Business at analgesic balm-maker Pak Fah Yeow International will not be affected by the molestation case but its former chief executive Stephen Gan Fock-wai should cease to represent the company, a public relations expert said.
'Undoubtedly, in the minds of Hong Kong people as well as many Chinese-speaking communities [worldwide], Mr Gan is already an icon of the company,' Public Relations Association chairman Ross Lai Kar-nin said.
Gan, known as the 'Prince of White Flower Oil', gained popularity after becoming spokesman for the company's best-selling products, appearing in advertisements and singing jingles in 2004.
'People do not buy the company's products because of him but because of their good quality. Sales won't be affected,' Mr Lai said 'However he should not be the company's spokesman anymore, to prevent it from becoming a laughing stock.'
During his only public appearance since his conviction last month, Gan said he would love to continue his charity work if he had the chance.
Oxfam Hong Kong has said it would welcome him. 'We always have our doors opened and we love to have more people from different walks of life in our organisation,' a spokesman said.