Tommy Koh is a renowned Singaporean diplomat, lawyer, and professor recognized for his significant contributions to international law and diplomacy.

Tommy Koh Thong Bee is one of the most famous Singaporean diplomats, lawyers, professors, and writers who have had a highly eventful career, making substantial impacts on the national and international scenes. Born in Singapore, Koh became prominent in world diplomacy, international law, and academic circles. His multitalented career spans several decades of continued service in building Singapore’s representation in the international community and contributing to global efforts in diplomacy.

Koh’s diplomatic career began when he was appointed Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations from 1968 through 1971. This marked the beginning of his long association with international relations and the law relating to them. His tenure at the United Nations was marked by his zeal to work for peace and cooperation among the nations of the world, which placed him on a high pedestal for times to come.

Koh has truly been a pioneer in international law. From 1980 to 1982, he served as President of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. The Congress truly remains memorable, as it concluded with the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, also known as UNCLOS, which set legal stipulations for using and protecting the world’s oceans and marine resources. His leadership and negotiation abilities led to the successful adoption of the Convention, which established Koh as a master negotiator.

Between 1990 and 1992, Koh was chair of the Main Committee of the UN Conference on Environment and Development—the Rio Earth Summit. At that meeting, he presided over the negotiations for Agenda 21, a far-reaching program for sustainable development in the twenty-first century. The ability to handle sophisticated international negotiations and build consensus among stakeholders was a key factor in advancing global environmental governance.

The genius of Koh as a career diplomat went beyond the United Nations. He was the ambassador of Singapore to the United States, further cementing bilateral relationships and putting Singapore on the world map. Since 1997, he has also been the first Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation, which was established to promote better mutual understanding between Asia and Europe through intellectual, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

In consideration of the contributions that Koh has made, he has received many awards. On August 9, 2008, the Government of Singapore conferred on him the Order of Nila Utama (First Class) for having represented Singapore in its Pedra Branca dispute case against Malaysia, an honor that speaks to the exemplary professionalism he exhibits in defending the sovereignty of Singapore and his deft touch in handling intricately involved cases of international law.

In 2014, Koh was again recognized for his skill in negotiation by being awarded the Great Negotiator Award by Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation. This highlighted his unique role in high-stakes negotiation processes, including the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and his contribution toward ASEAN. His efforts to resolve territorial and humanitarian disputes in the Baltics and Asia further reflected his fine diplomatic skills.

Beyond such diplomatic and legal achievements, Koh himself is heavily invested in academia and policy studies. He is currently a Special Adviser to the Institute of Policy Studies, Chairman of the National Heritage Board, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Centre for International Law, and Rector of Tembusu College at the National University of Singapore. His commitment to education and policy development, through his various roles, continues to leave a mark on future generations of leaders and policymakers.

Koh’s advocacy extends to social issues as well. In September 2018, he openly appealed to the LGBT community in Singapore to challenge Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex intercourse between men. This was a manifestation of a more progressive and human rights-oriented disposition.

Currently, Koh is a member of the panel of mediators with the Singapore International Mediation Centre, and he continues to contribute at that level to conflict resolution and mediation.

Tommy Koh’s distinguished career is the epitome of a life truly dedicated to diplomacy, international law, and public service. His contributions to global governance and diplomacy, therefore, have not only taken form in the international relations of Singapore but have left an indelible mark.