The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Alumni of the Year Awards. These awards honor the exceptional achievements of our alumni network in advancing peace, security, and collaboration throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This year’s honorees have demonstrated significant leadership in cybersecurity, non-commissioned officer (NCO) professionalization, and civil-military cooperation.

2025 Alumni Association of the Year: Philippines

• Recipient: Philippines DKI APCSS Alumni Association

The Philippines DKI APCSS Alumni Association has been recognized for its significant contributions to national and regional security. The association successfully served as a critical forum for improving civil-military collaboration and enhancing leadership within the security sector. Through a commitment to teamwork and excellence, the group spearheaded numerous capacity-building projects that advance peace and security initiatives. By creating trusted networks of practitioners to address complex national and regional challenges, the Philippines alumni group serves as an exemplary model for all DKI APCSS alumni associations.

2025 Alumnus of the Year (International): Colonel Charukris Ruangsuwan

• Recipient: Colonel Charukris Ruangsuwan, CSC 23-1 (Thailand)

Colonel Charukris Ruangsuwan distinguished himself through his foundational work in defense cybersecurity. He established a standardized framework, policy, and guidelines for evaluating defense cybersecurity risks, providing a vital tool for regional stability.

His contributions include drafting the implementing documents for the Thai Cybersecurity Act within the Ministry of Defense and assisting in the development of a Cybersecurity Framework for the ASEAN Defense Ministers. Colonel Ruangsuwan’s efforts to fortify peace and security in Thailand and the broader region stand as a model for the DKI APCSS alumni community.

2025 Alumnus of the Year (U.S.): SEAC David Isom

• Recipient: SEAC David Isom, IPSEL SMEE 25-1

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) David Isom has been honored for his role in advancing U.S. priorities and strategic objectives. He distinguished himself by institutionalizing the first-ever Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leader Subject Matter Expert Exchange (IPSEL SMEE) program at Indo-PACOM and DKI APCSS.

SEAC Isom created a durable, multinational platform that significantly enhances the professionalization and strategic networking of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) corps across the Indo-Pacific. His leadership has strengthened relations between the U.S. and its allies and partners, serving as a model for all DKI APCSS alumni.

Continuing the Mission

The achievements of these 2025 awardees reflect the core mission of DKI APCSS to build capacities and communities of interest that enhance regional security cooperation