Lee Shau Kee
Hong Kong
Net Worth
$14B
Source of Wealth
Henderson Land
Global Rank
#77 of 100
About Lee Shau Kee
Lee Shau Kee is one of Hong Kong's most accomplished property developers and a towering figure in Asian real estate. As the founder and longtime chairman of Henderson Land Development, he built one of the most successful real estate empires in Hong Kong's history, known for an uncanny ability to acquire prime land at favorable prices and develop projects that consistently exceeded market expectations. His peers in the industry have long referred to him with deep respect, recognizing his extraordinary instincts for timing property cycles and his disciplined approach to development.
Born into modest circumstances in Guangdong Province, Lee moved to Hong Kong as a young man with virtually nothing. He began his career working in a currency exchange shop before transitioning into real estate during Hong Kong's post-war building boom. His early partnership with the legendary developers Sun Hung Kai Properties gave him invaluable experience, and when he struck out on his own to found Henderson Land in 1976, he brought with him a meticulous approach to site selection and construction quality that became the company's hallmark.
Lee's philanthropy has been as impressive as his business achievements. He has donated billions of dollars to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation across Hong Kong and mainland China. His establishment of generous scholarship programs has helped thousands of students access higher education, and his charitable foundation continues to support causes that improve quality of life throughout the region. Known for his personal frugality despite immense wealth, Lee exemplifies the principle that true success is measured by what one gives back to society.
Key Achievements
Founded Henderson Land Development
Built Henderson Land from the ground up into one of Hong Kong's largest and most respected property developers with a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and hotel properties.
International Finance Centre Development
Played a key role in developing Hong Kong's iconic International Finance Centre, one of the tallest and most prestigious commercial complexes in Asia.
Billions in Philanthropic Giving
Donated over $3 billion to education, healthcare, and poverty relief across Hong Kong and mainland China through personal giving and his charitable foundation.
Strategic Land Banking Mastery
Assembled one of the most valuable land banks in Hong Kong through decades of patient acquisition, consistently identifying undervalued parcels that appreciated enormously.
Notable Quotes
“Buy land — they're not making it anymore. This is especially true in Hong Kong.”
— Lee Shau Kee
“Success in property comes from patience. You must be willing to wait for the right moment to buy and the right moment to build.”
— Lee Shau Kee
“Wealth is not just about accumulation. It must ultimately serve the community that helped create it.”
— Lee Shau Kee
Key Decisions
Founded Henderson Land Development Company, establishing his own property development firm after years of learning alongside Hong Kong's top developers.
Listed Henderson Land on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, providing capital for aggressive expansion during a period of market uncertainty.
Expanded aggressively into the New Territories, acquiring agricultural land that would later be rezoned for residential development at enormous profit.
Invested heavily in mainland China property development, establishing Henderson Land as a major developer in key Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai.
Stepped down as chairman of Henderson Land, passing leadership to the next generation while leaving behind one of Hong Kong's most valuable property portfolios.
Explore More
See how Glen Bradford applies these principles to his own investing. Long Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac junior preferred — and not going anywhere.