Hong Kong, January 15, 2026 – Veteran entertainer and TVB executive Eric Tsang, recently lauded with the prestigious "Lifetime Achievement – Glory of Stars" award at the TVB Anniversary Awards 2025, offered a candid and deeply personal reflection on his five-year tenure as General Manager of Program Content Operations in an episode of the interview program One Week of Stars. During the insightful discussion, Tsang openly shared his triumphs, his challenges, and a significant regret that he plans to reveal in an upcoming broadcast. His departure from the General Manager role, effective January 21, 2026, to assume a new position as Convenor of a newly established Advisory Committee, has sparked considerable public interest, prompting this heartfelt retrospective.
The interview featured not only Tsang’s own introspective thoughts but also the warm and honest perspectives of close industry friends and his daughter-in-law, Venus Wong. This multi-faceted approach provided a comprehensive portrait of Tsang’s experience navigating the complex landscape of television production and corporate management.
The Weight of Leadership: "I Never Thought I’d Be This Useless"
During the program, host Maria Luisa Leitao, speaking on behalf of the many viewers who have followed Tsang’s career and his recent leadership role, posed a direct question about his decision to step down as General Manager. Tsang’s response was characteristically forthright, admitting, "Five years is too long for me." He elaborated on the immense pressure associated with the position, particularly within the framework of a publicly listed company. "Sometimes I want to say something, but with your position, you just can’t," he explained, highlighting the constraints that come with corporate responsibility. "We’re a listed company – it’s really tough. It doesn’t feel like me at all."
In a moment of self-deprecating humor, Tsang confessed, "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 vivid analogy underscored the monumental task of steering a media giant like TVB and the steep learning curve he experienced.
Tsang also revealed that his family had been urging him to step back from the demanding role for 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, acknowledging the supportive, albeit firm, encouragement from his children. This sentiment suggests a desire for him to reclaim more personal time and perhaps return to the more direct creative endeavors he is renowned for.
Navigating Financial Straits: "Turning Losses Into Profits, Cutting Back on Spending"
The conversation then shifted to the financial realities that TVB has faced during Tsang’s tenure, a factor that inevitably influenced content strategy and operational decisions. Tsang spoke openly about the necessity of fiscal prudence, admitting that certain changes and their perceived impact were a direct consequence of the company’s financial situation. "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 urged viewers and critics alike.
He articulated a core business principle that guided his approach: "If you want to turn losses into profits, cutting back on spending is one of the ways." This pragmatic perspective sheds light on the difficult choices that may have been made in programming and production, aiming to optimize resources and achieve financial stability. This emphasis on financial recovery is a crucial aspect of his leadership narrative, suggesting a period of necessary austerity to ensure the long-term viability of the broadcaster.
Unforeseen Successes and Lingering Regrets
Despite the acknowledged pressures and financial constraints, Tsang also highlighted a significant success story that exceeded his expectations: the program Midlife, Sing & Shine! He confessed, "I never expected the response to be this huge." This unexpected triumph serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted content and the potential for innovation even within a challenging environment. Tsang also hinted at an interesting anecdote behind the program’s naming, encouraging viewers to tune in to One Week of Stars for the full story.
However, the interview would not have been complete without addressing areas of unfulfilled ambition. Tsang revealed that there was one particular objective he had hoped to achieve during his five years as General Manager but ultimately fell short of. He described this as his "biggest regret," teasing that its revelation would be a highlight of the following Sunday’s program on October 2. This carefully managed reveal has undoubtedly piqued the curiosity of the audience, eager to understand the full scope of his aspirations and the challenges that prevented their realization.
A New Chapter: Strategic Vision for the Future
Tsang’s transition to the Convenor of the Advisory Committee signifies a strategic shift, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience and industry acumen in a more advisory capacity. In this new role, he will be instrumental in shaping TVB’s future by providing the Board of Directors with guidance on new program content and strategic direction. This move is designed to ensure the continued evolution of TVB’s content ecosystem, a critical component in maintaining its relevance in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
His willingness to embrace this new role, even after expressing the difficulties of his previous position, speaks volumes about his enduring commitment to TVB and the Hong Kong entertainment industry. The establishment of this Advisory Committee itself suggests a forward-thinking approach by TVB, seeking to harness the wisdom of seasoned professionals like Tsang to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
The Human Side of a Media Icon
Beyond the corporate jargon and the pressures of leadership, the interview offered a glimpse into the personal journey of Eric Tsang. His candid admissions about the difficulties of his role, his self-deprecating humor, and his acknowledgment of family support paint a picture of a leader who is not afraid to be vulnerable. His reflections on the "gains and losses" during his five-year term are not merely professional assessments but deeply personal experiences.
The program’s format, incorporating the voices of his peers and family, provided a supportive and understanding environment for Tsang to share his thoughts. This collaborative storytelling approach allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the iconic public persona. As he moves into his new role, the insights gained from his tenure as General Manager will undoubtedly inform his contributions to the Advisory Committee, potentially ushering in a new era of innovation and strategic growth for TVB. The anticipation surrounding the revelation of his "biggest regret" only adds another layer of intrigue to this already compelling narrative of a beloved figure in Hong Kong’s entertainment history.
