Lee Shau-kee’s story started long before he became Hong Kong’s wealthiest man. Born on February 20, 1928, in Foshan, Guangdong, China, Lee came from humble beginnings. The end of World War II and China’s changing political climate pushed many entrepreneurs to look for better opportunities. In 1948, Lee made a life-changing move to Hong Kong, a decision that would put him on the path to becoming a real estate tycoon.
Building Henderson Land Development
In 1961, Lee founded what would become Henderson Land Development. Back then, Hong Kong was growing fast, and the city’s skyline was about to transform. Lee’s sharp eye for opportunities helped him tap into this boom. By 1970, Henderson had launched Wing Tai Development as a subsidiary, which Lee took full control of by 1975. Just a year later, he became chairman of Henderson and never looked back.
In 1981, Henderson Land Development went public, opening the doors for massive expansion. By 1985, Wing Tai had been renamed Henderson Investment, which helped the company diversify and grow its reach. Under Lee’s leadership, Henderson didn’t just build apartments. It shaped the city. Major projects included the International Finance Centre, Dah Sing Financial Centre, the exclusive Beverly Hill estate, and the luxury high-rise 39 Conduit Road.
Expanding His Business Empire
Lee’s business mind was never satisfied with just building homes and office towers. Henderson Land also created Citistore, a department store chain, and launched Megastrength Security Services to manage security for properties across the city. Well Born Real Estate became Henderson’s dedicated property management wing.
The company also moved into transport and hospitality, acquiring the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company. Lee became chairman of both the Miramar Hotel and Investment Company and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company, expanding his influence far beyond construction.
Even as Henderson became a powerhouse, Lee’s leadership style was clear and steady. In 2019, at the age of 91, he stepped down as chairman and managing director, handing the reins to his sons Peter and Martin. But he stayed on the board as an executive director, ensuring his decades of wisdom remained part of the company’s DNA.
Key Roles Beyond Henderson
Besides Henderson, Lee’s impact stretched to other major Hong Kong companies. He co-founded Sun Hung Kai Properties, another top player in the real estate sector. He also served as vice chairman and non-executive director there for many years. He sat on the board of Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) and the Bank of East Asia, showing how deeply he was woven into Hong Kong’s financial and property worlds.
Commitment To Philanthropy
For Lee Shau-kee, wealth came with a duty to give back. His biggest focus was education. In 1982, he created the Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation to help strengthen human resources in mainland China. Over the decades, he gave hundreds of millions to top schools like the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
He helped establish the HKICC Lee Shau-kee School of Creativity to nurture future generations of artists and thinkers. Hang Seng Management College also received major support from Lee’s donations. His giving didn’t stop at schools. He supported Po Leung Kuk’s youth hostel project, showing he cared about improving lives beyond the classroom.
Honors And Recognition
Lee’s contributions earned him high honors in Hong Kong and China. In 2007, he received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, Hong Kong’s top award, for his dedication to education and community service. Universities recognized his influence too. He received honorary doctorates from schools like Fudan University and was made an honorary trustee and strategic advisor at Tsinghua University, as well as an honorary director at Peking University.
Family And Personal Life
Lee’s family life was mostly private. He was once married to Lau Wai-kuen, but they divorced. He had five children. His two sons, Peter and Martin, stepped up to lead Henderson when Lee retired from his chairman role in 2019. They continue to guide the company using the values and vision Lee passed down.
Final Years And Passing
Even in his later years, Lee stayed involved in business and philanthropy. His wealth remained massive, making him the richest person in Hong Kong until his passing in March 2025 at the age of 97. At the time of his death, Lee’s net worth stood at an incredible $33 billion.
His passing marked the end of an era for Hong Kong’s business community. Yet, the buildings he developed, the institutions he funded, and the family he mentored keep his legacy alive.
A Lasting Legacy
Lee Shau-kee’s story is more than a tale of dollars and skyscrapers. It is about vision, resilience, and giving back. From a young man arriving in Hong Kong with big dreams to becoming the city’s top property mogul, Lee shaped not just skylines but countless lives through his philanthropy.
As his sons lead Henderson into the future, Lee’s name remains tied to some of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks. His generosity continues to open doors for students and young professionals across Asia.
Lee Shau-kee’s legacy proves that true success is not just about wealth, but about what you build and what you leave behind for the generations who come next.