Businessman John Chow calling PNG home

By NATHAN WOTI
TO Francis John Chow, the son of well-known Lae businessman Ian, Papua New Guinea has become home to five generations of his family. He was awarded a dual citizenship last week.
“I am grateful for being accepted as an official Papua New Guinean citizen. Our family have been in PNG for over five generations and are looking to continuing this journey in this beautiful place we call home.
“We have been fortunate to have forged strong friendships and experiences over the many years of our time here in PNG, and look forward to developing stronger connections over the next few generations.”
John’s great-great grandfather Thomas came to Papua New Guinea to work for the Germans in Rabaul. His great grandfather Gabriel Chow was born in New Ireland, while grandfather Sir Henry Chow was born in Rabaul, East New Britain, where he built the family fortune.

“ Thank you to all those who have supported us immensely throughout our time in PNG and we hope to continue growing our journey here in PNG.”

Philantropist Sir Henry’s companies have been supporting 26 sports clubs and churches, giving generously to charitable organisations which assist people in need.
He was also involved in PNG politics in the district, provincial and national government in the 1960s and 1970s.
Sir Henry involved three of his sons – Adrian Bernard Chow, Fabian Clement Chow and Ian Andrew Chow – in the management of his many businesses – all hands-on managers with many years of experience.
John’s father, Ian Chow, was born in Rabaul as well but later moved to Lae to run the Lae Biscuit Company Limited. He is the chairman of that family business.
John, 27, was born and raised in Port Moresby. He is currently the Lae Biscuit Company general manager.
He recently graduated from Sydney University with a Masters’ in Business degree which he hopes will help the Chow family legacy and to give back to PNG just like what his father and grandfathers had done.
He hopes to contribute in meaningful ways to help those around him as a Papua New Guinean, just as his family had been doing for many years, along with others who received their citizenships last week.
When receiving his dual citizenship last week in Port Moresby from Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, John said: “Today marks an extremely special day for me”.
Living in PNG has played a huge role in the successes of the Chow family, and to be given a dual citizenship was a special gift not only to John but also to the Chow family.
“Thank you to all those who have supported us immensely throughout our time in PNG and we hope to continue growing our journey here.”
His father Ian thanks the Government for recognising people such as John with a citizenship status, adding that John will be continuing with the legacy of the Chow family.
“This means that the company’s future is secured and looks promising when the next generation have higher education and skill to take the company to the next level.
“He has just completed his Masters’ in Business degree at Sydney University, so I am looking forward to what he will do for the family business and continue to give back to the country he grew up in.”