Billionaire Profile
Joseph Lau
Global Rank
#194

Image: Chinese2011 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Joseph Lau

CEO, Real estate
HONG KONG
Real-Time Net Worth
$14.268B
Estimated based on Real estate stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.03% (24h)
Age
74
Source
Real estate
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
HONG KONG

Biography

Joseph Lau Luen-hung, born July 21, 1951, is a prominent Hong Kong billionaire, primarily known for his real estate ventures. His wealth stems from his control of Chinese Estates Holdings, a major property development firm he acquired in 1986. Lau's career began in the 1970s and he later attended the University of Windsor in Canada. He has been involved in the development of major properties in Hong Kong and internationally. His net worth, primarily from his real estate holdings, is estimated at $14.3 billion as of February 2, 2026. Lau is also a notable art collector with pieces from artists like Warhol, Gauguin, and Hockney, collectively valued at over $1 billion. Despite facing legal issues, Lau maintains a significant presence in the business world, known for his high-profile relationships and charitable giving. He transferred 75% of his shares in Chinese Estates to his wife and son due to health issues in 2017.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Joseph Lau Luen-hung was born on July 21, 1951, in Hong Kong. Details of his early life are not widely known, but he attended the University of Windsor in Canada.

Rise to Success

Lau joined his family's business, which made electric fans, in 1974. In 1978, he renamed the company Evergo Industrial Enterprise. In 1982, the company went public in Hong Kong. In 1985, Lau shifted the focus of Evergo to investment holding and property management services. A pivotal moment was in 1986 when he became the majority shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings. Under Lau's leadership, the company developed The ONE, a retail complex in Hong Kong that opened in 2010.

Key Business Strategies

Lau's key strategies have involved strategic acquisitions and investments in prime real estate in Hong Kong and China. He expanded Chinese Estates Holdings through property investments. His ability to spot opportunities in the rapidly evolving real estate market was a key factor in his success.

Philanthropy

Lau is known for his charitable contributions, particularly in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Hong Kong. He established The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust.

Career Milestones

1974

Joined Family Business

Joined family business making ceiling fans.

1978

Renamed Family Business

Renamed the family business to Evergo Industrial Enterprise.

1982

Evergo IPO

Evergo went public in Hong Kong.

1986

Acquired Chinese Estates Holdings

Became the largest shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings, a property developer.

2010

The ONE Development

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

2014

Conviction

Convicted in Macau for bribery and money laundering.

2017

Wealth Transfer

Transferred most of his wealth to his wife and a son.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Healthcare, and Poverty Alleviation

The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust

$5B

Donated nearly HK$5 billion to various institutions since the early 1990s, major beneficiaries included Education and Healthcare. Supports the Hong Kong film industry.

Education

The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust Scholarships

N/A

Established to support outstanding students at HKUST.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Bribery and Money Laundering Conviction

Convicted in Macau for bribery and money laundering in connection with a land acquisition scandal.