A new multicultural foundation has been established in Melbourne to promote opportunity and provide resources, support, and advocacy for multicultural communities in Australia.

The ‘Bruce Wong Foundation’ is “dedicated to advancing a fair and equitable Australia by addressing and removing barriers that hinder the progress of multicultural communities”, according to its charter.

Founder and former refugee, businessman and philanthropist Dr Bruce Wong, says the Foundation is guided by a deep commitment to faith, philanthropy, and the empowerment of those in need.

“We see a future where Australia is a beacon of equality and inclusion, where every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities they need to succeed,” Dr Wong said.

“Our mission is to foster a just and inclusive Australia by eliminating barriers to opportunity for multicultural communities. We want everyone to have a chance to thrive.

“And we seek to create pathways to success and well-being for all, particularly those who are marginalised or underrepresented,” Dr Wong said.

The foundation has four pillars of service: empowering individuals through education; meaningful employment; health initiatives, and support for women and youth.

According to the foundation’s charter, its ‘purpose’ is “to act as a catalyst for change by providing resources, support, and advocacy for multicultural communities in Australia”.

Its ‘mission’ is to “foster a just and inclusive Australia by eliminating barriers to opportunity for multicultural communities”.

Dr Wong fled Cambodia after the seizure of power by the Khmer Rouge, which attempted to turn the country into an agrarian socialist republic, resulting was the deaths of up to two million people between 1975 and 1979; almost a quarter of Cambodia’s population.

After spending time in some of the regime’s infamous labour camps, Dr Wong escaped to Thailand before being resettled in Australia in 1980.

His working life in Australia began as a fitter and turned but over 40 years he has forged a career in business, with the support of his wife Sue, also a refugee from Cambodia.

He is currently serving as the Managing Director of Foot Solutions Australia.

Beyond his business success, Dr Wong is a champion for multiculturalism in Australia and is well-known for his community-centric philanthropy, channeling support to causes such as child health, the Salvation Army, and international aid initiatives, emphasising education and wellbeing in nations including Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, and India.

Reflecting on his forty years in Australia, Dr Wong said there had been a lot of ups and downs; some challenges and a few successes.

“In the end, I think I have achieved much more than I would have thought possible as I was stepping off that aeroplane at Tullamarine Airport,” he said.

“But our greatest achievement is the family that Sue and I have nurtured.

“We are blessed with four wonderful kids and three grandkids. Our first was Alison, followed by her sister Carolyne and their brothers Derrick and Edward. We have two granddaughters, Hana and Isla, and a grandson, Jaylen,” Dr Wong said.