Myanmar Researcher and Disaster Resilience Advocate Receives ASEAN Prize 2026

MANILA, 15 November 2026 - Ms Hla Hla Aung has been named this year's ASEAN Prize recipient, for her tireless work as a regional scientist in a disaster resilience and preparedness in Myanmar. The ASEAN Prize 2026 was conferred at the opening ceremony of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summit today.

President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., joined by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, presented the ASEAN Prize trophy to Ms Aung, a Myanmar-based geologist and seismologist, who also serves as a patron of the Myanmar Earthquake Committee. The ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN Leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries from across the region.

The ASEAN Prize, first awarded in 2018, is administered by the ASEAN Secretariat and catalysed by Temasek Foundation. This year, it is also supported by Ayala Foundation of the Philippines. The ASEAN Prize recognises individuals or organisations whose outstanding contributions have advanced regional cooperation and cultivates the spirit of ASEAN Community-building within the region. The Recipient is awarded the ASEAN Prize trophy and a monetary prize of US$20,000.

Ms Aung is the ninth recipient of this Prize. She is recognised for her steadfast dedication to advancing community-based disaster resilience by bridging scientific research with community empowerment. Her efforts to translate scientific knowledge into practical, community-driven solutions have contributed to enhancing earthquake preparedness, building local capacities, and promoting safer and more resilient communities across Myanmar and the ASEAN region.

In his congratulatory remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, commended Ms Aung's lifelong dedication to advancing region's disaster resilience. He said: "Her remarkable contributions not only support Myanmar communities, but ASEAN's broader priorities in disaster management and sustainable development, which embody the shared aspirations of building a people-centred, people-oriented, and resilient ASEAN Community. She has demonstrated how scientific knowledge, supported by regional collaboration, can translate into tangible and meaningful community initiatives that benefit the people of ASEAN". FINAL Press Release of ASEAN Prize 2026 Awarding Ceremony. Embargoed until 15 November 2026, at 10:00hrs (GMT+8) SG Dr Kao added that "Her exemplary work is a testament to how an individual's dedication, supported by collective action, can deliver positive change and contribute to ASEAN's efforts to build a safer, more inclusive, and resilient future for the region".

Upon receiving the ASEAN Prize 2026, Ms Aung expressed her appreciation, stating, "I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to ASEAN for this recognition. Receiving the ASEAN Prize is a reminder that the true measure of our contributions lies not only in what we achieve, but in the difference we make to the community. At 79 years of age, I have come to appreciate that time is our most precious asset, and how we choose to use it defines our legacy. Throughout my journey as a geologist, researcher, educator, and above all, a mother, I have remained guided by the belief that knowledge must serve humanity. I hope my journey will inspire others to transform their aspirations into meaningful actions that contribute to stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across ASEAN."

Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation stated, "Our heartiest congratulations to Ms Hla Hla Aung for being named the ASEAN Prize 2026 Recipient. Temasek Foundation is proud to support the ASEAN Prize since its inception in 2018. The ASEAN Prize honours those who use their expertise to advance solutions that create lasting positive impact across the region. Ms Aung's contributions showed an inspiring example of dedication and resilience, where we can all collectively contribute towards a more harmonious, resilient, and forward-looking ASEAN community. This aligns deeply with Temasek Foundation's core purpose of Inspiring Lives for Every Generation."

Mr Antonio G Lambino II, President and Trustee of Ayala Foundation, remarked, "For countries like Myanmar and the Philippines, where earthquakes and other natural disasters are a constant reality, preparedness is a shared priority. Ms Aung's work shows the value of bringing scientific expertise closer to communities so they can better understand risks, prepare for disasters, and save lives. We are honored to support the ASEAN Prize in recognizing this important contribution."

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