Press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Strength in Solidarity: Brilliant Night as the 8th HERO Awards Honours 20 Individuals and Organisations from Across Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok, 3 December 2024—The HERO Awards is APCOM’s annual fundraising event in Bangkok, which acknowledges outstanding HIV and LGBTQI advocates and allies from across Asia and the Pacific. Over 350 guests gathered to honor exceptional individuals, organisations and allies working on LGBTQI+ human rights and HIV advocacy at the HERO Awards 2024. The event, hosted by the Irish Embassy in Thailand, took place late last month in November 2024 in Bangkok.
The event was opened by H.E. Mr. Patrick Bourne, the Ambassador to Thailand. He shared, “LGBTQI+ communities across the Asia-Pacific region continue to be subject to oppression and discrimination. HIV and AIDS remain a huge threat.The HERO Awards recognize the important work being done by brave advocates and activists, to raise their struggle and be part of the struggle to make change happen. They’re an opportunity for us to come together, to learn from each other and to find strength in solidarity.”
The theme was “Strength in Solidarity,” highlighting that our community is strongest when we stand together and support one another’s causes. This electric night was full of celebration and joy as our guests, representing over twenty countries worldwide, gathered to honor community activists, recharge at the HERO PARTY BKK, and network with various stakeholders, including diplomatic missions, government, community organizations, private sector, academics, media and allies.
Individuals and organizations from across Asia and the Pacific were honoured at the HERO Awards ceremony, witnessed by Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions from ten countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Timor-Leste, UK, and community representatives from 50 organizations and 12 countries across the region who attended the APCOM Community Summit 2024. Award Recipients across categories were from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, The Philippines and Thailand. Annually, three awards are proudly selected by community partners: Community Hero by ILGA Asia; Transgender Hero by APTN and HIV Hero by APN+.
The HERO Awards Recipients 2024 are as follow:
Henry Tse, Hong Kong, Transgender Hero
Tashi Tsheten, Bhutan, Community Hero
Seum Sophal, Cambodia, HIV Hero
Kwee Vien Tanjung, LBQ Award
Alisha Fernando, Hong Kong, Business Ally
Cattreeya Thithiwongsawet, Thailand, Business Ally
Noboprobhaat Foundation, Bangladesh, Community Organisation
Akshay Tyagi, India, Community Ally
Aaditya Rai, Nepal, Social Justice
Tseveenravdan Tsogbat, Mongolia, Young Achiever Dr. Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan, The Philippines, Health and Wellbeing
Kamolset Kanggarruar, Thailand, Shivananda Khan Award
The vibrant evening featured dazzling drag performers, talented violinists and the renowned University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Thai Music and Dance Club, representing the rich diversity and exceptional talent of the LGBTQI community.
People in the picture (Left to Right)
- Aaditya Rai, Nepal, Social Justice
- Seum Sophal, Cambodia, HIV Hero
- Representative of Dr. Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan), The Philippines, Health and Wellbeing 2024
- Alisha Fernando, Hong Kong, Business Ally
- Midnight, Executive Director of APCOM
- Kamolset Kanggarruar, Thailand, Shivananda Khan Award
- Akshay Tyagi, India,Community Ally
- Representative of Cattreeya Thithiwongsawet, Thailand, Business Ally
- Kwee Vien Tanjung, LBQ Award
- Tashi Tsheten, Bhutan, Community Hero
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Suriya Phongphunngam (Bobo)
APCOM Foundation
Tel: 095 249 1950 | LINE: bobobito
Email: suriyap@apcom.org
Warin Pattarapatumthong (Audi)
TQPR Thailand
Tel: 096 964 6428
Email: audi@tqpr.com