Impact and result of HERO Awards 2025
On 7 November 2025 in Bangkok, APCOM Foundation convened the 9th HERO Awards, bringing together over 150 in-person participants and 1,000+ online viewers, including community advocates, human rights leaders, artists, allies, and partners from across Asia and the Pacific. Hosted by long-time APCOM supporter and philanthropist Mel Heifetz, the event marked an auspicious 9th year, symbolizing “progress” under the theme “Celebration of Equality,” reflecting both regional solidarity and Thailand’s historic legalization of marriage equality.
The Awards recognized 10 HEROes from 9 countries, representing diverse leadership across community organizing, HIV and health advocacy, policy, arts, youth leadership, and human rights. Their recognition significantly amplified grassroots voices, strengthened regional visibility, and contributed to increased opportunities for partnerships, funding, and advocacy influence.
A major milestone in 2025 was the introduction of a fundraising auction, enabling the HERO Awards to directly generate resources to support APCOM’s community initiatives and emergency response efforts. The event also convened 20 organizations from 12 countries, strengthening cross-border collaboration and reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ rights and health equity.
The evening also honoured Dédé Oetomo (Indonesia) with the Shivananda Khan Award for Extraordinary Achievement, recognizing decades of leadership in building the regional LGBTQI+ movement. In addition, Joe Chonlawit Wongsriwor was introduced as APCOM’s 2025 Community Ambassador, helping to further expand visibility and engagement for the organization’s work.
Through strong participation from diplomatic, corporate, and community sectors and new inclusive collaborations, the HERO Awards 2025 reaffirmed its role as a strategic regional platform that not only celebrates excellence, but also mobilizes visibility, resources, and collective action for equality across Asia and the Pacific
See our 2025 HERO Awards Recipients here:
Watch VDO Summary of 2025 HERO Awards
