Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation announces 2024 Laureates

The Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation has unveiled the five distinguished recipients of this year’s prestigious awards, widely regarded as Asia's equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

The 2024 laureates are:

• Miyazaki Hayao (Japan) - Renowned filmmaker and founder of Studio Ghibli
• Farwiza Farhan (Indonesia) - Environmentalist and social justice advocate
• Karma Phuntsho (Bhutan) - Former monk, scholar, and cultural preservationist
• Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong (Vietnam) - Physician and advocate for Agent Orange victims
• Rural Doctors Movement (Thailand) - Collective of healthcare professionals revolutionizing rural health

Miyazaki Hayao is celebrated for his profound use of animation to explore and elevate the human condition.

His iconic films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke, not only captivate audiences with their storytelling but also carry powerful messages on environmental stewardship, the ravages of war, and the importance of self-empowerment.

"Miyazaki has passed the torch of imagination to the younger generation, inspiring them to see the world with both wonder and responsibility," remarked RMAF trustee Emily Abrera during the announcement.

Farwiza Farhan is honored for her deep commitment to environmental conservation and social justice in Indonesia.

As a leader in the fight to protect Indonesia's rainforests, Farhan co-founded the Forest, Nature, and Environment of Aceh Foundation (HAkA).

Her work has been instrumental in preserving 2.6 million hectares of endangered forest, ensuring that these vital ecosystems continue to benefit both local communities and the global environment.

The foundation recognized her for championing the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, promoting responsible citizenship, and driving impactful change among forest communities.

Karma Phuntsho receives the award for his invaluable contributions to preserving Bhutan's cultural heritage while aligning it with the nation's modern aspirations.

A former monk and scholar, Phuntsho has meticulously documented and digitized Bhutan's intangible cultural heritage, amassing over 3,000 hours of recordings and 4.55 million pages of digital texts, alongside a vast collection of photographs and artifacts.

His efforts have ignited a sense of pride among Bhutanese youth, encouraging them to honor their past while embracing the future.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong is recognized for her unwavering dedication to public health and her courageous efforts to seek justice for the victims of Agent Orange, a toxic chemical used during the Vietnam War.

Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the chemical on countless lives, Dr. Phuong has been a tireless advocate, exposing the truth and providing care for those affected.

"Her work serves as a dire warning for the world to avoid war at all costs, as its tragic repercussions can endure for generations," stated the RMAF.

The Rural Doctors Movement from Thailand is honored for its transformative impact on the nation’s healthcare system.

Since the 1970s, this group of committed physicians has reshaped rural healthcare, addressing the pressing needs of underserved communities and opposing the commercialization of medicine.

"These doctors have not only cared for patients but have also envisioned and enacted reforms that have reshaped Thailand's national health landscape," said RMAF trustee Guillermo Luz.

Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards recognize individuals and organizations across Asia that embody "indomitable greatness of spirit" and have made transformative impacts on millions of lives.

"Our Ramon Magsaysay awardees over the past six decades epitomize what it means to have visions unbound, reimagining the world, creating innovative solutions, and daring to confront the most pressing challenges of our time," said RMAF president Susan Afan.