During the thirty eighth and thirty ninth ASEAN Summit, ASEAN announced the 2021 ASEAN Award to the Mekong Institute for its contribution to promoting ASEAN awareness and strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable development.
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Khon Kaen, Thailand, the Mekong Institute is committed to promoting
ASEAN community constructing has been repeatedly expressed through a spread of opportunities
development programs, research, publications and multi-institutional involvement.
The intergovernmental organization has change into a number one think about the event of regional cooperation and
integration, especially in responding to the priority needs of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This
implements cross-sectoral projects in the sector of development and commercialization of agriculture, trade and commerce
investment facilitation and sustainable energy and environment, thus reflecting great importance
support for the basic principles of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Organization
Development Goals (SDG SDG) Vision 2030.
The role of the ASEAN Prize in promoting public awareness of ASEAN core values and principles
based on the ASEAN Charter was recognized by ASEAN Leaders on the thirty eighth and thirty ninth ASEAN Summit,
under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
on October 26, 2021
In an announcement issued by the chairman, the leaders congratulated the Mekong Institute, a research institute
and community development center based in Khon Kaen, Thailand, winner of the 2021 ASEAN Award,
Recognizing his work to advertise prosperous and harmonious sub-regional development, and
contribution to broader regional cooperation and integration, especially in agricultural development
and commercialization.
In his congratulatory remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi expressed his appreciation
The Mekong Institute’s aspirations to support sustainable development and the way they’ve created a key
strength and driving force for regional economic growth, especially continental ASEAN.
“Their key role in community development and capacity building, publications as well as research and
training programs have helped fill the gap in the region, accelerating equitable growth
an inclusive, cohesive and prosperous ASEAN community,” said Dato Lim. “ASEAN appreciates the Mekong Institute’s 25 years of commitment to this goal and hopes that the award will encourage and
support their further work,” he concluded.
Suriyan Vichitlekarn, executive director of the Mekong Institute, said the award was received with great appreciation
honor on behalf of those that tirelessly advance GMS development and cooperation for a
a stronger ASEAN. He added that the popularity strengthens the Mekong Institute’s determination to work equally
especially in empowering people, connecting partnerships and promoting positive change
in these uncertain times.
“The Mekong Institute stays a steadfast partner in helping people recuperate safely from the pandemic
can thrive in a brand new normal where there’s a brand new level of growth, trust, well-being and deeper feeling
the affiliation will last for a few years,” he said.
The ASEAN Award is an annual honorary regional award presented by the ASEAN Secretariat
ASEAN-based individuals or organizations who’ve demonstrated outstanding work and significant achievements
contributing to community constructing efforts. The winner will receive a cup and a money prize of
USD 20,000 funded by the Temasek Foundation from Singapore and the Hasanah Foundation from Malaysia.
Congratulating the Mekong Institute on being awarded the 2021 ASEAN Prize, Benedict Cheong, Chief
The director of Temasek Foundation International said: “The Mekong Institute joins the list of eminent ones
awardees who were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the ASEAN Community.
The Temasek Foundation is honored to support the ASEAN Prize. Congratulations to all the award winners, including:
Mekong Institute for their commendable efforts and work towards uniting our nations, achieving impact and
make our shared aspirations for a better ASEAN a reality.”
Shahira Ahmed Bazari, Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah, said: “Our warmest congratulations
Mekong Institute. We are very pleased to support the ASEAN Prize and recognize key players in this field
ecosystems that make a big difference, like the Mekong Institute, where many people share knowledge
efforts include, but are not limited to: research related to COVID-19 best management practices. By
ASEAN, we are honored to be part of the recognition and strengthening of capacity building efforts
region and beyond.”
In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, the 2021 awards presentation shall be presented individually.
The fourth edition of the ASEAN Prize shall be held in 2021. In 2018, Erlinda Uy Koe, a Filipina autism advocate,
received the inaugural ASEAN Award for her contribution to fostering an inclusive ASEAN community. IN
The 2019 ASEAN Prize winner was Malaysian humanitarian leader Dr. Jemilah Mahmood
in recognition of its commitment to emergency needs and humanitarian assistance
marginalized and affected population within the region. Last yr, the ASEAN ISEAS Center for Studies –
The Yusof Ishak Institute, a regional research center based in Singapore, received the ASEAN Award for
their long-standing contributions to promoting ASEAN awareness through academic activities and
cooperation with interested parties.
