Life lessons: 'It's all right to be sacked' former Hong Kong minister Paul Tang tells pupils four months after his shocking exit

Four months after his shock exit from cabinet, Paul Tang advises youngsters to accept failure

CHRISTY LEUNGchristy.leung@scmp.com

PUBLISHED : Wednesday, 11 November, 2015, 12:01am

UPDATED : Wednesday, 11 November, 2015, 8:54am

Paul Tang joins in the Jockey Club Mei Ho House Hong Kong Spirit Learning Programme. Photo: Nora Tam

Don't be afraid of failure, former civil service chief Paul Tang Kwok-wai told a group of secondary school pupils yesterday - and that includes losing your job.

In his first public appearance since his abrupt departure in July, Tang said: "It is all right to be sacked from your job. It is not the end of the world. Life is not just about work. There are so many things to do in life. Also, not all kinds of jobs suit you."

The former minister told youngsters at a Jockey Club seminar about how he came from a grass-roots family and worked his way up. He advised them not to be afraid of challenges and failures in life, as things did not always come easy or stay perfect.

READ MORE: Two Hong Kong government ministers Tsang Tak-sing and Paul Tang replaced in shock cabinet reshuffle

Tang said he sometimes felt frustrated about work and would try to amuse himself when he went home.

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying replaced Tang and home affairs chief Tsang Tak-sing four months ago in a sudden, widely questioned cabinet reshuffle.

Tsang, 66, said at the time he was "glad to retire", while Tang, 59, cited "unforeseeable family circumstances" for his departure. Their terms were due to end on June 30, 2017. In a farewell message sent to colleagues, Tang also described the timing of his departure as "unexpected".

Source earlier said Tang was felt to be "too laid back" as head of the government workforce to ensure a harmonious relationship between the administration and civil servant unions.

Reflecting on his 37-year career, Tang told the pupils he had experienced more gains than losses. "The government is a good employer. I learnt a lot. But of course not all positions I held suited me."

Questioned by the press later on whether he would return to political circles, Tang said he enjoyed retirement. He was spending more time with his family and enjoyed hiking and good food.

Tang was succeeded by Clement Cheung Wan-ching, the former Customs and Excise chief.

http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/1877612/life-lessons-its-all-right-be-sacked-former-hong