The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

In early October, Fei Peng proposed a "political reform" plan, which caused a stir.

The most controversial aspect is undoubtedly the arrangements for the 1995 Legislative Council election. According to Fei Peng's proposal, the 1995 Legislative Council will cancel the appointed seats of 9 functional groups and 10 election committee seats; in order to fill these seats, Fei Peng proposed to divide the vast majority of Hong Kong's working population into 9 industries, so that each industry can elect representatives of each functional group on a one-person-one-vote basis. In addition, Fei Peng also suggested that the election committee should be composed of directly elected district councilors, and they should select the representatives recommended by the original election committee. of 10 seats.

This kind of plan is of course supported by some people in Hong Kong. After all, it is the embodiment of "democracy". But don’t forget, Hong Kong has been under British rule for more than a hundred years. Why is it now time to propose a ‘democracy’?

This is the British digging a hole. Anyway, I will not be in charge in the future. I only care about gathering public opinion, not caring about the raging flood behind me.

If the British had implemented this plan twenty or thirty years ago, there would have been no problems and it would have been implemented smoothly.

In fact, the first Hong Kong governor after World War II, Mr. Yeung Muk-chi, once proposed a plan to "Chinese take power." As a result, London directly removed Mr. Yeung from his position. Obviously, at that time, the British did not want the Chinese to truly take power. At most, they would cultivate some "Chinese leading parties" and then push them to the position of parliamentarians.

After Fei Peng's plan was put out, it was immediately refuted by mainland officials. Their attitude was quite firm and they even threatened to start over again - to arrange their own parliamentary seats in 1995 to welcome 1997.

For a time, the relationship between the two parties suddenly declined!

At the meeting of the New Airport Committee, mainland officials rejected the proposal to use land funds to inject new airport projects into the project, and the construction of the new airport suddenly became difficult.

In the days that followed, the situation arose again - regarding Container Terminal 9, the Hong Kong government's practice of directly awarding the project to a consortium formed by Jardine Matheson and Sun Hung Kai without going through a tender process also began to be criticized by a large number of media and celebrities.

Compared with the monopolistic behavior of Lin Zhichao's family, the Hong Kong government's direct and private method of giving and receiving is untenable in any region in the world and there is no fairness at all.

This is just like government officials can directly channel benefits to interested companies and individuals.

Under this kind of public opinion, mainland officials also publicly announced that the new post-1997 government will not recognize the ownership of Container Terminal 9. The reason is simple. According to the agreement signed by the two parties in 1984, such a large-scale project arrangement needs to be notified to the mainland officials and approved by the officials.

Under the attack of two forces, the Hong Kong government announced that the No. 9 Container Terminal plan is temporarily shelved!

Late.

When Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong from the mainland, something embarrassing happened to him.

Ma Shimin "ignored current affairs" and accepted an interview with the British "Guardian". Xuancheng firmly sided with Fei Peng and claimed that Fei Peng was his hero. He also said that many Chinese businessmen and even British businessmen clearly think so in their hearts, but in order to continue doing business with the mainland and Hong Kong, they speak like that, or even pretend to be mute!

This 'horse boy' immediately embarrassed Lin Zhichao. After all, he had just negotiated many projects in the mainland.

At this time, most businessmen in Hong Kong chose to remain silent. They were really forced to express their hope for a smooth transition and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability in non-edgy words. Lin Zhichao can also maintain a distance from Fei Peng and has not made any statement in this regard.

Arriving at Hutchison Whampoa's office, Lin Zhichao called Ma Shimin to the office.

"Simon, I want to talk to you about something personal!"

Ma Shimin nodded and said, "Okay, Sir Lin, no matter what you say, you are still my hero!"

The two may hold different views in the political field, but Ma Shimin has always regarded Lin Zhichao as a hero in the business world.

Lin Zhichao ignored Ma Shimin's topic and said: "During the era of British Hong Kong, did Hong Kong ever have a true democratic government?"

Ma Shimin shook his head and then said: "But now is the time to change this situation."

Lin Zhichao said: "It is undeniable that I saw his persistence and strategy from Fei Peng, and I also saw that this matter may eventually come true. But in the end, excessive democracy is equivalent to laying huge thunders for Hong Kong, and sooner or later there will be One day, Hong Kong will be detonated by this mine."

Ma Shimin listened carefully to Lin Zhichao's analysis, or prediction, and everything seemed so real.

"Sir Lin is worried that one day, things will go as you predicted, and Hong Kong's economic status will be affected."

Lin Zhichao said: "I don't know if things will happen, but I believe that a strong China will never allow separatism. In the end, Hong Kong will still be injured. Unlike you, I can go back to live in the UK. What happens in Hong Kong has nothing to do with me; on the contrary, I have deeper feelings for Hong Kong than anyone else, so I work hard to develop the cultural industry and technology industry, and add to Hong Kong's heritage little by little. I hope that Hong Kong will still have a stronghold despite future dangers. A strong foundation to support the economy.”

The two of them can be regarded as both teachers and friends. Ma Shimin has been in Hutchison Whampoa for ten years and has won the trust of Lin Zhichao. Lin Zhichao only focused on some large-scale projects and general directions, while Ma Shimin negotiated hundreds of projects for Hutchison Whampoa and Hong Kong Electric, with business spread all over the world.

Ma Shimin has meetings of all sizes every day, just like a working machine. This is what Lin Zhichao values ​​most. After all, as a boss, who doesn't want to have such a subordinate.

And Lin Zhichao did not treat him badly. Ma Shimin's annual salary is 12 million Hong Kong dollars, ranking No. 1 in Hong Kong. At the end of 1989, Ma Shimin got the opportunity to buy Hutchison Whampoa shares at a low price of 10 yuan (the opportunity to subscribe for equity can be converted into stocks at any time, (the price will not change), a total of 8 million shares were obtained. The current share price of Hutchison Whampoa has risen to 30 yuan per share. If Ma Shimin chooses to subscribe, he can make a profit of HK$160 million.

Stock options are the real income of top management!

Of course, after the senior management gets this 'subscription right', they will also work hard to develop the company, because the company's income is really related to his income.

Ma Shimin said: "Sir Lin, it's not that I don't believe your prediction, but the fact is that Fei Peng's plan is conducive to the development of Hong Kong. Although I don't have as deep feelings for Hong Kong as you do, I also love Hong Kong very much. "

A guy who can't get enough of oil and salt!

What Lin Zhichao means is that since the matter has already happened, we as businessmen should not get involved. If you get involved, you may not get some commercial projects.

He still attaches great importance to Ma Shimin. Even though he has done several losing businesses, he is still very good overall. Ma Shimin has the skills to be the top executive of the world's top ten banks.

Just when Lin Zhichao was helpless, Ma Shimin took the initiative and said: "Sir Lin, I have been at Hutchison Whampoa for ten years, and I am the one who has been doing the longest among all the foreign companies I know. Ge Daxi (Swire) has been working for five years , Niubijian (Jihe) has been away for seven years. I am very grateful for your trust and support. Now I also want to do some other things. In addition, Canning (Huo Jianning) has grown up, so I would like to propose my resignation to you! "

Lin Zhichao kept saying: "nowaynowaynoway!"

Ma Shimin hesitated for a moment and then said: "Sir Lin, I can give Hutchison Whampoa a buffer time to achieve a perfect handover!"

Lin Zhichao frowned, and then said helplessly: "I know that you have the ability to be a high-level person in a large company in the world, but you may not be given the treatment of a top leader; you may not be able to adapt quickly to an unfamiliar environment!"

Ma Shimin said: "I know. Sir Lin knows me. I am a person who likes challenges!"

Lin Zhichao still insisted: "Your resignation is too sudden. First, the world's major companies have no time to recruit you; second, Hutchison Whampoa cannot lose you right away. In this way, we will discuss it in the long term. OK?"

Ma Shimin could only nod and said, "Okay, let's talk about it later!"

Looking at Ma Shimin's leaving figure, Lin Zhichao couldn't help but shake his head. Regarding Ma Shimin's performance in Hong Kong, Lin Zhichao would most likely go to the mainland without him. After all, Ma Shimin is just a CEO, and he also represents the views of the Chang Shi Group.

So Ma Shimin left immediately, but Lin Zhichao was still reluctant to leave. After all, this kind of "beating workers" is every boss's favorite.

But now that the matter has come to this, Ma Shimin is afraid that he will only be able to stay for one year at most, and maybe within half a year, Lin Zhichao will have to make arrangements.

Fortunately, Huo Jianning has grown up, and Hutchison Whampoa has added many local senior staff in the past year, and its overseas business has also developed.

Media Building.

In the office, Lin Zhichao communicated with Lin Ruikai about his experience in operating "Hong Kong Culture" and told him about my idea for "My Sassy Girl" so that he could make a high-level Hong Kong film.

At this time, "Blue Life" and "Full House" have achieved great success, and have been bought and broadcast by major TV stations in Asia. Hong Kong streaming has begun to invade Asian countries; coupled with "My Sassy Girl", it is just right A collection of three types of Hong Kong dramas.

Of course, the media group has now filmed many Hong Kong-stream dramas, all of which have achieved great success, and Hong Kong-stream has begun to sweep across Asia.

In terms of Hong Kong music, SM Entertainment has currently launched four groups, all of which have entered overseas markets.

For a time, Hong Kong entertainment showed a situation of "hundreds of schools of thought". The emergence of Hong Kong culture also forced the original Hong Kong entertainment culture to make progress together. As a result, other Asian countries would be in misery, and their own cultural markets would Being invaded by Hong Kong culture, Hong Kong stars have more and more fans overseas.

The first stage of the layout of the cultural industry has been declared successful.

"Dad, Asia Satellite TV has been officially broadcast since the end of 1990. As of now (1992.11), the total advertising fee is 450 million US dollars. The advertisers include Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Nestlé, Sony, Chase Bank, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, etc. Our large customers are also very satisfied with our influence. At present, Asia Satellite TV's audience has exceeded 50 million, distributed in 39 countries around the world. Asia Satellite TV's copyright income has also begun to gradually increase, and the expenditure on purchasing programs has begun. Reduction; the copyright of "Talent Show" alone has been sold to three countries, with a total income of 50 million US dollars."

"Currently, Asia Satellite TV's annual cost of renting satellite channels is US$80 million (not including upfront investment), production and operating expenses are approximately US$100-120 million, and its annual net profit has reached US$50-70 million, exceeding that of Asia The TV station’s normal net profit (around HK$400 million).”

The reason why Asia Satellite TV makes money is: first, because of its wide range of communication and large audience base; second, since its inception, Asia Satellite TV has the support of the entire media group and has benefited greatly in program production.

The media group's annual profit is almost HK$1.8 billion, making it a truly large consortium.

After listening to this, Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "I don't have much to teach you about the media group. Next year, I will hand over the chairman of the media group to you."

Lin Ruikai suddenly became anxious and said quickly: "Dad, you are the chairman of the group, and our brothers have a solid backing when doing things. I know you want to relax, there is no problem, our brothers have done everything, you just If you need to come to the company occasionally, just point out any problems!"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "As a father, I don't know what your brothers think. I always believe that even if I step down as chairman of the board of directors, you will still listen to my words, so why bother with a false name? What's more, now It was a 'troubled time', and I held too many group chairmanships, giving people the impression of 'dominating Hong Kong.' So I decided to 'completely separate' and show outsiders that my son is still a giant in the business world without me."

Lin Ruikai still felt a little disappointed, but his father had said so, and he couldn't refute it, so he said in a roundabout way: "Dad, why don't we talk about such a big matter at home later?"

Lin Zhichao said: "This is natural! Next year, I plan to hand over the position of chairman of the board of directors of Media Group, Cheung Kong Industries Group, Universal Group, and Wharf Group."

Lin Ruikai understood that this matter had become a foregone conclusion, and he was still a little confused. It wasn't that he was worried that things wouldn't go well, but that the word 'separation' carried too much weight, and for a while he didn't dare to say anything on his own.

The respect and admiration their brothers and sisters have for their father is deeply ingrained in their bones. The thing that everyone hates the most is that the media always mentions the ‘Lin family separation’.

But now, what my father means is that the Lin family is too big and needs to be truly 'divided'.

In fact, the equity of these companies is under the 'Father and Son Trust', so Lin Zhichao still enjoys 50% of the equity. But if he hands over the position of chairman of the board of directors, he will actually hand over all the power of the company to his sons.

Of course, Lin Zhichao is also very confident, and the ‘Lin’s Seven Tigers’ are his most trusted sons.

And Lin Zhichao suddenly handed over the chairman of the board of directors so early. Another reason is that Hong Kong is too small, giving people the impression of "the sincerity of the Lin family". Therefore, the Lin family simply 'separated' the family completely.

The next day happened to be the weekend.

Lin Zhichao summoned his five sons and two wives to the study to discuss matters.

He first told everyone his thoughts and then waited for everyone's reaction.

As expected, several sons persuaded Lin Zhichao to take back his life, not wanting to take the real power of the company too early.

Lin Zhichao continued to lobby, and finally everyone finally understood his painstaking efforts.

"No matter whether my father is the chairman of the company or not, our brothers will definitely listen to his words!" Lin Ruihuan, the boss, set an example.

Afterwards, the other four brothers nodded seriously.

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "I have more 'unexpected tricks' than you, so if you can listen to me in the future, you will naturally benefit. Now that I retain the chairman of the board of directors of Cheung Kong, it is not just that Cheung Kong has development potential, you All the companies we belong to have prospects, and as long as we don’t have too much debt and have low debt, we can sit firmly on the Diaoyutai and have money to invest when we encounter good projects.”

"Yes, we will listen to our father's teachings." The brothers said in unison.

This matter has finally been settled. I believe that next year when Lin Zhichao announces his resignation as chairman of Wharf, the media will catch an obvious signal. After all, handing over the chairman of the board of directors of a listed company is true retirement.