He claims that he was always the first to arrive at the office and worked longer hours than his colleagues.

Aged around 30, he was promoted and became the youngest-ever partner in the company's 200-year history, acquiring the nickname "Emperor of the Working Class" early in his career.

In 1985, he was elected as a member of Hong Kong's Basic Law Consultative Committee, later becoming its secretary- general. During that period, Leung was known for his frequent visits to various districts of the city to gauge public opinion.

Leung was Hong Kong's torch bearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has been a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee since 2003.

On Nov 28, he officially announced his candidacy for the post of chief executive of Hong Kong and, having been elected, will assume office on July 1.

The father of three often emphasizes the importance of young people, saying he has participated in countless youth- and school-related activities. Leung says the city's economic and industrial policies must be supported by what he calls "talent planning" and forward-looking education policies.

Leung believes that where there is a will, there is a way. "I listen to the people's voice with my heart. I appreciate the doubts many of our people have about our society. There may not be an immediate solution to many of the problems we encounter, but there's got to be a way out if we pool our thoughts and roll up our sleeves together," he said.

"Hong Kong is a diverse society and we should be careful that we don't look at things through a narrow lens. We need to care about Hong Kong as a whole and step outside of our small circles to see new things, listen to more people and look at things from a different perspective," he said.