A blessing in disguise

Courtesy of Shih Wing-ching

A member of Sowers Action, Shih Wing-ching helps the children in Hunan in 1995. His contributions to society never cease.

When he was in his 20s, the April Fifth Incident prompted Shih Wing-ching to abandon his Marxist beliefs. Exiled from the shattered communist utopia, he regained confidence in capitalism. Now, he is the managing director of Centaline Property Agency Limited.

By Dick Lee

From his change in social beliefs and from being a trainee to an entrepreneur, Shih Wing-ching has a lot to say about his 20s.

“I think every youth is hot-blooded. Their behaviour highly corresponds to the changing environment.

“I was almost 20 in the late ’60s, during which society was filled with crime and poverty. Ironically, Hong Kong was under British sovereignty.

“I blamed colonialism. It was unfair that we Chinese were under the control of a foreign minority.”

Mr. Shin claimed that he was a rebellious youth.

“I was influenced by Marxism,” said he. “I resented a political system ruled from above, as it oppressed the masses.

“I dreamt of overthrowing the colony’s political and educational systems, and constructing a new world.”

He joined protests and riots against the government in 1967 when he was about 18. He organised associations with friends sharing similar political views.

These activities coincided with his fourth and fifth years in secondary school. “Thus I performed badly in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination,” said he. “I left school in 1968.”

Then a twist of fate came.

He heard of an evening school in Kwun Tong that was mainly for female workers and poor children.

“I thought it was an ideal place to arouse people’s awareness to fight for their rights. Therefore I applied as a teacher there.”

He was content to be a teacher.

“It was not because of the wages, but the value of life I found there,” said he.

He received about $100 to $200 per month. That was not much. But the students there badly needed him, and this gave him support and helped him grow.

“My managerial skills, leadership and understanding of specialisation were enhanced through teaching. I was better equipped.”

In spite of his dedication to teaching, his political enthusiasm was still high. But the year 1976 marked a change. He was 25.

“I used to be a leftist because I believed that the Chinese Communist regime helped masses revolt against oppression. But in the April Fifth Incident in 1976, the government suppressed its patriotic people.

“My dream of a communist society was shattered. I doubted the feasibility of communism because the Chinese government was anti-revolutionary.”

Afterwards, he read more books written by economic liberalists like Milton Freedman and Carl Porter, and this raised his faith in capitalism.

Finally, he withdrew from social movements and turned to business.

To begin with, Mr. Shih decided to find a job. A chance came when an estate agent recruited him as a trainee.

“I was around 28 that time and I received $1,000 every month.

“My tasks in the office were routine. I was responsible for photocopying and transporting documents among departments.”

Although it was a low-ranking post, it served as a stepping-stone for his career.

“Very often, I had to handle confidential documents, including agreements and insurance policies. I took a thoughtful look at them.

“I gradually acquired basics on property market and transaction procedures.

To know more about the property market, he even copied the cost lists and price lists of property projects as references.

Every Saturday and Sunday, he brought along those copies with him and analysed the property developments at construction sites.

“One time, I found several units were undervalued. I promptly informed my boss and urged him to take action.

“My boss then adjusted the prices and gave me a chance to make decisions on the sales of properties,” said he.

When he was 29, owing to dissatisfaction with his salary and dissension with the boss, he quit.

In 1978, he and some friends set up the property agency that he is directing today.

Asked about the keys to success in his 20s, he said, “First, don’t mind working from the lowest rank. Get hold of golden chances to expose your talents.

“Second, learn as much as you can and try adapting to the changing environment. Diligence is indispensable.

“Last, don’t bargain for a high pay. Do great things to win your boss’ appreciation.”

Mr. Shih added that people are free to choose their own styles of living.

“I may not be good model,” he said. “After all, youths should strive for their best.”

However, Mr. Shih treasures his experiences in organising social movements and has no regret about his sacrifices.

“As you see, my dream and career changed in my 20s.

“Without those experiences, I would not have the present achievements.

“My past was made meaningful by my contributions to others. So, the time I have spent was never a waste,” he said.