Today, famillies gather together to honour, celebrate, and remember the extraordinary life of Paul
Chung King — also known as Chongue. A man whose journey crossed nations, cultures, and
generations, but whose heart ultimately belonged to Vanuatu and the people he loved.
Early Life and Family Roots
Paul was born on the 20th of December 1943 — the second son among five children. He came
into the world during one of its darkest moments, the Second World War. To protect their
family, his parents made the courageous decision to migrate to Vietnam, where Paul grew up
fluent in Vietnamese, shaped by both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures.
But hardship followed. When the Vietnam War tore the region apart, the family was
separated. As a teenager, Paul said farewell to his parents — forever. It was a loss that
marked him deeply, and one he carried quietly for the rest of his life.
Learning to Survive
Returning to China alone, Paul faced the world with nothing but determination. He began by
brushing shoes on the street. He delivered gas bottles by bicycle across the city. He worked
his way up to sales manager — not because it came easily, but because he refused to give up.
These early years gave him something no school could teach: discipline, endurance, and the
unshakeable belief that hard work is never wasted.
Journey to Australia
In 1970, driven by curiosity and courage, Paul travelled to Australia. Once again, he started
from the bottom — first as a dishwasher, then as an assistant chef, and eventually as a
restaurant supervisor. He learned that leadership means being first to arrive and last to
leave. Success, he understood, always comes with sacrifice.
Arrival in Vanuatu
In 1973, a call from his cousin Tat Chung brought Paul to Santo, where he worked as a
bartender at the Asia Motel. But Paul had bigger dreams. He made his way to Port Vila,
started a small grocery business in Tagabe, and built a close friendship with Mr. Jack Fong
and his family.
A few years later, Paul purchased the business and proudly renamed it Chung King Store —
a name that would become known across Port Vila.
Building People, Not Just Business
Paul was never only a businessman. One of the first people he mentored was a young girl
named Naio Jeannette. He hired her, taught her, and guided her with patience and care.
Jeannette later married Richard Yan Nasse, and together they welcomed four children —
whom Paul embraced as his own grandchildren.
He taught them how to use chopsticks. He introduced them to Chinese cuisine. He took them
on their first international trip. He never missed a birthday — always arriving with the best
cake and their favourite meal from Harbour View Restaurant.
His lesson to them was simple:
“Whatever you do in life — do it well. Do it with pride and perfection.”
Paul’s Religious Gift Shop
In the 1990s, Paul noticed something. People were always searching for meaningful gifts — something to encourage a loved one, mark a special moment, or carry a word of faith.
Inspired by this, he created picture frames with Bible verses, and began selling Bibles, storybooks, and inspirational gifts. From that vision, Paul’s Religious Gift Shop was born.
Then in 1997, tragedy struck. Paul suffered a serious health crisis that required major heart surgery in Australia. It was a frightening and uncertain time — but he faced it with the same quiet courage he had shown all his life. During those long two years away, Jeannette faithfully cared for the shop, keeping his vision alive.
When Paul returned in 1999, he made a defining decision. He sold the grocery property and chose not to look back. From that point on, he gave himself fully to Paul’s Religious Gift Shop — and it continued to flourish, filled with Bibles, gifts, flags, toys, and the warmth of a man at peace with his purpose.
The shop became more than a business. It became a place of encouragement, hope, and kindness for countless people across Vanuatu.
Paul’s Religious Gift Shop later became an officially registered business in Vanuatu under Business Number 20538. Registered on 27 January 2014, the business operated from the Valet Building in Port Vila and was owned by Mr. Kin Paul Chongue Chung. The shop was engaged in wholesale and retail trade, serving churches, religious organisations, families, and the wider community with religious gifts, devotional items, Bibles, and inspirational products.
For more than a decade, the business remained a familiar and respected presence in Port Vila, reflecting Paul’s passion for faith, service, and community. According to the VFSC Business Name Extract, the business remained registered until 1 May 2026, when the registration lapsed following the non-renewal of its annual filing.
A Life of Faith, Music, and Generosity
In 2010, during Vanuatu’s 30th Independence Anniversary, Paul received a National Medal
in recognition of his contribution to this country. In 2011, he received his baptism certificate
at the Christian Chinese Church in Australia — a milestone that meant everything to him.
Paul gave generously to churches, universities, and music groups like Monument Singers. He
attended his son’s graduation at the University of the South Pacific and donated to support
its mission.
Music was one of his greatest joys. Anyone who passed by Chung King Store or Paul’s
Religious Gift Shop would always hear music in the air — a reflection of the peace and joy he
carried within him.
His Identity and Love for Vanuatu
Paul’s life was unique because he belonged to many worlds. He was born in China. Part of his
heart remained Vietnamese. He held French nationality and travelled with an Australian
passport. But above all, he considered himself proudly Ni-Vanuatu.
When people asked why he never took Vanuatu nationality, he would smile and answer:
“Why should I? I am not Chinese. I am a Ni-Vanuatu.
I am older than this country. I speak Bislama.
I have a son who is Ni-Vanuatu. I have a family here.
I am from Tanna — Ramasen.”
His Legacy
Today, famillies remember not only the achievements of Paul Chung King, but the values he lived
by. He taught us that family is created through love, not only blood. That hardship should
never stop us from moving forward. That discipline and excellence matter in everything we
do. That generosity and kindness can change lives. And that true belonging comes from the
people we love and serve.
Paul Chung King leaves behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice, faith, generosity, discipline,
music, and love. His journey touched countless lives across generations.
And though he may no longer walk among us,
his lessons, his kindness, and his spirit will continue to live on
through the many people he inspired.
Rest peacefully, Paul Chung King — Chongue.
Your story will never be forgotten.
