Professor Tommy Koh reflects on five decades of diplomacy, ASEAN and Singapore-Philippines relations.
SINGAPORE, 22 October 2026 – Professor Tommy Koh, Singaporean diplomat, lawyer and 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, delivered the Ramon Magsaysay Public Lecture titled “My Career in Law and Diplomacy: Lesson Learnt with Tommy Koh” on 19 October 2026 at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Bukit Timah Campus Auditorium. The lecture examined his career in diplomacy and international law, highlighting the importance of peace, multilateralism, ASEAN and the international rules-based order.
During the lecture, Professor Koh reflected on more than five decades of diplomatic and legal service, sharing experiences that shaped his approach to international relations. He also discussed his longstanding connections with the Philippines and the people who influenced his diplomatic career.
These connections included the unveiling of a marker honouring Philippine national hero Dr Jose Rizal at the Asian Civilisations Museum during Professor Koh’s tenure as Chairman of the Singapore National Heritage Board. He also recalled his mentorship under former Philippine Foreign Minister Carlos P. Romulo and his work with Ambassador Rosario Manalo on drafting the ASEAN Charter.
Professor Koh further highlighted the painting and preservation of artworks by Filipino artist Pacific Abad on the Alkaff Bridge at Robertson Quay in Singapore. He cited the artworks as a symbol of friendship between Singapore and the Philippines.
Reflecting on his career, Professor Koh shared three key lessons. He emphasised the need to continue pursuing peace despite the reality of conflict, the importance of ensuring that small states have a voice in the international system, and the courage to “speak truth to power” in defending international law and the rules-based order.
The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session co-moderated by Delia Domingo Albert, former Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation Trustee, and Dr Nilüfer Oral, Director of the NUS Centre for International Law.
Professor Koh became the fourth Singaporean to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, joining housing visionary Lim Kim San, who received the award in 1965; former Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee in 1972; and philanthropist Tony Tay, founder of the Willing Hearts Foundation, in 2017.
The event was organised under the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute Lecture Series, which provides a platform for award recipients to share their work and leadership experiences with a global audience. The Embassy congratulated Professor Koh on receiving the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
