It was the year 1964, and I had just begun my professional journey as a medical detailman with Abbott Laboratories, a well-established American pharmaceutical company. Fresh out of school and full of enthusiasm, I was assigned the role of promoting Abbott's medical products to doctors in their private offices across Hong Kong.
Back then, the job wasn’t just about handing out brochures or delivering sales pitches. It involved building relationships, understanding each doctor’s specialty, and tailoring our recommendations based on their patients’ needs. I wore a suit with tie every day, carried a leather bag filled with product samples and literatures, and navigated through the bustling districts of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
One memorable day stands out vividly in my memory. I had an appointment to visit Dr. Cheung Chi Sun, a renowned pediatrician whose office was located along Prince Edward Road/Nathan Road in Kowloon. His reputation preceded him—gentle with children, respected among peers, and always abreast of the latest developments in medicine.
As I walked in the waiting area, another young man already waited there—well-dressed, polite, and clearly another detailman. He just sat there and did not introduce himself. He started his presentation then left.
I was still waiting for my turn presenting my products. It was during that chat that Dr. Cheung mentioned something that stayed with me all these years. He said, “Have you heard of Donald Tsang a Pfizer representative? He’s one of the most outstanding detailmen I’ve come across. Soon he would join the government” He spoke with admiration, noting how Donald was not only persuasive and knowledgeable, but also incredibly sharp and professional.
At the time, Donald Tsang was just another young man working in the field like the rest of us. No one could have predicted the path he would later take—a meteoric rise through the ranks of the civil service to eventually become the Chief Executive of Hong Kong decades later. To think that a future leader of Hong Kong once walked the same path as a humble pharmaceutical representative like myself was a fascinating revelation.
What struck me even more about that day was the friendliness and openness of Dr. Cheung. Despite his stature, he welcomed conversation beyond the usual product talk. He spoke with genuine interest and treated us with respect. That moment made me realize how personal connection and trust were just as important as knowledge in the world of pharmaceutical detailing.
Looking back, the early 1960s in Hong Kong were a unique time—marked by economic growth, the rise of local professionals, and the forging of many humble beginnings. Many young people were entering the workforce with ambition, and some—like Donald Tsang—would go on to shape the city’s future in extraordinary ways.
That brief encounter, though seemingly ordinary, left a lasting impression on me. It reminded me that behind every business card and job title is a person with untold potential. And sometimes, the people you casually encountered with in a waiting room may one day make history.
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