Li Ka-shing

Date of Birth: July 29, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Li Ka-shing is a prominent Hong Kong business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. Born on July 29, 1928, in Chaozhou, Guangdong, China, Li fled to Hong Kong with his family during the Sino-Japanese War. Despite facing significant hardships, including the death of his father from tuberculosis, Li displayed incredible resilience. He left school at the age of 15 to work in a plastics trading company to support his family. By 1950, he had founded his own company, Cheung Kong Industries, which initially manufactured plastic flowers. Over the years, Li Ka-shing diversified his business interests and built a sprawling conglomerate with operations in over 50 countries. His empire includes Hutchison Whampoa, a multinational conglomerate with interests in ports, telecommunications, retail, and property development, and Cheung Kong Holdings, a leading real estate development and investment company. Known as “Superman” in Hong Kong for his business prowess, Li has consistently been one of Asia’s wealthiest individuals. In addition to his business ventures, Li is also a dedicated philanthropist. Through his Li Ka Shing Foundation, he has donated billions to education, healthcare, and cultural projects worldwide. Despite his immense wealth, Li is known for his frugality and humility, often emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.

5 Interesting Facts about Li Ka-shing

1. Li Ka-shing left school at age 15 to support his family after the death of his father.

2. He founded Cheung Kong Industries in 1950, initially manufacturing plastic flowers.

3. Li’s business empire spans over 50 countries and includes interests in ports, telecommunications, retail, and real estate.

4. He is often referred to as “Superman” in Hong Kong due to his business acumen.

5. Through his Li Ka Shing Foundation, he has donated over $3 billion to various philanthropic causes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Li Ka-shing

1. “Vision is perhaps our greatest strength… it has kept us alive to the power and continuity of thought through the centuries, it makes us peer into the future and lends shape to the unknown.”

2. “The first year I went into business, I made a profit of $50,000.”

3. “I was once an employee myself, so I know what employees want.”

4. “Those who are wise won’t be busy, and those who are too busy can’t be wise.”

5. “I am a person who has to move forward, and I keep moving forward.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Li Ka-shing’s highest net worth achieved was approximately $35 billion.

Children

Li Ka-shing has two sons: 1. Victor Li Tzar-kuoi – He is the chairman and managing director of CK Hutchison Holdings and chairman of CK Asset Holdings. 2. Richard Li Tzar Kai – He is a businessman and the chairman of PCCW, a Hong Kong-based telecommunications company.