Eric Tsang Reflects on Transformative Five Years at TVB, Steps Down from General Manager Role
In a candid and deeply personal appearance on the recent episode of the interview program One Week of Stars, veteran entertainer Eric Tsang (曾志å‰) opened up about his transformative five-year tenure as General Manager of Program Content Operations at TVB. The interview comes on the heels of Tsang being honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement – Glory of Stars” award at the TVB Anniversary Awards 2025 (<è¬åƒæ˜Ÿè¼é ’çŽå…¸ç¦®2025>), a testament to his enduring legacy in the Hong Kong entertainment industry.
Tsang, known for his sharp wit and insightful observations, shared a range of emotions, including reflections on his accomplishments, personal regrets, and the profound personal growth he experienced during his leadership at the venerable broadcasting company. His departure from the General Manager position, effective January 21, 2026, marks a significant transition, though he will continue to contribute to TVB in a new capacity as Convenor of a newly established Advisory Committee. In this advisory role, Tsang will be instrumental in shaping the future of TVB’s content strategy, providing crucial guidance to the Board of Directors on new program development and the overall strategic direction of the company’s burgeoning content ecosystem.
The announcement of his stepping down as General Manager has ignited considerable public interest and speculation, prompting the producers of One Week of Stars to assemble a special episode featuring close friends from the industry and his daughter-in-law, Venus Wong (王敼奕). This intimate setting allowed for heartfelt and honest exchanges, providing viewers with an unprecedented glimpse into Tsang’s personal journey and his motivations behind this significant career shift.
Navigating the Currents: Gains and Losses in a Five-Year Voyage
During the program, host Maria Luisa Leitao (黎芷çŠ), acting as a voice for the many curious viewers, directly addressed the question on everyone’s mind: “Many people wonder why you decided to step down as General Manager at this point in time.” Tsang’s response was characteristically forthright. “Five years is too long for me,” he admitted, his voice tinged with a weariness that spoke volumes about the immense pressure inherent in the role. He elaborated on the constraints and the inherent conflict between his natural inclination and the demands of leading a publicly traded company. “Sometimes I want to say something, but with your position, you just can’t,” Tsang confessed. “We’re a listed company – it’s really tough. It doesn’t feel like me at all.”
In a moment of self-deprecating humor that endeared him further to the audience, he added, “I never thought I’d be this useless – it took me five years to get to this stage. I thought I could sort things out in three years, but this cruise ship is just too big – it’s like an aircraft carrier.” This analogy powerfully conveys the sheer scale and complexity of the organizational challenges he faced, highlighting his humility and his recognition that some endeavors require more time and strategic maneuvering than initially anticipated.
Tsang also revealed a more personal layer to his decision, sharing that his own children had been advocating for his departure from the demanding General Manager role for quite some time. “They’ve been thinking about it for ages – they even threatened me, asking, ‘Haven’t you done enough yet?!’ Once kids grow up, they’re fiercer than you,” he quipped, his eyes twinkling with affection and a touch of exasperation. This insight into his family life underscored the personal sacrifices and the unwavering support system that has accompanied him throughout his illustrious career.
The program also touched upon the significant financial pressures that TVB, like many traditional media outlets, has faced in recent years. Tsang acknowledged the necessity of fiscal prudence, explaining the rationale behind certain strategic decisions. “People ask, ‘Why is it like this?’ Well, when there’s no money and you have to be frugal, some problems are bound to come up – please bear with us,” he implored, seeking understanding from the audience. He further elaborated on the tough choices that come with financial recovery, stating, “If you want to turn losses into profits, cutting back on spending is one of the ways.” This statement, while pragmatic, also hints at the difficult compromises that leadership in challenging economic climates often necessitates.
Unveiling Regrets and Unexpected Triumphs
Despite the challenges, Tsang expressed a profound sense of accomplishment in navigating the complex landscape of television production and management. However, he also candidly admitted to harboring a significant regret from his five-year tenure. When asked about specific unfulfilled aspirations, he revealed that there was one particular goal he had passionately pursued but ultimately could not achieve. The nature of this regret, described as his “biggest regret,” is slated to be unveiled in its entirety on a future episode of One Week of Stars, scheduled to air this coming Sunday, October 2nd. This tantalizing revelation has undoubtedly heightened anticipation among viewers eager to learn more about the personal stakes involved in his leadership journey.
Adding a layer of triumph to his reflections, Tsang spoke about the unexpected success of the program Midlife, Sing & Shine! (<ä¸å¹´å¥½è²éŸ³>). He confessed that when the program was initially conceived, he had no inkling it would resonate so powerfully with audiences. “I never expected the response to be this huge,” he remarked, expressing genuine surprise and delight at the program’s widespread acclaim. He even shared that the very naming of the show carries an intriguing backstory, a detail he promised to reveal to viewers who tune in to One Week of Stars this Sunday night. This anecdote highlights Tsang’s keen understanding of audience engagement and his ability to foster creative processes that lead to unexpected yet resounding successes.
The interview segment, featuring poignant contributions from industry peers and the warmth of his daughter-in-law, paints a picture of a seasoned leader reflecting on a pivotal chapter of his career. Tsang’s willingness to share his vulnerabilities, his humor, and his insights into the demanding world of broadcasting offers a compelling narrative of dedication, resilience, and a forward-looking perspective. As he transitions to his new advisory role, his continued influence promises to be a guiding force for TVB’s evolving content strategy, ensuring that his decades of experience and his unique vision remain integral to the future of Hong Kong television.
