Myanmar Seismologist Wins 2026 ASEAN Prize
Hla Hla Aung, 79, was recognized for earthquake research and disaster risk reduction at the 49th ASEAN Summit.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Geography
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Myanmar seismologist Hla Hla Aung received the 2026 ASEAN Prize on Sunday during the 49th ASEAN Summit. The award carries a trophy and a $20,000 cash prize.
Why it matters
The regional bloc recognized Aung's work turning earthquake research into preparedness measures for communities. Her approach highlights how scientific findings can reach people directly before and after disasters.
Aung is the ninth recipient of the ASEAN Prize, which carries a trophy and a $20,000 cash award presented at the 49th ASEAN Summit. The bloc now counts 11 member states following Timor-Leste's admission, and the source does not detail how the award funds will be applied.
The players
Hla Hla Aung
A Myanmar seismologist recognized for earthquake studies and disaster risk reduction work with the Myanmar Earthquake Committee.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
A regional intergovernmental organization of Southeast Asian states that awards the ASEAN Prize and now includes 11 member states.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The President of the Philippines, who presented the prize at the summit's opening ceremony.
Kao Kim Hourn
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, who co-presented the prize at the summit's opening ceremony.
The details
Aung, 79, writes articles on earthquakes and prints them for distribution to communities, traveling to affected areas after quakes to share written information. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn presented the prize at the summit's opening ceremony. Aung works with the Myanmar Earthquake Committee on research, public education and coordination with disaster management authorities.
Timeline
Sunday (November 15, 2026): Aung receives the 2026 ASEAN Prize at the 49th ASEAN Summit.
Big Picture
Aung becomes the ninth recipient of the ASEAN Prize, extending the award's record of honoring regional contributions to science and public welfare. The recognition reflects ASEAN's broader emphasis on disaster risk reduction as the bloc expands to 11 member states.
Aung's approach of printing earthquake information and distributing it to communities shows how preparedness knowledge can reach residents directly. Readers in earthquake-prone regions may find her method a practical model for local information sharing.
The takeaway
Turning scientific findings into printed, locally distributed information can make disaster preparedness reachable for people who need it most. Her work shows that accessibility is as important as research itself.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore more in Geography.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tribune.
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