When he was chief executive they called him Mr 7-Eleven for his long working hours. So Tung Chee-hwa is the last person you would think would opt for a life of quiet relaxation after bowing out of politics.
It is hard to imagine him indulging in hobbies and immersing himself in charitable projects, given his broad interest in the affairs of China and the world.
As a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, he ranks as a state leader. And it is no secret he has kept in regular contact with senior politicians, and business and community leaders overseas.
Given his long acquaintance with movers and shakers in China and elsewhere, in particular the United States, and his spell as the head of Hong Kong's government, he is well positioned to play more than a ceremonial role in politics.
Last week's announcement of the setting up of the China-United States Exchange Foundation, with Mr Tung as its chairman, shows he is keen to play a role in fostering relations between the two major powers.
The foundation's governing board comprises leading academics, professionals, and business and community leaders who share a long-term vision of strengthened China-US relations. Through programmes undertaken in partnership with institutions in China and the US, the foundation will facilitate policy research, support academic exchanges and create platforms for dialogue on issues relating to relations at all levels.
In view of Hong Kong's ties with the US and Hongkongers' increasing understanding of and identity with China, the foundation believes the city can play its part in improving Sino-US understanding.