Li Ka-shing
Hong Kong
Net Worth
$27B
Source of Wealth
CK Hutchison
Global Rank
#47 of 100
About Li Ka-shing
Li Ka-shing is the founder and former chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings, one of the largest conglomerates in the world, and one of the most influential business leaders in Asian history. Known as 'Superman' in Hong Kong for his extraordinary business acumen, Li built a vast empire spanning ports, telecommunications, retail, energy, infrastructure, and real estate across more than 50 countries. His journey from a refugee who fled mainland China as a child to becoming the richest person in Asia for decades is one of the most inspiring business stories ever told.
Li's genius lies in his ability to see opportunity where others see obstacles and to think decades ahead. He was among the first to invest heavily in Hong Kong real estate in the 1960s, recognizing the city's potential before most others. He later built Hutchison Whampoa into a global infrastructure and telecommunications company, with landmark investments including the development of Europe's 3G mobile networks and the world's largest private port operator. His investment timing — buying undervalued assets and selling at peak — has become legendary.
Even in retirement, Li Ka-shing remains deeply engaged through the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which he considers his 'third son.' The foundation has donated over $3 billion to education, healthcare, and community causes. His support for Shantou University and the Technion-Guangdong Institute of Technology has created world-class educational opportunities in his native Guangdong province. His story of perseverance, vision, and generosity continues to inspire entrepreneurs across Asia and around the world.
Key Achievements
Built One of the World's Largest Conglomerates
Created CK Hutchison, a global conglomerate operating in over 50 countries with businesses in ports, telecommunications, retail, energy, infrastructure, and real estate, generating annual revenues exceeding $30 billion.
World's Largest Port Operator
Built Hutchison Ports into the world's largest private port network, operating in 52 ports across 27 countries and handling approximately 12% of the world's container traffic.
Pioneer of Global Telecommunications
Invested early in mobile telecommunications, launching 3G networks across Europe and building one of the most successful global telecom businesses through his '3' brand.
$3 Billion in Philanthropic Giving
Donated over $3 billion through the Li Ka Shing Foundation to education, healthcare, and community initiatives, with transformative investments in Shantou University and medical research.
From Refugee to Asia's Richest
Rose from a childhood marked by poverty and displacement to become the richest person in Asia for decades, embodying the transformative power of hard work, vision, and entrepreneurial courage.
Notable Quotes
“In times of prosperity, be prudent. In adversity, be bold.”
— Li Ka-shing
“Knowledge changes fate. I missed out on formal education, so I value it above everything else.”
— Li Ka-shing
“A business must create value for society, or it has no right to exist.”
— Li Ka-shing
Key Decisions
Founded Cheung Kong Industries, a plastics manufacturing company, at the age of 22, taking his first step toward building a global business empire from nothing.
Acquired Hutchison Whampoa from HSBC, gaining control of a major British hong and beginning the transformation of a colonial trading house into a modern global conglomerate.
Invested aggressively in European 3G mobile telecommunications, spending over $30 billion on spectrum licenses and network buildout in a bold bet on the future of mobile communication.
Began restructuring his business empire, merging Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa into CK Hutchison to create a more streamlined and globally competitive organization.
Officially retired from active business at age 89 and dedicated himself fully to the Li Ka Shing Foundation, expanding its mission in education and healthcare across Asia.
Explore More
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