BANGKOK, 27 August 2020:
APCOM is proud and excited to announce its 4th edition of the HERO Awards. This year’s celebration will be even more promising and eventful, honouring those active in the LGBT and HIV field throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Khun Joe Chonlawit (left), Pia Wurtzbach former Miss Universe from the Philippines, and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific (right), hosts of the awards night.
Standing for HIV, Equality and Rights, the HERO Awards is an annual gala event set in Bangkok. The award evening shines a light on those who made significant contributions to the HIV response in Asia and the Pacific; and to the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.
This year’s edition includes a new category called COVID-19 Hero. It nominates those who gave an outstanding response to the Coronavirus, more specifically to the health and rights of LGBT people and people affected by HIV, adding a human face to the global crisis.
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Performer from Stranger Bar on the main stage with art auction items on display.
“Solidarity amongst LGBTI people across the world in a time like this when many of us are all isolated in our own space―or sometimes isolated without a safe space, is even more important than ever,” says Candy Yun, co-chair of ILGA Asia’s Executive Board and community partner for the HERO Awards.
“We hope this award will provide an opportunity for everyone―cis or trans, straight or not―to remember their LGBTI friend and family, to reach out and be there for each other. We are in this together and will get out of this together.”
Community members and supporters throughout the APAC region are invited to nominate individuals and organisations across 10 categories: Business Ally, Community
Ally, Community Hero, Community Organisation, COVID-19 Hero, Health & Wellbeing, HIV Hero, Social Justice, Transgender Hero and Young Achiever.
Furthermore, the Shivananda Khan Award for Extraordinary Achievement―which is named in honour of our late founder Shivananda Khan OBE― will be handed out.
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Midnight Poonkasetwattana, APCOM’s Executive Director thanking sponsors and supporters at 2019 HERO Awards.
Midnight Poonkasetwattana, APCOM’s executive director says the success of the last three annual HERO Awards demonstrates that people want to celebrate and be inspired by the extraordinary work of everyday heroes.
“Directly helping others, improving the health and wellbeing of others or inspiring others are all examples of community service,” says Midnight Poonkasetwattana.
“Whether it’s big or small, making a difference in the lives of other people is what defines a hero. In this pandemic time, it is even more important to highlight some of the extraordinary work happening in our region despite the challenging circumstances.”
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Representatives of Community Partners, Lieu Anh Vu (ILGA Asia), Harry Prowobo (APN+), Manhisha Dhakal (APTN) at the 3rd HERO Awards in 2019 hosted by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangkok.
A judging panel―comprising representatives from APCOM’s Regional Advisory Group and Ambassadors, and from community networks APN+, APTN and ILGA Asia―will select three top nominees for each category. One of whom will be chosen as the final award recipient.
“This year, APN+ is glad to partner again with APCOM to support the HERO Awards 2020,” says Harry Probowo, project coordinator of APN+.
“We believe the HERO platform will continue to encourage and empower LGBT+ community to be more responsive, courageous and aggressive to combat HIV in Asia-Pacific.”
If COVID-19 restrictions enable traveling, the award recipient of each HERO Award category will be supported to travel to Bangkok to attend the presentation ceremony.
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Representative from ANZ, Khun Padungdej Indralak (left), receiving the Business Ally award from Khun Runjuan Tongrut (middle) representing the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Australian Ambassador, H.E. Mr Allan McKinnonon (right).
APCOM looks very much forward to celebrating the HERO Awards with you in the midst of pandemic. This year’s HERO Awards will again highlight impactful contributions to the region from the nominees, and adding an unforgettable 4th edition to its annual repertoire, attracting key community representatives from across the region and high profile members of Bangkok’s diplomatic, corporate and entertainment field.
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Let’s celebrate!
Nominations will start Friday, August 7 and close on Monday, August 31. The nomination process is FREE and only takes a few minutes.
Tickets are limited. For more info, please visit: www.HEROawards.asia
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HERO AWARDS NOMINATIONS
To submit a nomination, please click here.
Nominations close on Monday, August 31, 2020
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If you’d like to sponsor our event, or if you would like more information please contact us at: MeiV@apcom.org or +66 2399 1145.
APCOM would like to thank the following partners and sponsors for making this HERO Awards 2020 possible
Media inquiries:
TQPR Thailand
Warin Pattarapatumthong (Audi)
Tel: 0 9 6964 6428
Email: audi@tqpr.com