Michel FONGUE
ASPAC Secretary 2025-26
Kiwanis Asia-Pacific
Personal background
My name is Michel FONGUE (Michael in English). I am third generation born in Tahiti, French Polynesia, where my family with Chinese ancestors come from. I am born with three languages: French, Tahitian and Chinese Hakka. I also learned English and Spanish in school. I am a French citizen with European passport but with my multicultural personality, I am International. My family moved to New Caledonia in 1971 while I was student of Computer Science at the University of Nice, France and finished a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering. When I was younger, I was a midfield soccer player, a tennis and a squash player. I love Tahitian music and am a ukulele player. I am treasurer and member of a ukulele band who used to perform in public.
In addition to my Kiwanis involvement, currently I am also serving as the President of the Chinese Community Association , the Secretary of the Polynesian Solidarity Association and Treasurer of Tahitian Cultural Association , all in New Caledonia. I am also involved in other community and social associations as member after being on the board. Since march 2020, I have been elected as deputy mayor of Noumea city, capital of New Caledonia.
Professional background
I first started to work for IT department of New Caledonia government as engineer and became technical director. Then I left for IBM and working as sales technical engineer for 19 years between New Caledonia and Tahiti. In 2002, I took early retirement from IBM and bought a sport and surfwear business in Noumea, New Caledonia. I was an official retailer for Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Quiksilver, Roxy, DC Shoes, Fox. I closed my business in August 2025 to be fully retired and free to serve Kiwanis more.
Kiwanis background
I joined Kiwanis Club of Mont Dore in New Caledonia on May 1978 at 26 years old. My 47 years of Kiwanis service include holding different leadership positions such as Club President in 1982-83, Distinguished Lieutenant Governor in 1986-87, Distinguished District Governor in 1992-93, ASPAC Chair in 2002-2003, Kiwanis International Foundation (now KCF) Trustee in 2002-2005, KI Trustee 2020-23.
I has been assigned to significant positions at District and Asia Pacific level; such as, District Master Trainer in 2010-2013, Bylaws Committee member both for ASPAC and KI, ASPAC Secretary in 2017-2018, Parliamentarian at District and ASPAC conventions, Chair of Committee on Elections or Committee on Credentials at district and ASPAC conventions.
I attended 32 ASPAC conventions, 28 International conventions and all district conventions since 1986. I am a George F Hixson Fellow – Diamond level, Hixson Ambassador, Walter Zeller Fellowship, District John Griffen Fellow – Pearl Level.
While working for IBM as Technical Sales Engineer, I frequently traveled between New Caledonia and Tahiti. After my term as lieutenant-governor 1986-87, I has been appointed as KIAR (Kiwanis International Accreditive Representant for South-Pacific) and took the opportunity to organize the first Kiwanis Club in my born island of Tahiti in January 1988. To date, there are 10 clubs in Tahiti and Kiwanis is still growing there.
I truly believes that embracing diversity and bringing the multi-cultural mindset in our organization will foster camaraderie among members; and that will make KIWANIS a truly international, unified and cohesive global organization. Like the national bird of New Zealand, I am a KIWI – a Kiwanian Improving the World with his Involvement.