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LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Li Ka-shing
Global Rank
#40

Image: EdTech Stanford University School of Medicine | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Li Ka-shing

CEO, Diversified
HONG KONG
Real-Time Net Worth
$47.048B
Estimated based on Diversified stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.35% (24h)
Age
97
Source
Diversified
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
HONG KONG

Biography

Li Ka-shing, born in 1928, is a Hong Kong billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is the senior advisor for CK Hutchison Holdings and CK Asset Holdings, after retiring as chairman in 2018. Li's source of wealth is diversified across industries including real estate, ports, telecommunications, retail, and energy. His career began at age 15, after being forced to leave school and support his family. He started Cheung Kong Industries in 1950, and expanded it into a leading real estate investment company. Known for his business acumen, he is often called "Superman." Li's achievements include building a vast global empire and making significant investments in technology, while also being a dedicated philanthropist.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Li Ka-shing was born in Chaozhou, Guangdong, China, on July 29, 1928. Due to the Sino-Japanese War, his family fled to Hong Kong in 1940. At age 15, Li was forced to leave school and support his family after his father died from tuberculosis. He started working at a plastics trading company.

Rise to Success

In 1950, Li started Cheung Kong Industries with $6,500, manufacturing plastic products. He shifted focus to real estate in the late 1950s. Li acquired Hutchison Whampoa in 1979. He later expanded his business interests into various sectors like telecommunications, ports, and retail. He retired as chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings and CK Asset Holdings in 2018, but remains a senior advisor.

Key Business Strategies

Li Ka-shing is known for his shrewd business skills. He has a knack for anticipating economic highs and lows. He made investments in Facebook, Siri, and Spotify. His investment firm, Horizons Ventures, invests in science and technology.

Philanthropy

Li established the Li Ka Shing Foundation in 1980. The foundation has donated over $3.8 billion, with over 80% going to Greater China. His philanthropic efforts focus on education and healthcare.

Career Milestones

1950

Founded Cheung Kong Industries

Established a plastics manufacturing company, which later became a major real estate developer.

1979

Acquired Hutchison Whampoa

Became the first Chinese businessman to take control of a colonial-era conglomerate in Hong Kong.

1980

Established Li Ka Shing Foundation

Founded a philanthropic organization focused on education, healthcare, and other charitable causes.

2018

Retired as Chairman

Retired from his roles as chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings and CK Asset Holdings, but remains a senior advisor.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education & Healthcare

Li Ka Shing Foundation

$3.8B

Supports education, healthcare, social services, and poverty alleviation, with a focus on Mainland China and Hong Kong.

Education

Shantou University

Undisclosed

Provides grants and contributions to instigate reforms in higher education in China.

Healthcare

University of Cambridge's Early Cancer Institute

$14M

Donated to the University of Cambridge's Early Cancer Institute.

Education

Stanford University

$15M

Donated to Stanford University for a program to nurture entrepreneurs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"It doesn't matter how strong or capable you are; if you don't have a big heart, you will not succeed."

"Set your goals high; make friends with different kinds of people; enjoy simple pleasures."

"A good reputation for yourself and your company is an invaluable asset not reflected in the balance sheets."

Leadership Principles

Vision

Maintaining a clear vision of the future and adapting to changing circumstances.

Stability

Balancing advancement with stability and never forgetting to maintain stability while advancing.

Reputation

Prioritizing a good reputation for oneself and the company, and being loyal to customers.

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