Dr. Siaosi (George) Moengangongo

2017 Distinguished Past Student Award Winner

Dr Siaosi (George) Moengangongo is our first international graduate to receive the award.

George attended the former Queensland Agricultural College from 1968 – 1971.  He graduated with a Fellowship Diploma in Rural Technology, later to become a Bachelor of Applied Science (Rural Tech).  He then continued on to The University of Queensland to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and became the first qualified veterinarian in the Kingdom of Tonga. 

His tremendous contribution to Agriculture and Veterinarian Science in his home country was outlined in the 2016 publication 'Queensland Agricultural College - Class of ‘71 – an Inspiring Contribution,' published on the 45th anniversary of the class of 1971.  It stated:

"On returning to Tonga, George redeemed his sponsored time to the Government of Tonga by working at the Ministry of Agriculture from 1972-81 in various capacities such as Livestock Officer, Sectional Head and Senior Agricultural Officer."

He moved to the Pacific Institute of Rural Development, University of the South Pacific, at the Atele Campus, in 1981, starting as Deputy Director and in 1983 becoming the Director of the Institute. During his career, he undertook various consultancies and prepared publications for bilateral and multilateral agencies.

He served on the Boards for the then Tonga Commodities Board, Tonga Development Bank, Chairman of the then Primary Produce and Export Ltd, was a member of various committees including the National Nutrition Committee and was a visiting lecturer at the University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus, in Samoa. 

He was awarded a Member of the Order of the Crown during the 2008 Coronation Celebrations of His Late Majesty King George Tupou the Fifth, to recognise his exemplary services to King and Country.