Manulife employee sets Guinness World Record for longest career as corporate salesperson

Insurance salesmen are known for their persistence—they can't survive in their field without it. But for Hong Kong life insurance agent Sun Yung Tsu (Joe Sun), persistence is about more than just closing a deal; it's about pushing forward even though his contemporaries are long retired.

The 91-year-old Manulife employee was recently named to the exclusive GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ club as holder of the title for the longest career as a corporate salesperson. As of this morning, he has worked with the Toronto-based company for 62 years and 238 days.

And he has no immediate plans to call it a career.

"I would like to thank Manulife for making it possible for me to do the work I love and to make the friends I hold most dear. I have enjoyed every moment of my first six decades with the company, and I am not planning for retirement yet," said Sun. "In work and in life, it is important to always look forward and be passionate."

When Sun began working for Manulife in 1954, he was one of just 20 staff at the international branch. The position got on his radar thanks to an advertisement in the South China Morning Post. He replied to it and proceeded to beat out almost 400 other applicants for the job.

Manulife proved to be more than justified in its choice. During his 62 years with the company, Sun has won multiple internal awards and serves as a valuable mentor for younger employees.

"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 Guy Mills, CEO, Manulife Hong Kong.