Eric Tsang recently revealed that he had actually offered to resign from his post in TVB five times before he was finally given the greenlight to do so.
The Hong Kong star, who announced the end of his five-year tenure with the broadcaster at the TVB Anniversary Awards on 4 January, shared in a post-award interview that the company had persuaded him to stay many times before finally letting him go this year.
“This time I’m very sure of the reasons: First, my children really want me to rest; second, I have trained a group of good people to take over; and third, I want to help the company make some new developments, so I won’t completely sever ties,” he said.
Eric said he had thought about this important decision for a long time before announcing it, and felt that the awards ceremony was the most suitable time.
“When everyone understands and knows what I want to share, I can retire successfully. In fact, I have been on leave for more than a month. I took office on 21 January five years ago, and will officially step down on 21 January this year. I promised the company that I would come back to meet with colleagues as an advisor because there are still some things I want to do with TVB for future development,” he said.
Eric emphasised that his desire to leave wasn’t due to physical limitations, but rather that he still wasn’t used to the job after five years.
“I’m used to making movies, which are very free. After filming, I can rest. Television doesn’t offer rest; the work is endless. The general manager also has to hold meetings all the time. I’m not used to meetings on time. I have to be at the company at 9.30 in the morning, and I have to chair many meetings. There’s no time to be late. That’s the hardest thing for me. I have to handle regular and clerical work, and I have to be responsible. It’s not what I like to do most,” he admitted.
He believes that stepping down will now give him more opportunities to meet with the audience. The TV legend will join TVB’s advisory committee following his departure as General Manager.
(Photo Source: : TVB IG, The Standard, Sin Chew)