Early Life and Career Beginnings
Sze Man Bok's journey began in Jinjiang, China, where he was born around 1949. In the early 1960s, he started a garment trading business, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. Seeking opportunities for expansion, he moved to Hong Kong in 1975 and established another garment and textile business, operating from Hong Kong as his primary base.
The Rise of Hengan International
In 1985, Sze partnered with Hui Lin Chit to co-found Hengan International. This marked a significant turning point, as the company ventured into the then-underdeveloped market of sanitary napkins. With a modest initial investment, Sze and his co-founder built Hengan International into a leading manufacturer of hygiene products, including sanitary napkins, diapers, and tissue paper. Hengan International went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1998. Sze owns around 19% of the company.
Key Business Strategies
Sze Man Bok's leadership at Hengan International was characterized by a willingness to take calculated risks and a keen focus on market opportunities. His ability to identify and capitalize on the growing demand for hygiene products in China was crucial to the company's success. He ensured the company's management was modernized for long-term stability, which helped the company grow rapidly.
Philanthropy
In 2010, Sze Man Bok donated approximately $18.4 million with Xu Lianjie to various causes, ranking among China's top philanthropists that year.