Li Ka-Shing: The Superman of Hong Kong

Li Ka-shing is the defining business figure of modern Hong Kong. His nickname "Superman" reflects an almost superhuman ability to see economic opportunities before anyone else.

The story begins in poverty. Born in 1928, Li fled to Hong Kong during the Japanese invasion. His father died when Li was 15. He worked 16-hour days in a plastics factory and by 22 started Cheung Kong Industries, initially making plastic flowers.

Li's first great insight came in 1967 when riots swept through Hong Kong. While others fled, Li bought prime real estate at fire-sale prices. As Hong Kong boomed, those properties became an enormous portfolio. His acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa in 1979 was a watershed — the first time a Chinese businessman took over a major British trading house.

Perhaps his most brilliant investment was mobile telecommunications. Hutchison launched the Orange network in the UK in 1994 and sold it in 1999 for $14.6 billion — a return of over 1,100%. His port operations became the world's largest private port operator, managing terminals in 52 ports across 27 countries.

Li formally retired in 2018 at age 90, handing control to his elder son Victor. He left behind a business legacy spanning continents and industries, and proof that the greatest fortunes are built by those with the vision to see what others cannot — and the courage to act.