From the moment Mr Yip entered the room his enthusiasm for both life in general, and the Force in particular, were apparent. In fact, were he not retiring, he would easily qualify as the ideal public relations practitioner with his positive promotion of the Force.

"I joined the Hong Kong Police Force in December 1966 and have basically spent 35 years enjoying myself in a career with an organisation I would highly recommend to any individual," enthused Mr Yip.

Mr Yip elaborated by stating that the moment he joined the Force he embarked on a lifelong journey of learning, thanks in no small part to junior officers he had come into contact with.

"The Force is certainly a large, and sometimes overwhelming organisation, however, I have always viewed this as plus as I have learned so much from everyone," said Mr Yip.

Following passing-out at the Police Training School, Mr Yip embarked on a two-year English-language university course before studying management for five years where he majored in communications and behavioural sciences.

"The Force presents all colleagues with numerous opportunities to further their education both here in Hong Kong and overseas," said Mr Yip.

"In today's highly competitive world this guarantees that Force members maintain their edge regarding the implementation of law and order, while also providing them with an international perspective via the experience of living and working in other countries."

Mr Yip joined the Training Wing two years ago and his enthusiasm for the unit was highly infectious.

"Yes, alright, I admit it - I have loved working in this post," he stated, with a grin from ear to ear. "Personnel here are very well qualified and they have all taught me a lot."

As well as his duties within the Training Wing, Mr Yip is also an enthusiastic advocate of the healthy lifestyle campaign, which he has embraced with energy and vigour. A member of the Police Table Tennis Club, Police Chinese Culture Club and Police Painting and Calligraphy Club, Mr Yip readily conceded that involvement in each of these had provided him with a positive alternative to the demands of his chosen profession.

"We all need some outlet or interest which is removed from the daily demands of work," said Mr Yip.

"I am just fortunate that the Force has presented me with the opportunity of indulging my interests, which in turn have provided me with both relaxation and artistic stimulation."

Yoga and tai chi are also on Mr Yip's daily agenda and he looked forward to continuing with these in his retirement.

"I must admit that when I first went to yoga I was quite a bit plumper than I am now," he laughed. "However, one night everything fell into place and I successfully managed my first headstand and have been increasingly enthusiastic about both yoga and tai chi ever since."

Mr Yip concluded by stating that management should always bear in mind the fact that frontline officers who dealt with the public had their finger on the pulse of community opinion and what was happening in society as a whole.

"Our frontline officers are our greatest asset and have taught me a lot over the years," said Mr Yip. "My advice to management? When in doubt 'consult the man on the street' as politicians frequently say, which in this case means our frontline officers."