laureates bring the total number of Ramon Magsaysay Award recipients to 359.

They will be formally honored during the 68th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies on November 15, 2026 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.