No regrets or looking back for ex-Hong Kong financial secretary John Tsang as he focuses on technology and youth ventures

In wide-ranging interview, political veteran whose bid last year to lead the city fell short says he now balances three projects with eye on ‘meaningful returns’

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Former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah is now vice-chairman of the bank Ion Pacific. Photo: David Wong

Published: 9:00am, 14 Jun 2018Updated: 9:23am, 14 Jun 2018

Political veteran John Tsang Chun-wah is travelling on a road of no return, embracing technology and youth ventures after losing his bid for Hong Kong’s top job to Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor last year.

The former financial secretary, who unexpectedly threw his hat into the ring of the chief executive election race and was defeated by Beijing’s preferred candidate, has left behind the past and the possibility of coming back in four years.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Post, Tsang, 67, instead focused on investing in financial technology, or fintech, with an eye on “meaningful returns”, while talking up a charity to help young people launch businesses or grow their start-ups.

“I no longer pay much attention to political matters,” Tsang said with a mild grin peeking out beneath his signature moustache that earned him the nickname “Uncle Pringles”.

Tsang served in the Hong Kong government for 35 years. Photo: David Wong

The election contest last year proved a defining moment. Tsang garnered 365 votes against Lam’s 777 from an Election Committee dominated by Beijing loyalists. This was despite all major polls in the run-up to the vote showing him to be the most popular candidate.

“I have never thought about coming back for any chief executive race because I have moved on to a different stage of life,” Tsang said with conviction. “I don’t dwell on the past.”