91-year-old Manulife agent sets world record for longest sales career

08 Aug 2017

Mr Joe Sun Yung Tsu, Manulife's longest serving life insurance sales agent, has been awarded a Guinness World Records title of "longest career as a corporate salesperson". After 62 years and 238 days with Manulife Hong Kong, the 91-year-old continues to serve clients and inspire his fellow agents with drive and dedication.

In 1954, the Shanghai-born Mr Sun was among only seven candidates chosen from some 400 applicants to join Manulife Hong Kong, which had just 20 staff at that time. With a blend of professionalism and passion, he became one of the insurer’s most successful agents. He received top-notch recognition over the years, being qualified as a Five-Star Master Builder in 1979, achieving top ten Divisional Leader rankings 15 times in his career, and earning Superstar status five times. Today, Mr Sun continues as one of close to 7,000 advisors in the insurer’s Hong Kong team in a rapidly changing industry.

"I have enjoyed every moment of my first six decades with the company, and I am not planning for retirement yet," Mr. Sun said at the 11 July agency event celebrating his world record. "In work and in life, it is important to always look forward and be passionate."

"While technology is creating seismic shifts in the insurance sector, our industry will always rest on people who are dedicated to helping others and developing long-term relationships with clients and colleagues. Joe exemplifies this more than anyone, acting as a true example of the professionalism we should all strive for and the values we should uphold," said Mr Guy Mills, Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Hong Kong.

Nurturing collaboration and teamwork from its earliest days, the Hong Kong office, which has operated for around 120 years, has some of the longest-serving advisors among Manulife's global offices. The team includes Mr Sun's closest lifelong colleagues – Mr Paul Hung (56 years of service) and Mr Robert Wilson (49 years of service).

"Insurance is the shield that protects people from blows they cannot see coming. The industry will change over time, but serving clients will always be at the forefront of our business. People's need for protection and security will remain unchanged, and I hope to continue providing it to our clients, so many of whom have become my closest friends," said Mr Sun.