Lee Shau Kee

Lee Shau-kee, Grand Bauhinia Honoror (English: Lee Shau-kee, February 20, 1928 - March 17, 2025), known as the "Fourth Uncle", was a Hong Kong entrepreneur, philanthropist, businessman, and real estate tycoon. He was once the second richest man in Hong Kong, the richest man in Hong Kong, and the richest man in Asia. From 1995 to 1997, he was the fourth richest man in the world. He started business independently at the age of 15, went to Hong Kong for development at the age of 20, founded Henderson Land at the age of 48, and the company went public at the age of 53. He ranked fourth among the world's richest people from 67 to 69 years old. When he retired at the age of 91 in 2019, he ranked 29th on the Forbes Global Rich List. Li Shauji was born in Daliang Town, Shunde, Guangdong. His family was quite wealthy when he was born. His family was engaged in gold, exchange and foreign currency trading in his hometown. From the age of 6 (that is, in 1934), he was arranged by his father to learn how to run the family business. When he was 20 years old (that is, in 1948), he came to Hong Kong alone to start a business with a capital of 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (equivalent to approximately 150,000 Hong Kong dollars based on the 2020 inflation rate) given to him by his father. At the age of 30 (that is, in 1958), Lee Shau Kee, Kwok Desheng and Feng Jingxi, together with Hu Zhaochi, Huang Shaoxuan, Qi Zonghuang, Lu Xianzao and Guo Jintao jointly founded "Yongye Enterprise Company" to engage in real estate business. In 1963, Li, Guo and Feng founded Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited. In 1972, Li, Guo and Feng successfully listed Sun Hung Kai Properties, and the Three Swordsmen decided to separate. In 1973, Lee Shau Kee set up his own business and founded Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd. In 1981, Henderson was officially listed. In 1996, Lee Shau Kee's wealth accumulated to US$12.7 billion, making him the fourth richest person in the world. Lee Shau-kee has been the chairman of the board of directors of Henderson Land Development and Towngas, and was the deputy chairman of the board of directors of Sun Hung Kai Properties until his retirement. On July 1, 2007, Lee Shau Kee was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal. In 2015, Lee Shau Kee had a net worth of HK$195 billion, ranking second according to the Forbes Hong Kong Rich List. In 2018, Lee Shau Kee's net worth was HK$256.6 billion, ranking second according to the "Forbes Hong Kong Rich List". In March 2019, Lee Shau Kee ranked 26th on Forbes' list of the world's billionaires, with assets reaching US$28.1 billion. He will pass away in 2025, leaving an inheritance of US$30 billion to his five children, charitable trusts and family trusts.