Donald Tong was born in Hong Kong. In 1983, he graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and joined the Hong Kong civil service.

Mr. Tong assumed the post of Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, the most senior representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in North America, in October 2008.

As Commissioner, he directs the Hong Kong Government's efforts in promoting U.S.-Hong Kong economic and trade ties, and constituency-building activities in the U.S. He also oversees the work of the three Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington, New York and San Francisco.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Tong was Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, responsible for policy formulation on a wide range of subjects, including development of social enterprise, promotion of civic education and human rights, legal aid, and religious and data privacy matters. He was also responsible for the organization of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events held in Hong Kong.

Mr. Tong has worked in various government departments and bureaus, including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department where as Deputy Director-General he oversaw public environmental hygiene facilities and services across the territory.

He worked in the New Airport Projects Coordination Office which oversaw the construction of Hong Kong International Airport, the Airport Railway, and the associated reclamation and highways projects, including the Tsing Ma Bridge.

Mr. Tong also worked as then Deputy Secretary for Environment, responsible for policy formulation over waste management, sewage treatment, promotion of environmental education, and energy efficiency.

Mr. Tong served as the then First Secretary in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C. from 1991 to 1994.

From 1997 to 2000, he was Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, Canada.