Bruce Wong: From refugee to philanthropist

From Cambodian refugee to Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bruce Wong’s life embodies resilience, compassion, and a vision for multicultural harmony—values he now brings to supporting the Eco-Park della Calabria project.

In 1981, Bruce Wong stepped onto Australia soil as a young Cambodian refugee escaping the trauma of war and displacement. Processed through a UN camp in Thailand under Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser’s humanitarian program, Bruce landed in Melbourne with little more than hope and determination. What followed is an extraordinary story of rebuilding—not only a life but a lasting legacy of generosity, cultural understanding, and community leadership.

His first Australian home was a refugee hostel in Altona, a humble beginning shared by many new arrivals at the time. Within weeks, Bruce found work as an apprentice fitter and turner with Lucas, an English automotive manufacturer. “I was grateful to have something to do—to learn, to contribute,” he recalls. From those early days, Bruce’s work ethic and adaptability became his greatest assets.

He went on to explore roles across several industries—from engineering and logistics to banking with Westpac. These early experiences, mostly in back-office and operational settings, gave him a grounding in systems, processes, and the Australian way of doing business. But deep down, Bruce carried the instinct of an entrepreneur—a need to create, innovate, and lead.

In the late 1980s, Bruce launched his first business—a small packaging company producing garbage bags. Within a few years, he pivoted to specialise in courier satchels, securing contracts that would see his company supply Australia Post’s Express Post bags for 18 years. The venture was a success story born of persistence, ingenuity, and a willingness to learn by doing.

In 2005, Bruce founded Foot Solutions Australia, a business inspired by a US model that combined foot health with podiatry care. What began as a single clinic evolved into a diversified enterprise spanning medical products, orthotics, and wholesale distribution. Today, his son Derrick manages an additional entity to Foot Solutions—Axign Medical, which supplies podiatry services to podiatrists, pharmacies, and online customers across Australia.

For Bruce, entrepreneurship was never about wealth alone. It was a means to empower others and to build sustainable, purpose-driven ventures. “We were given a second chance in this country,” he says. “It’s only right that we use it to help others find theirs.”

Having lived the refugee experience, Bruce’s empathy for others runs deep. His philanthropy extends beyond cultural boundaries—rooted in a belief that helping humanity transcends race, religion, and nationality. “When people are in need, it shouldn’t matter where they come from,” he reflects.

Bruce’s involvement with the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and his sponsorship of the VMC Refugee Award reflect this ethos. His support aims to inspire new arrivals to pursue education, build careers, and contribute meaningfully to their new home. “I wanted to show that success is possible—that one day, they too can give back,” he explains.

But Bruce is also pragmatic about the challenges of multicultural life. He notes the fragmentation within diaspora communities, including his own Cambodian-Australian circles. “We come here with shared hardship but quickly form small groups—sometimes divided by politics or pride. The real challenge is unity, not survival.”

In conversation, Bruce’s tone softens when he speaks about family. He recognises a universal issue faced by many migrant communities—the generational drift between grandparents, parents, and children. “The first generation fought to survive, the second to succeed, and the third … sometimes forgets,” he says.

He applauds initiatives like the Segmento Tarantella Festival, which bring grandparents and grandchildren together through music, dance, and storytelling. “Events like that remind us that culture isn’t static. It’s alive when it’s shared,” he says.

Beyond business and community, Bruce remains a sharp observer of world affairs, from the shifting balance between the US and China to the humanitarian crises that continue to displace millions. His reflections are grounded in experience: “When you’ve lived through war and seen how politics can destroy lives, you value peace differently,” he says. “You understand that true progress is not about dominance, but coexistence.”

Recently, Bruce attended the Segmento Tarantella Festival, a multicultural celebration where Italian, Greek, and African rhythms filled the air as the spirit of Calabria shone over Victoria. It was there that the vision for the Eco-Park della Calabria was officially launched—a sustainable cultural hub dedicated to heritage, environment, and intergenerational learning.

Bruce was deeply moved by the initiative. “It’s exactly the kind of project Australia needs—one that connects people, culture, and nature,” he said. His commitment to supporting the Eco-Park goes beyond philanthropy. He brings not only his resources but his vision, mentorship, and belief in multicultural harmony. “It’s not just about building a park,” he says. “It’s about building bridges.”

From a refugee camp in Thailand to boardrooms and community halls across Australia, Bruce Wong’s story is one of courage, compassion, and contribution. It is also a reminder that multiculturalism thrives not just on tolerance, but on shared purpose.

The Bruce Wong Foundation supports grassroots organisations across Victoria and NSW. As he puts it, “Australia gave me freedom. Giving back … that’s how I honour it.”