Page 161 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

46. Hard working Ms Linda and

Mr Simon

H ong Kong was inhabited by Chinese majorly and only 7%

population was foreign. Indians were a very small minority,
mostly doing business or employed in Singapore companies
controlled by Persons of Indian Origin. Hong Kong, its people,
its Government, culture, life styles, and the landscape were all different
from what we had in India. All systems, processes and procedures were
smooth. We were excited to be at this location. People were less friendly
mainly because of difficulty in understanding each other's language.

Within a week, we started understanding the working of this overseas
branch. Only Managers and the Country Head were Expatriates from
India. Entire other staff was recruited locally. There were attendants called
"office boys" and clerical assistants who knew only Cantonese (a variation
of Chinese language prevalent in the South China) which was much more
different and difficult than Mandarin, the principle language spoken in
other major parts of China called as the "Mainland China". The cadre of
local supervisors was known as "Junior Managers" who had a working
knowledge of written and spoken English. They were the only link to
connect and communicate with the other Chinese staff. A minuscule
minority of Persons of Indian Origin were also employed either as Junior
Managers or Clerical Assistants.

The Junior Managers and Staff had a limited working knowledge and
working skills in banking. There was no system of their training in banking
skills then. I still fondly remember some of my Junior Managers who were
very hard working e.g., Ms Linda ( Export Bills department), also the
tallest lady in the branch , Ms Kelly (Deposits Department) an Anglo-

158 | A Banker down the Rabbit Hole