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Billionaire Profile
Joseph Lau
Global Rank
#222

Image: Chinese2011 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Joseph Lau

CEO, Real estate
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Real-Time Net Worth
$14.2B
Estimated based on Real estate stock value as of September 10, 2026
-0.02% (24h)
Age
74
Source
Real estate
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
Hong Kong

Biography

Joseph Lau, born July 21, 1951, is a Hong Kong billionaire known for his success in real estate. As the former chairman of Chinese Estates, he built a significant fortune through property development and investment. His estimated net worth is 14.3 billion USD as of March 2026. Beyond his business acumen, Lau is also a renowned art and wine collector. Throughout his career, Lau has made significant philanthropic contributions, primarily through the Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust. He has focused on education and has supported various charitable organizations.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$14.2B
2025$14.3B
2024$14.3B
2023$13.3B
2022$13.3B
2021$13.3B
2020$13.3B

Portfolio Holdings

Chinese Estates Holdings

Chinese Estates Holdings

127:HKG•Real Estate
Market Cap
$290M
Stock Price
$1.22
Revenue
$170M
Hong Kong
Founded 1922

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Joseph Lau was born in Hong Kong on July 21, 1951. He has a younger brother, Thomas, and two younger sisters. After attending the University of Windsor in Canada, he joined his family's business making electric fans in 1974.

Rise to Success

In 1978, Lau established Evergo Industrial Enterprise, while his brother Thomas inherited the family business. In 1983, the company held an initial public offering in Hong Kong. In 1985, Lau shifted Evergo's business focus to investment-holding and property-management services. He became the majority shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings in 1986, developing it into a leading real estate developer.

Key Business Strategies

Lau expanded the company's real estate investments through acquisitions, including a 67% stake in Chi Cheung Investment. One of Lau's notable achievements was the development of The ONE, the tallest retail complex in Hong Kong, which opened in 2010.

Philanthropy

Since the early 1990s, Lau and his Charitable Trust have donated nearly HK$5 billion to various institutions. The major beneficiaries include education and healthcare, with each accounting for approximately 20% of the total, while cases for the underprivileged make up about 10%. The trust has supported education in Hong Kong, with significant gifts to universities supporting student aid and infrastructure.

Career Milestones

1974

Joined Family Business

Joined his family's business manufacturing ceiling fans after attending the University of Windsor in Canada.

1978

Established Evergo Industrial Enterprise

Established Evergo Industrial Enterprise, focusing on investment and property management.

1983

Evergo IPO

Evergo held an initial public offering in Hong Kong.

1985

Shifted Business Focus

Switched Evergo's business focus to investment-holding and property management.

1986

Became Majority Shareholder of Chinese Estates

Became the majority shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings.

2010

The ONE Development

Developed The ONE, the tallest retail complex in Hong Kong.

2014

Convicted in Macau

Convicted of bribery and money laundering in Macau.

2017

Transferred Shares

Transferred a significant portion of shares in Chinese Estates to his wife and son.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Scholarship Programme

$1M

Launched a scholarship program for underprivileged students enrolling in eight major universities in Hong Kong.

Education

HKUST Scholarships

Established scholarships at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to attract outstanding students.

Education

Education Fund

$16M

Donated to City University of Hong Kong to create the Joseph Lau Education Fund, for undergraduates facing financial hardships.

Cultural Services

Fresh Wave Film Festival

$1.3M

Donated to the 'Fresh Wave Film Festival' to encourage local young creators.

Underprivileged

Support Programme

$1.3M

Contributed to a Support Programme initiated by the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild in 2020.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Bribery and Money Laundering Conviction

Convicted of bribery and money laundering by a Macau court.

Billionaires Connected to Joseph Lau

Peers in Diversified

All Diversified billionaires →

Richest in Hong Kong

All billionaires from Hong Kong →

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joseph Lau's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Joseph Lau's estimated net worth is $14.22 billion, ranking #222 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Joseph Lau make their money?
Joseph Lau's wealth primarily comes from Real estate, most notably through Real estate.
Where is Joseph Lau from?
Joseph Lau is from Hong Kong.
How old is Joseph Lau?
Joseph Lau is 74 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Joseph Lau — Forbes profile — Forbes