Strengthening DET for 2026: Leadership Updates
Discova Educational Travel (DET) is entering 2026 with a clear focus: deliver exceptional learning journeys with the highest standards of safety, integrity, and operational consistency, while scaling what makes educational travel truly transformative.
To support that ambition, we are pleased to welcome two key leadership appointments.
Michaela Connor steps into the role of General Manager, Discova Educational Travel, effective 1 February 2026, having already started her transition in mid-January. Michaela brings deep experience across people leadership, professional development, and safeguarding driven practice, shaped by a long career in travel and education-adjacent work.
Raymond Wong has been appointed Head of Programme Operations, effective 1 January 2026, transitioning from his role as Discova’s Operations and Reservations Leader in Singapore. Raymond’s foundation in educational travel and group operations, paired with his track record in delivering consistent on-the-ground execution, will be critical as DET continues to grow.
Michaela Connor, incoming General Manager, Discova Educational Travel
Michaela Connor’s path into educational travel was shaped long before she held a leadership title. At 19, she left Sweden to travel, and the experience became her most influential teacher. Seeing how people learn through lived experience and cultural exchange led her into the travel industry in 2006, when she began her career with Flight Centre Travel Group in New Zealand. Early in that journey, she supported school groups travelling to Asia, giving her first-hand insight into the operational care, structure, and purpose that educational programmes require.
Over the past 15 years, Michaela has built her expertise in People and Culture leadership across New Zealand and Asia, with a strong focus on Learning and Development. Her experience in adult education, facilitation, leadership development, and child protection reflects a clear belief that learning is a catalyst for growth, for individuals, teams, and communities.
For DET, Michaela brings a values-led approach grounded in safeguarding and responsible practice. She is clear that student travel must be designed with integrity, including thoughtful standards around engagement with children and communities, and consistent policies that protect people while preserving the quality of the learning experience.
“Stepping into the role of General Manager of Discova Educational Travel brings together two of my strongest passions and values: the transformative power of education, and the opportunity to give back to local communities by using tourism as a force for positive and lasting impact,” says Michaela.
Raymond Wong, Head of Programme Operations
Raymond’s appointment strengthens a core capability that sits behind every excellent educational travel experience: operational discipline.
Raymond’s journey into travel began as what he describes as a temporary “stopover”, but it quickly became a long-term passion. Over the years, he has worked across multiple parts of the travel supply chain, including retail, airlines, inbound touring, and destination marketing.
What has left the strongest impression, however, has been working directly with educators and education institutions to bring students on programmes that bring classroom learning to life.
Raymond has spent over a decade handling student trips, both as a trip planner and as a tour director on the ground. He notes that every school journey is different, and that the value is not always an “experience of a lifetime”, but often an eye-opener that helps students connect learning to place, people, and context.
He is also well-versed in educational programme design and content development, paired with strong logistics coordination across local and overseas associates, helping ensure successful field trips and repeat referrals.
Looking ahead, Raymond is excited about the breadth of educational content DET can offer across Discova destinations, and the opportunity to showcase a more diverse range of programmes in Southeast Asia. He also points to the region’s relevance for the future, noting the value of helping students understand its history, heritage, culture, and challenges, alongside building itineraries that respond to the realities young people will face.
“The actual learning on location and application of their knowledge is one of the most satisfying outcomes of the trips that we organise. I am passionate about working with students to help develop them and prepare them to go further in their lives,” adds Raymond.
2026 is a year of building, refining, and scaling with purpose. As Discova’s Managing Director, Suyin Lee notes:
“I am excited about the experience that Michaela and Raymond bring in education travel, both from the Learning & Development and travel perspective. We are committed to the growth of this segment through investment in senior leadership talent and programme Research and Development.”
Please join us in welcoming Michaela Connor as DET’s incoming General Manager and Raymond Wong as our Head of Programme Operations. Their combined strengths reinforce what DET stands for: educational travel that is well designed, carefully delivered, and grounded in responsibility.
Speak to our team
about planning a school trip in 2026!
