FORT BEND COUNTY, TX—Fort Bend County resident Daniel Wong believes that building a strong community goes beyond infrastructure like roads and buildings; it starts with laying a foundation of quality education.
As a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Wong has been working to position Fort Bend County for long-term success. His focus is on preparing students for careers that match their interests and meet the needs of a growing regional economy.
“We don’t just need more degrees. We need the right degrees,” Wong said. “If we prepare students for the jobs our economy actually needs, we attract more businesses, grow the tax base, and ease the pressure on homeowners. It’s a win across the board.”
Wong brings both business and public service experience to the table. He’s the CEO of Tolunay-Wong Engineers, a company that has helped build critical infrastructure throughout Texas. He’s also a former Sugar Land City Council member. His background gives him a unique perspective on how policy can shape real-world outcomes.
“We need to align our educational institutions with industry needs—healthcare, tech, engineering, skilled trades,” he said. “That’s how we ensure students graduate with real opportunities, not just debt.”
Wong believes workforce development is one of the most effective tools available for driving economic growth. Fort Bend County is among the fastest-growing regions in Texas, and he says that makes it even more important to invest in the right kinds of education.
“If we can demonstrate that Fort Bend has a skilled, educated, ready-to-go workforce, more companies will choose to build here,” he said. “That means more jobs, more investment, and a broader tax base.”
A broader tax base, he added, directly benefits homeowners. With more companies contributing, the burden on individual families can be reduced.
“It’s simple math,” Wong said. “The more we expand the base, the less we ask of individual families.”
Wong compared education to engineering, pointing out that both form the foundation of a healthy, growing community. For this reason, Wong is an adamant proponent of stronger partnerships between school districts, community colleges and local employers.
He is currently advocating for the county to introduce programs that are tailored to high-demand careers and can quickly adapt to economic changes.
“We don’t build roads to nowhere,” he said. “And we shouldn’t fund education that leads nowhere, either. Education supports everything else, from mobility, to housing, to healthcare. You can’t build a strong county without it.”
While Wong has a long list of credentials, including three terms on the Sugar Land City Council, Wong said his motivation has always been community service.
“This isn’t about politics,” he said. “It’s about strategy. It’s about making Fort Bend a place where talent stays, businesses grow, and families thrive.”
As Fort Bend County continues its era of growth, Wong emphasizes the need for educational programs that expand alongside the community. A healthy population must be equipped with skillsets that can adapt and mold into whatever needs the future may introduce.
“An educated workforce is the best investment we can make,” he said. “It lifts people, attracts business, and builds a better future—for everyone.”
