Nominations Open For Harmony In Diversity Award Honouring Peacebuilders In The Region

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Nominations are now open until Dec 31 for the Harmony in Diversity Award, a new initiative that honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting social cohesion and cultural harmony across Southeast Asia.

Singapore’s former President and Patron of the award, Halimah Yacob, said the award, presented by Temasek Foundation in collaboration with the 5P Global Movement, is a recognition of those who have chosen to bridge divides in the region and to inspire more initiatives.

“Social harmony does not happen by chance. It is built, nurtured, and protected. It must not be taken for granted. In times of uncertainty, we should not be daunted. We should continue to build bridges across divides and walk alongside one another,” she said when launching the award here, Friday.

Halimah said the award is part of a larger effort to build social cohesion. She called for the involvement of all stakeholders to take steps in fostering mutual trust and understanding in the community to maintain peace and harmony.

Temasek Foundation and 5P Global Movement, in a statement, said the award is open to citizens of Southeast Asia who have driven impactful and innovative initiatives to advance social harmony in their communities.  

Nominations must be submitted by organisations, such as non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, businesses, or governments.

“Eligible nominees must show a commitment to fostering social cohesion through initiatives that are relevant, innovative and impactful,” the statement said.

Individuals will be evaluated based on the R.A.I.S.E. framework, which considers relevance to the challenges in fostering harmony; alignment with the values of peace, prosperity, people, planet and partnership; innovation in approach or concept; significance of demonstrated community impact; and the ability to elevate and improve lives and foster belonging.

Nominations will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of regional leaders comprising Berjaya Corporation Bhd non-independent non-executive chairman Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim, Indonesia’s former Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, the Philippines’ Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Frasers Property Ltd Group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, and Temasek Foundation’s CEO Ng Boon Heong.

The awardee will receive US$20,000, a trophy, and a platform to showcase their work at a regional event attended by peacebuilders, thought leaders, and multi-sector representatives.  

For more information and submission details, email secretariat@5pglobal.org.  

-- BERNAMA