Today, the former Vietnamese refugee has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for helping to build the country’s cultural and economic ties with its Asian neighbours.

“It’s a privilege to be able to give back to my community, which has given so much to me and my family,” he told AAP.

“It sends a powerful message to remind us of the egalitarian nature of Australia.

“(It is) a society that embraces people who come from all over the world and allows them to make the most of opportunities for themselves and their families.”

Governor Le and his wife, Lan Le, arrived in Australia in 1977 and settled in Adelaide.

He was appointed SA’s Lieutenant Governor in 2007 and then governor in 2014.

In 2010, he was recognised with an Order of Australia (AO) award on Australia Day.

According to the ABC, Governor Le is the first Vietnamese-born person to be appointed to a Vice-Regal position anywhere in the world.

Previously, Governor Le worked for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and chaired the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission.

Other South Australians honoured by the Queen with an Officer AO includes Peter Hurley for his service to tourism and hospitality, science and chemistry researcher Professor Colin Raston, and academic and public health researcher Professor Frances Baum.

– with other agencies