Successful international business leader, dedicated community advocate and Wahroonga local, John Foong is the Liberal candidate for Wahroonga.
Born at Sydney Adventist Hospital to migrant parents, John attended Sydney Grammar and Knox Grammar, where he was Prep School Captain and Senior School Dux. He went on to graduate with First Class Honours from UNSW and earned an MBA from Stanford University, where he was elected class president. Today, John and his wife Faith are raising their four daughters in the community they are proud to call home, and are actively involved in local schools, church, music and netball.
John's successful business career has taken him across the globe, including 13 years at Google, global leadership roles at Uber, and most recently Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director at Domain, where he worked with small businesses across Australia. Alongside his professional achievements, John has spent many years contributing to community organisations and not-for-profits, including Wesley Mission and ReachOut.com.
John said he was honoured to have the support of local Liberal members and determined to build on the outstanding legacy of retiring Wahroonga MP, Alister Henskens.
"Wahroonga is the community that raised me, and it's now where my wife and I are raising our four daughters. I know what makes this area special, and I want to ensure future generations enjoy the same opportunities and quality of life that we have," Mr Foong said.
"Our leafy streets, green spaces and unique local character are what make Wahroonga such a wonderful place to live. We must protect them from inappropriate development and ensure future growth is supported by the roads, schools, transport and community infrastructure our residents need.
"Alister Henskens has been an outstanding advocate for our community, particularly in standing up for local residents on planning issues. I am determined to continue that work and fight for our community to ensure it continues to have a strong voice in Parliament."
John says he has seen how tough the Labor Government has made it for local residents and for small and medium businesses to operate.
"After years of Labor's poor economic management, NSW has gone from the best performing state economy in Australia to the worst, with a record number of businesses closing every week. Families and small businesses are under increasing pressure, and our community is missing out on the investment and services it deserves," Mr Foong said.
"I've spent my career helping businesses grow, creating opportunities and delivering results. I want to bring that experience to Parliament to help strengthen our economy, support local businesses and deliver better outcomes for our community.
"Wahroonga deserves a local member who will listen, stand up for our community, and fight to ensure we get our fair share – and that's exactly what I intend to do."
Outgoing Wahroonga State MP Alister Henskens SC welcomed John's Liberal candidacy, describing him as an accomplished leader with the energy and determination to deliver for the local community.
"John Foong understands our area because it's where he was born, grew up, went to school and now lives with his wife and young daughters. He knows the unique character of our area, shares its values and understands what matters to our local families and residents," said Mr Henskens.
"John's record speaks for itself. He values education and has an outstanding educational record including an MBA from Stanford University. He has had a stellar career in business. He is both down to earth and a person of great intelligence and depth. I know he will bring drive, compassion and determination in representing our community.
"I'm proud to support John as the Liberal candidate for Wahroonga. John will be an outstanding advocate for our local community and a great Liberal MP."
As part of Kellie Sloane's Liberal team, John Foong will fight to protect Wahroonga's local character, support families and small businesses, and secure the infrastructure and essential services our community needs for the future.
