The Malaysia-based Strategic Institute for Asia-Pacific (KSI) awarded Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen the “Lifetime Achievement of Outstanding Leaders” award.
Mr. Hun Sen was honored for his third ASEAN summit chairing and leadership during the COVID-19 situation in Cambodia.
The award was presented by KSI President Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and witnessed by KSI Chairman Tan Sri Majid Khan at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh yesterday.
Yeoh said at the occasion that the Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit (GCET), KSI, and the ASEAN Economic Club (AEC) were honored and delighted to award Mr. Hun Sen the 2022 Distinguished World Leaders Award.
He stated the Prime Minister received this award for his years of service to Cambodia and ASEAN.
Mr. Hun Sen, who became Prime Minister of Cambodia in 1985, is the longest-serving ASEAN and world leader.
“H.E Samdech Techo Hun Sen successfully chaired ASEAN during a difficult and challenging year,” Yeoh stated. “His effective leadership of ASEAN, culminating in the recent ASEAN Summit and related summits last month, saw the hosting international leaders like President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Le Keqiang, and leaders from Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia, India, and all ASEAN member states.”
In addition, he stated that during his 37 years as Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr. Hun Sen was responsible for the successful economic and social transformation of the Kingdom; he was also responsible for bringing about major improvements in Cambodia’s infrastructure and for modernizing the country’s economy.
During the ceremony, Samdech Hun Sen said that Cambodia’s efforts to lead and organize the ASEAN Summit in 2002, 2012, and this year had been a source of national pride on the international stage and showed the world the country’s willingness to help build the ASEAN Community.
He said it demonstrates that multilateral cooperation is getting stronger for peace, stability, security, and long-term growth in the world and the region.
This year, Cambodia took over the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship for the third time. He pointed out that the region and the world are facing pressures from all sides, such as geopolitical competition, war, COVID-19, food and energy crises, and the global economic downturn.
Even though there were a variety of difficulties, Cambodia was able to lead ASEAN successfully under the theme “ASEAN working together and combating all issues.” This shows that the focus was on the agenda for peace and cooperation, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen said.
“We try to work together to reduce the impact of conflicts between major powers, build friendly relationships, and increase both social and economic practical cooperation,” he said. “We must build trust with partner countries, especially to promote regional integration and reach the “ASEAN Vision 2025,”
KSI regularly evaluates and presents leadership awards to national leaders, businesspeople, and civil society organizations for their excellent achievements.
After studying and evaluating his leadership characteristics and achievements, KSI awarded the Prime Minister the “Lifetime Achievement of Outstanding Leaders.”
According to the Institute, Mr. Hun Sen had tirelessly worked to bring peace, tranquility, progress, and prosperity to Cambodia.
The institution also praised Mr. Hun Sen’s leadership in ending the COVID-19 pandemic, saving lives, and reviving the economy.
