Mohd Tahsin “Thye” Wong, Abdullah
2025-2026 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Poni Group and Poni Foundation
Brunei
Mohd Tahsin “Thye” Wong, Abdullah is the chief executive officer and founder of Poni Group, a multi-sector enterprise spanning maritime, offshore, tourism, events, and tech, as well as Poni Foundation, its nonprofit arm focused on marine conservation and sustainability. An avid entrepreneur, he started with a dive shop and expanded his businesses to marine engineering and maritime sustainability services with a range of initiatives empowering youth and local communities in ocean conservation. The Poni Group's Rumah Fish Project won the UNDP ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge for its use of innovative technologies to restore Brunei’s ocean through artificial reef projects. His initiatives have engaged over 8,000 young people, and he spearheaded Brunei’s inaugural Ocean Week, which brought together 1,000 participants and government partners to advance conservation and deploy artificial reef balls, concrete structures that promote coral reef growth.
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For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.
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- The Center
- Building the Center
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
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- Defending Democracy
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- Barack Obama
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
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