What is Lee Shau Kee’s Net Worth?
Lee Shau Kee, a prominent real estate mogul from Hong Kong, has an estimated net worth of $27.2 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Henderson Land Development, a major real estate conglomerate in Hong Kong. He holds a 73% stake in the company, which is a key driver of his financial status.
In addition, he has investments in other real estate entities, including a 2% stake in Sun Hung Kai Properties and a 22% stake in Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust.
Despite the recent decrease in his net worth, Lee Shau Kee remains a highly influential and wealthy individual. His financial portfolio is diversified across various sectors, including property development, hotels, and infrastructure.
Here’s the breakdown of Lee Shau Kee’s net worth:
Name: | Lee Shau Kee |
Net Worth: | $27.2 Billion |
Date of Birth: | Jan 29, 1928 |
Profession: | Businessperson, Real estate development |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life
Lee Shau Kee was born on January 29, 1928, in Shunde, Guangdong Province, China. He was the fourth of five children in a farming family. His early life was marked by financial hardship, especially after the death of his father, which forced his mother to struggle to support the family.
Due to these circumstances, Lee had to leave school at the age of 12 to help his mother with the farm. Despite these challenges, Lee’s early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed.
In 1948, Lee moved to Hong Kong, where he initially worked as a clerk at a currency and gold trading company. This job provided him with fundamental business management knowledge and the opportunity to learn English, which was crucial for forming meaningful connections in the region.
Career
Lee Shau Kee’s career in real estate began in the 1950s when he entered the construction industry in Hong Kong. In 1972, he founded Henderson Land Development, which quickly grew to become one of the largest real estate developers in Hong Kong. His business acumen and strategic investments played a significant role in the company’s expansion throughout Hong Kong and mainland China.
In addition to his role at Henderson Land Development, Lee has held several other prominent positions. He served as the chairman of Hong Kong and China Gas and Miramar Hotel and Investment, and he is currently the vice-chairman and independent non-executive director of Sun Hung Kai Properties.
His diversified business portfolio includes interests in property, hotels, restaurants, and internet services, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the real estate industry.
Lee’s career has been marked by significant achievements and accolades. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the highest honor awarded by the Hong Kong government, in 2007. His investments in mainland China during the 1980s were ahead of many of his contemporaries, establishing him as one of the foremost real estate tycoons in the Greater China Region.
Despite stepping down as chairman and managing director of Henderson Land Development in 2019, Lee continues to serve as an executive director of the company. His sons, Peter and Martin Lee, have taken over as co-chairmen, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
Personal Life
Lee is affectionately known as “Uncle Four,” a term of endearment reflecting his position as the fourth-born child in his family and his remarkable success.
He has five children, including his elder son Peter Lee Ka-kit and younger son Martin Lee Ka-shing, who have taken over the family business following his retirement as chairman and managing director of Henderson Land Development in 2019.
Lee’s personal life is also marked by his generosity towards his family and employees. For instance, he has given his Henderson Land staff cash gifts totaling HK$60 million over nine years to celebrate the birth of his grandchildren.
Philanthropy
Lee Shau Kee is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of education. Through the Lee Shau Kee Foundation, he has donated substantial amounts to various educational institutions and community projects in Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas.
One of his notable contributions is the establishment of the Pei Hua Education Foundation in 1982, which aims to enhance human resources and provide educational and training opportunities in mainland China.
In 2005, he launched the Warmth Project, mainland China’s largest charity-based farmer training program, with a donation of RMB 330 million. This program provided vocational training for one million farmers and 10,000 village doctors.
Apart from that, Lee made significant donations to universities. In 2007, he donated HK$500 million to the University of Hong Kong and HK$400 million to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He has also made substantial contributions to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, including a donation of over HK$100 million in 2018.
He has also supported various community projects, including the development of Hong Kong’s largest youth hostel in Yuen Long, which offers affordable housing to young people.
His philanthropic spirit and substantial contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the highest honor awarded by the Hong Kong government, in 2007.
Ashley Roberts is the founder of Real-Time Billionaires List. She founded this platform because she likes to know how much celebrities are actually making. She is always curious why these people can make much more money than the ordinary person.
With a Bachelor’s degree in finance, she is skilled at financial analysis and understands numbers related to wealth. Most of the articles on this site are edited by herself before publishing.
