“The passion to succeed: Discover what it takes”

Francis Wong is a leading Australian Chinese business entrepreneur and company director with around 30 years’ experience in developing positive relationships between Australia and Asia.

He migrated from Brunei in 1988 to establish Encounter Australia Pty Ltd, which later became one of the most awarded tourism companies in Australia.

With his tourism connections, he was able to convince the peak tourism industry body, Australia Tourism Export Council to allow South Australia to establish a branch, to ensure the tourism industry has a platform to attract international tourism and was appointed as the inaugural Chairman for the Council.

His outstanding works in tourism and activities in Asia was recognized by the Australian tourism industry leaders in Australia and in Asia and was awarded the inaugural Koala Award to an Individual for Excellence in Marketing of Australia in Asia. In Australia, to date he is the most decorated tourism industry leader and more importantly as an Asian in Australia.

Sport diplomacy is another important element of Mr. Wong’s successes. He has been involved with a variety of sporting events in South Australia.

1. In 2007, he was responsible to attract 1000 Asians in partnership with Port Adelaide Football Club to an AFL game in Adelaide. As result the Club has taken string interests in China now.
2. Appointed to South Australia Motor Sport Board and managed the V8 Clipsal 500 event for three years.
3. Appointed to Adelaide United Football Club board and also the first Asian to be appointed to the A-League football club in Australia. During his term, he was able to turn the club around and the club won the A-League championship in 2016.
4. Elected in 2017 to the Football Federation of South Australia, a member of the Football Federation of Australia.

In 2014 on Australia Day. Mr. Wong was awarded by the Australian Government the Order of Australia Medal OAM for his contribution to business and community. Since the federation of Australia, there are only 200 of such awards been presented to Asian in Australian.

In 2016, he was conferred the Knight of Malta, Order of Saint John, which carries the title of Chevalier.