Breaking down barriers: Joining the CAF as an Asian Canadian
May 13, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:00
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Portrait of Col Chung Wong. Photo supplied by Col Chung Wong.
When Colonel (Col) Chung Wong joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1999 as an Aerospace Engineering Officer, there were very few Asian people in uniform. During his graduation year at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), he was one of only a handful of Asian naval and officer cadets in a class of 204. Years later, he feels like parts of his journey in the CAF have come full circle as he supports the program he was once a cadet in.
Col Wong is the Deputy Commandant at RMC Kingston. In this role, he supports RMC’s mission of developing future CAF leaders through the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP). The program gives young Canadians an opportunity to obtain an officer’s commission and an undergraduate degree. His current role often reminds him of his own journey to the CAF.
“I was nine when my family moved to Montreal. Unlike many Hong Kong immigrants who settled on the west coast, we moved east. Being in a francophone city was a very different experience.”
His desire to serve began early.
“When I was in high school, I wanted to wear a military uniform,” he said. “Canada adopted me. So, I really wanted to find a way to contribute to society and make it better.”
That opportunity came through the ROTP program, which he discovered at a high school job fair. Col Wong had an overwhelmingly positive experience at RMC.
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Col Chung Wong’s RMC graduation in 2004 in Kingston, Ontario. Photo supplied by Col Chung Wong.
“Everywhere I went, people treated me with respect. I didn’t expect to be treated differently either, because I am no different than others,” he said.
While Col Wong acknowledges that there is still progress to be made in terms of inclusivity in the CAF, he believes that diversity has greatly improved over the years.
“Defence Team members need to recognize that there are things we need to fix and improve. That is why I’m involved the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network (DTCAN). As its military Champion, I can help uplift voices of Defence Team members of Asian descent at a national level.”
DTCAN was created in 2025. It provides resources, support, and promotes cultural exchange through events for the Defence Team.
DTCAN hosted the first Asian Heritage Month event with these goals in mind. Panelists shared their experiences as Asian Canadians in the Defence Team to encourage others to take part.
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DTCAN’s Official Launch From The National Capital Region On January 29, 2025, With Senior Leadership, Distinguished Guests, DTCAN Members, And Defence Team Members. Pictured (Left To Right): CWO Frederick Lavoie, LGen Paul Prevost, RAdm Jacques Olivier, Col Chung Wong, LCdr Beth Lei, Tamara Pittis, Col Jeffrey Toope, Wendy Luciani, CWO Jason Pickard, Cmdr Hans Jung (Retired), And LCdr Alan Ng. Photo Supplied By Col Chung Wong.
Having been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in 2024, Col Wong affirms that success is within the reach of everyone.
“I believe that by working hard, anyone has the same chances and opportunity to progress through the ranks, regardless of race or ethnicity.”
“What is also important are good leaders. Good leadership is important at every level. Together, we will create a better CAF.”
Contact the DTCAN at dtcan-raced@forces.gc.ca