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First-ever regional award to honour harmony leaders advancing social cohesion in Southeast Asia
SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harmony in Diversity Award, a new initiative which recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to foster social cohesion and harmony between people of different cultures in Southeast Asia, was officially launched today.
Presented by Temasek Foundation in collaboration with the 5P Global Movement as the supporting secretariat, the Award promotes aspirations for social harmony, and aims to amplify the impact of fostering social cohesion in the region.
According to the 2025 Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar[1], a regional study conducted by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the region's social cohesion index averaged 72.4%, indicating the potential for greater awareness of harmony and diversity, as well as continued shared appreciation across Southeast Asia.
The Harmony in Diversity Award aims to:
i. Increase understanding and awareness of social cohesion and harmony initiatives in Southeast Asia;
ii. Establish a network of Harmony in Diversity champions to promote social cohesion and harmony in Southeast Asia; and
iii. Increase cross-cultural collaborations to amplify the impact of fostering harmony in the communities in Southeast Asia.
The launch was graced by Madam Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Patron of the Harmony in Diversity Award and former President of the Republic of Singapore.
"Social harmony does not happen by chance – it is built, nurtured, and protected. It must not be taken for granted. In times of uncertainty, we should not be daunted. We should continue to build bridges across divides and walk alongside one another. The Harmony in Diversity Award is a recognition to those who have chosen to bridge divides and foster social cohesion and harmony in Southeast Asia and to inspire more initiatives. Thank you to Temasek Foundation and the 5P Global Movement for championing this meaningful journey," said Madam Halimah Yacob.
Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation, said, "The Harmony in Diversity Award is more than a recognition – it's a call to action. It's a platform to build a regional community of champions who are advancing harmony in meaningful ways, creating shared spaces of trust, respect and understanding. By spotlighting their stories, Temasek Foundation hopes to inspire greater awareness, strengthen connections, and spark collective action to deepen social cohesion across Southeast Asia."
Mr M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M., Founder of 5P Global Movement, the supporting secretariat of the Award, added: "This Award reflects what we believe at 5P — that peace and prosperity come from honouring people, protecting the planet, and building partnerships rooted in trust. True harmony takes all of us, from individuals to institutions, working together. By recognising those who bridge divides and lift others up, we hope to inspire greater collaboration across sectors, borders, and generations."
Harmony in Diversity Award: Call for Nominations
The award is open to citizens of Southeast Asia who have driven impactful and innovative initiatives to advance social harmony in their communities.
Nominations must be submitted by organisations, such as non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, businesses, or governments. Eligible nominees must show a commitment to fostering social cohesion through initiatives that are relevant, innovative and impactful.
Individuals will be evaluated based on the R.A.I.S.E. framework, which considers:
- Relevance to the challenges in fostering harmony
- Alignment with values of peace, prosperity, people, planet and partnership
- Innovation in approach or concept
- Significance of demonstrated community impact
- Elevate and improve lives and foster belonging
The selected awardee will receive:
- USD 20,000
- A trophy symbolising harmony in diversity
- A platform to showcase their work at a regional event attended by peacebuilders, thought leaders, and multi-sector representatives.
Nominations are now open and will close in December 2025. For more information and submission details, please email secretariat@5pglobal.org.
Judging Panel
Nominations will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of regional leaders:
- Her Royal Highness Tunku Tun Aminah, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Berjaya Corporation Berhad
- Ms Retno L.P. Marsudi, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia
- Mayor Joy Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, Philippines
- Mr Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Property Limited
- Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation
About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Asia, including Singapore. Made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, an investment company headquartered in Singapore, Temasek Foundation's programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation's programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg
About 5P Global Movement
The 5P Global Movement is a non-profit organisation which promotes harmony in diversity through incorporating the 5P (peace, prosperity, people, planet, partnership) values in all its programmes.
The 5P Global Movement was first introduced during the G20 Religious Forum in 2022 in Bali and was officially launched in Jakarta in September 2023. It has currently active chapters in Indonesia and Poland, and continues to expand globally. The 5P Global Movement is the supporting secretariat of the Award.
First-ever regional award to honour harmony leaders advancing social cohesion in Southeast Asia
SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harmony in Diversity Award, a new initiative which recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to foster social cohesion and harmony between people of different cultures in Southeast Asia, was officially launched today.
Presented by Temasek Foundation in collaboration with the 5P Global Movement as the supporting secretariat, the Award promotes aspirations for social harmony, and aims to amplify the impact of fostering social cohesion in the region.
According to the 2025 Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar[1], a regional study conducted by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the region's social cohesion index averaged 72.4%, indicating the potential for greater awareness of harmony and diversity, as well as continued shared appreciation across Southeast Asia.
The Harmony in Diversity Award aims to:
i. Increase understanding and awareness of social cohesion and harmony initiatives in Southeast Asia;
ii. Establish a network of Harmony in Diversity champions to promote social cohesion and harmony in Southeast Asia; and
iii. Increase cross-cultural collaborations to amplify the impact of fostering harmony in the communities in Southeast Asia.
The launch was graced by Madam Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Patron of the Harmony in Diversity Award and former President of the Republic of Singapore.
"Social harmony does not happen by chance – it is built, nurtured, and protected. It must not be taken for granted. In times of uncertainty, we should not be daunted. We should continue to build bridges across divides and walk alongside one another. The Harmony in Diversity Award is a recognition to those who have chosen to bridge divides and foster social cohesion and harmony in Southeast Asia and to inspire more initiatives. Thank you to Temasek Foundation and the 5P Global Movement for championing this meaningful journey," said Madam Halimah Yacob.
Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation, said, "The Harmony in Diversity Award is more than a recognition – it's a call to action. It's a platform to build a regional community of champions who are advancing harmony in meaningful ways, creating shared spaces of trust, respect and understanding. By spotlighting their stories, Temasek Foundation hopes to inspire greater awareness, strengthen connections, and spark collective action to deepen social cohesion across Southeast Asia."
Mr M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M., Founder of 5P Global Movement, the supporting secretariat of the Award, added: "This Award reflects what we believe at 5P — that peace and prosperity come from honouring people, protecting the planet, and building partnerships rooted in trust. True harmony takes all of us, from individuals to institutions, working together. By recognising those who bridge divides and lift others up, we hope to inspire greater collaboration across sectors, borders, and generations."
Harmony in Diversity Award: Call for Nominations
The award is open to citizens of Southeast Asia who have driven impactful and innovative initiatives to advance social harmony in their communities.
Nominations must be submitted by organisations, such as non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, businesses, or governments. Eligible nominees must show a commitment to fostering social cohesion through initiatives that are relevant, innovative and impactful.
Individuals will be evaluated based on the R.A.I.S.E. framework, which considers:
- Relevance to the challenges in fostering harmony
- Alignment with values of peace, prosperity, people, planet and partnership
- Innovation in approach or concept
- Significance of demonstrated community impact
- Elevate and improve lives and foster belonging
The selected awardee will receive:
- USD 20,000
- A trophy symbolising harmony in diversity
- A platform to showcase their work at a regional event attended by peacebuilders, thought leaders, and multi-sector representatives.
Nominations are now open and will close in December 2025. For more information and submission details, please email secretariat@5pglobal.org.
Judging Panel
Nominations will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of regional leaders:
- Her Royal Highness Tunku Tun Aminah, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Berjaya Corporation Berhad
- Ms Retno L.P. Marsudi, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia
- Mayor Joy Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, Philippines
- Mr Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Property Limited
- Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation
About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Asia, including Singapore. Made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, an investment company headquartered in Singapore, Temasek Foundation's programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation's programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg
About 5P Global Movement
The 5P Global Movement is a non-profit organisation which promotes harmony in diversity through incorporating the 5P (peace, prosperity, people, planet, partnership) values in all its programmes.
The 5P Global Movement was first introduced during the G20 Religious Forum in 2022 in Bali and was officially launched in Jakarta in September 2023. It has currently active chapters in Indonesia and Poland, and continues to expand globally. The 5P Global Movement is the supporting secretariat of the Award.
[1] RSIS Social Cohesion Radar 2025
https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/scrp/southeast-asian-social-cohesion-radar-report-2/
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Temasek Foundation and 5P Global Movement Launch Inaugural Harmony in Diversity Award
ALULA, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the official opening of Desert X AlUla 2026, the landmark fourth edition of the international, open-air biennial exhibition. Arts AlUla, in collaboration with Desert X, welcomes visitors to experience a stellar line-up of Saudi and international multi-generational artists whose site-responsive earthworks, sculptures, and installations will engage in a powerful dialogue with the awe-inspiring landscapes and layered heritage of AlUla.
As a premier destination rich in ancient history and breathtaking nature, AlUla, located in Northwest Saudi Arabia, solidifies its position on the global stage as a dynamic, emerging land art destination with Desert X AlUla, the region's first public art biennale, and a key highlight of the AlUla Arts Festival.
The 2026 edition of Desert X AlUla brings together 11 acclaimed artists whose diverse works reflect a wide spectrum of ideas, materials, and traditions. From monumental kinetic sculpture to sound-based explorations above and below ground, each commission is deeply rooted in relationships to AlUla's distinctive environment, further cementing Desert X AlUla's reputation as a globally significant platform for site-responsive land art.
Desert X AlUla runs until February 28, 2026, as a cornerstone of the annual AlUla Arts Festival. Curated by Wejdan Reda, Zoé Whitley, with artistic direction by Neville Wakefield, and Raneem Farsi, its fourth edition explores 'Space Without Measure.' Inspired by Kahlil Gibran, the theme fosters contemplation of imagination within AlUla's natural settings. The exhibition, set in the desert canyons of AlUla, serves as a pre-opening programme for Wadi AlFann, offering a pivotal glimpse into AlUla's plans to create a permanent land art 'Valley of the Arts.'
Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: "At Desert X AlUla 2026, audiences will engage with art that deeply converses with AlUla's unique landscapes and rich heritage. These compelling commissions highlight AlUla's dynamic transformation into a major global destination, where ancient and contemporary expressions converge. This exhibition is part of our broader revitalisation of AlUla as a culturally rich destination to live, work and visit and integral to positioning AlUla in the global dialogue of contemporary art and as a precursor to monumental projects like Wadi AlFann."
Participating artist/artworks are:
- Sara Abdu, A Kingdom Where No One Dies: Contours of Resonance
- Mohammad Alfaraj, What was the Question Again?
- Mohammed AlSaleem, The Thorn, AlShuruf Unit, The Triangles, Flower Bud, and Al Ahilla (courtesy of Royal Commission for Riyadh City)
- Tarek Atoui, The Water Song
- Bahraini-Danish, Bloom
- Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Imole Red
- Agnes Denes, The Living Pyramid
- Ibrahim El-Salahi, Haraza Tree
- Basmah Felemban, Murmur of Pebbles
- Vibha Galhotra, Future Fables
- Héctor Zamora, Tar HyPar
For further information, please contact:
Sabrine.Shaw@bursonglobal.com
AlUlaArtsFestival@bursonglobal.com
Multimedia gallery:
High-resolution photos of all 11 artists and their artworks can be found here.
About AlUla and Arts AlUla
Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.
The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages. AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes was developed from at least the 12th century and has been revitalised as the vibrant hub for visitors and residents.
The creation of Arts AlUla within The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is a commitment to crafting the next chapters in a millennia of artistic creation – celebrating cultural inheritance and shaping a future inspired by artists built be artists. The work of Arts AlUla seeks to preserve this legacy: fuse the old with the new; the local with the international, keeping the arts central to the spirit of AlUla as a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage.
Wadi AlFann, meaning 'Valley of the Arts,' will be a global cultural destination for land art, unveiling from 2028 onwards, where era-defining works by artists from around the world will be permanently sited in the monumental landscape of AlUla, the extraordinary desert region of north-west Saudi Arabia.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Desert X AlUla 2026: monumental land art exhibition opens in the ancient oasis of AlUla
