MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE - ACS elects Anthony Wong as President

Distinguished professional to lead organisation during 50th anniversary

SYDNEY – 24 November 2015 – The ACS, the peak body for Australia's ICT profession, is pleased to announce that Anthony Wong has been elected as ACS President effective January 1, 2016 for a two year term.

Mr. Wong is a Fellow of the ACS and holds Certified Professional status with the organisation. He is the Principal of a multidisciplinary law and consulting firm, AGW Lawyers & Consultants specialising in IT and the Digital Economy. He has held senior management positions in multinational corporations and government, including as CIO of the Australian Tourist Commission during the Sydney 2000 Olympics and led the development of digital publishing and business transformation during his tenure at Thomson..

Mr Wong chaired the New South Wales Government ICT Advisory Panel, was a member of the New South Wales Government Accelerating Digital Government Taskforce in 2014 and served on the IT Industry Innovation Council for the Australian Department of Industry.

Mr Wong said that we would build on ACS’ position as one of the first evangelists for ICT professionalism.

“Recent events in the UN General Assembly and around the globe suggest that our leaders are beginning to acknowledge the importance of ICT professionalism and the need for professional excellence in the practice of ICT. I look forward to continuing to champion the cause as we celebrate ACS’ achievements, the advancements in ICT and its transformative contributions to business, government and society over the last 50 years”.

ACS CEO Andrew Johnson praised the election of Mr Wong.

“Anthony has long been a dedicated servant of the ACS and the profession as a whole. His breadth of experience will be a great asset to the ACS as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee in 2016, but more importantly he will be a key part of shaping what our future looks like.”

Mr Johnson also paid tribute to outgoing President Brenda Aynsley OAM whose term finishes on 31 December 2015.

“Over the last 2 years Brenda has worked tirelessly for the ACS. Her legacy will be one of great change for the organisation and a significant improvement in the profile of women in ICT. Brenda was our first female President, and her efforts will ensure that she isn’t our last. The ACS and the profession owe her an enormous debt of gratitude.”

Mr Wong extended his thanks and gratitude to outgoing President for her dedication and service to the ICT Profession:

“Brenda continues in her role as Chair of the International Professional Practice Partnership (IP3) of IFIP whose mission is to advance global ICT professionalism. Her leadership has been exceptional and inspirational in driving the ICT professionalism and trustworthy computing agenda in Australia, at UNESCO, the ITU and the United Nations as our world economy undergoes rapid digital disruption, reimagination and transformation.”

Media Contacts: 
Thomas Shanahan
ACS
Media & Communications Manger
+61 449 902 130

About the ACS
The ACS is the professional association for Australia's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Over 21,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. The organisation exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. The ACS strives for ICT professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.