Myanmar geologist Hla Hla Aung receives 2026 ASEAN Prize
The 79-year-old researcher was recognised in Manila for her work on earthquake preparedness and community disaster resilience.
Myanmar geologist and seismologist Hla Hla Aung received the 2026 ASEAN Prize during the opening of the bloc’s 49th summit in Manila. The award recognised her lifelong work helping communities in Myanmar and Southeast Asia prepare for earthquakes and strengthen disaster resilience.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the 2026 ASEAN Chair, presented the honour alongside ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn at the Philippine International Convention Center. Hla Hla Aung is the prize’s ninth recipient since it was established in 2018.
A researcher, educator and patron of the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, Hla Hla Aung told the ceremony that contributions should be judged by their impact on communities, not achievements alone. At 79, she said, she remained guided by the belief that knowledge should serve humanity.
The prize includes a trophy and US$20,000. It is administered by the ASEAN Secretariat and Singapore’s Temasek Foundation, with additional support in 2026 from the Philippines’ Ayala Foundation. Kao Kim Hourn praised her initiatives as a model for regional cooperation and linked them to ASEAN’s goal of building a resilient, people-focused community.
