Magsaysay Award Winners

Recipients Shingo Nomura representing Seiei Toyama of Japan for Peace and International Understanding, Dr. Tetsu Nakamura of Japan for Peace and International Understanding, Aniceto Guterres Lopes of East Timor for Emergent Leadership, Shantha Sinha for Community Leadership, the Philppines` Sheila Coronel for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts, James Michael Lyngdoh for Government Service, and Zhou Xingping, the representative of China`s Dr. Gao Yaojie, the awardee for Public Service pose during the 2003 Ramon Massay Awards on August 31, 2003 in Manila, Philippines.

Founded in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay award is one of Asia`s highest honors, often compared to the Nobel Peace Prize and is given to seven individuals who have made a difference in their communities. (Getty Images)