Friday Beyond Spotlights is an all-new and all-star English talk show aired every Friday at 8:30 pm on Hong Kong International Business Channel (#76). The light-hearted and informative programme, hosted by Mr Patrick Tsang On-yip and Mr Nick Chan Hiu-fung, invites leading minds and game changers in Hong Kong to share their views and insights on topical issues, and their experience in grasping opportunities and tackling challenges.
The first episode, hosted by Mr Tsang, features The Honourable Mr CY Leung, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Aside from providing a fresh perspective on Hong Kong’s unique position and the many opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Leung also delivers a rare account of his humble beginnings and personal life.
Hong Kong - a trading hub
“Trade has always been a part of Hong Kong’s DNA,” notes Leung. Since the days of the trading houses known as “Nam Pak Hong” (South-North trading associations) in Sheung Wan, the city has been playing a crucial role in the trade between Mainland China in the North and the Nanyang region in the South. Even now, trading remains an integral and thriving sector of Hong Kong’s economy. “We are the biggest buyer of Japanese foods for 13 years running, and one of the largest global trading hubs of wine,” Leung states. “With the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China rapidly developing into a major and excellent wine-producing zone, Hong Kong will further cement its position as a wine trading hub.”
Capitalising on GBA opportunities
Aside from extensive trading opportunities, the city is also strategically placed for grooming talents and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the rapidly expanding opportunities in the GBA. “Hong Kong is a very useful base for foreign enterprises to break into the enormous market in China,” says Leung. “You only need to send from your home country a young manager, since you can hire an assistant, a driver and a secretary here in the city. Given the robust and comprehensive infrastructure in the GBA, your team of four could cover the entire GBA cluster of cities on a daily commute basis.” Aside from Hong Kong’s efficient container port, businesses can also capitalize on Hong Kong’s expertise in ship finance, ship management, marine insurance, and maritime legal services.
Given Hong Kong’s unique position and strengths in the context of the GBA and the overall development in the Mainland, Leung envies the new generation and expresses his desire to swap lives with any young people in the city. “There is just so much room, not just for their career development, but also for forging international collaboration between China and other parts of the world, in the role of a super-connector,” he explains.
From humble beginnings
Leung came from humble beginnings like many others. He was only given a one-way ticket and a year’s expenses and school fees to UK. During his three years studying in the UK, he proactively found a part-time job at a Chinese takeaway-cum-fish and chips shop working three nights a week for six hours, earning £3.50 a night to help pay for his school fees and living expenses so as to lessen the family’s burden. Cost of living was tough back then due to soaring inflation rates in UK and Leung chose to walk 55 minutes every day to school, often in the rainy and freezing Bristol weather to save on bus fares.
A believer in frugality and having battled through hardship, Leung holds dear to a briefcase that he waited to buy at a post-Christmas sale in Bristol in 1974 for £2.99 which he’s been using till today. Leung also shares with us his advice to his younger self on the importance to “Take in and take on the challenges and hardships in life. You’ll be rewarded.”
Despite the hardship and difficulties, Leung finds studying in the UK a meaningful and rewarding experience. Not only did it allow him to form valuable relationships with his peers and the local people, it also broadened his understanding on British society, culture and politics.
The joys of everyday life
Outside the political arena, Leung confesses to being a family man who enjoys the simple pleasures in life. He finds great delight in gardening, taking strolls along the harbour and dining at local Dai Pai Dongs. He considers himself very fortunate to have his wife, whose love and unwavering support has carried him through all these years.
To watch the video, visit Friday Everyday YouTube Channel - Friday Beyond Spotlights Ep.1 l CY Leung.
Part 1: https://youtu.be/pIgrjtffDJw
Part 2: https://youtu.be/2aYO86X69to
