Established in 2008 by Inge Sargent (Sao Thusandi), the former Mahadevi of Hsipaw, the Sao Thusandi Leadership Award honors young people from Shan State who are working towards community development, peace and democracy in Shan State, particularly those working to preserve local customs and culture.

USD $4,000 is given to the awardee. There have been twelve award winners so far, working in diverse fields including legal assistance, health, education, environment and community rights.