The 2020 Tang Prize winners for Sinology and rule of law were announced June 20 and 21, respectively, by Taipei City-based Tang Prize Foundation.
Wang Gungwu was recognized for contributions to overseas Chinese studies, while nongovernmental organizations Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, Colombia-based Dejusticia: The Center for Law, Justice and Society, and Lebanon-headquartered The Legal Agenda were jointly honored for advancing social justice and promoting human rights through education and advocacy.
According to TPF, Wang, a professor at National University of Singapore, is renowned for his trailblazing insights on the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. Raised in Malaysia by overseas Chinese parents before earning his doctorate from the University of London, the Australian sinologist draws on his multicultural background to enrich his interpretation of China’s role in the world.
BELA advocates for environmental justice through legislative reform, conducting over 300 public interest lawsuits since its establishment in 1992. In 2017, BELA filed a petition demanding action on the pollution clogging Dhaka’s canals, which led Bangladesh’s Supreme Court to order the government to tackle the issue.
Dejusticia, set up in 2005, consists of legal scholars and practitioners specializing in human rights, constitutional law and transitional justice. The center played a pivotal part in helping 25 young plaintiffs win a landmark case against the Colombia government for failing to uphold its obligation to protect, conserve and restore the Amazon rainforest.
The Legal Agenda is devoted to strengthening Lebanon’s judicial independence while raising public awareness of legal avenues for defending individual rights. Founded in 2009, the organization fights on behalf of migrant workers, refugees, the LGBT community and the families of victims of political persecution.
Established by Taiwan entrepreneur Samuel Yin in 2012 and first conferred two years later, the Tang Prize allocates recipients in the categories of sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science, Sinology and rule of law NT$40 million (US$1.35 million), as well as a research grant of up to NT$10 million.
The winners are to be feted at a ceremony Sept. 25 in Taipei. A series of forums and speeches highlighting related work and achievements will also be staged Sept. 20 to 25 during Tang Prize Week. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw