The lack of consumer goods there meant that Mr Cheung was soon selling clothes, televisions and video-cassette recorders, consumer electronics, household products, telecommunication and computer equipment, watches and jewellery, and toys throughout the region.

Its manufacturing bases in China and Burma co-ordinate with sourcing offices in Macau, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand to supply garments, electronics and other consumer products under the Stylandia and Kalomex labels.

The rapid growth in overseas markets, particularly in eastern and central Europe, has led to the establishment of agencies and branch offices in Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia and Yugoslavia.

Eastern and central Europe account for 75 per cent of Styland's trading turnover, while North America and Asia also show steady growth.

Company turnover has grown from $175 million in 1988 to $260 million last year, with operating profit soaring from $4.7 million to $37.17 million in the same period.

Styland has more than 150 full-time employees excluding those in manufacturing. It was floated on the Hong Kong stock exchange in December 1991.

The group has diversified its business operations and expanded trading in North America, western Europe and Southeast Asia.

''Every effort leads to every gain,'' said Mr Cheung in the preface of a book he wrote.

''Although I may claim some small success today, I don't dare be arrogant,'' he added.

Mr Cheung's story is the rags to riches fairytale. Born to poor parents who were hawkers, he worked part-time in a factory in Kwun Tong while attending secondary school. That gave him a daily wage of $4.25.

''I never asked whether that was fair on me. I only knew that if I wanted anything I should fight for it myself,'' he said.

Having graduated from secondary school, he worked as a factory assistant while attending evening courses on commerce, textiles, type-writing and freight business.

After many struggles, he finally set up Styland (Hong Kong) Enterprises, which is now known as Styland Holdings.