Long Live Superman
Hong Kong Tatler|December 2018

After 68 years in business, from plastic flowers to property development and energy to telecoms and tech, Hong Kong’s richest man retired this year. But Li Ka-shing’s philanthropic endeavours endure, writes Rachel Duffell

Rachel Duffell
Long Live Superman

Tycoon is perhaps the word most commonly associated with Li Ka-shing, one of Hong Kong’s most influential and successful businessmen. But philanthropist always follows. The former chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings, who retired in May two months before turning 90 (but continues his service in the role of senior adviser), has pledged one third of his wealth to philanthropic projects.

At his company’s annual general meeting in March, where he announced his retirement as chairman to dedicate more time to philanthropy, the spry businessman said, “Looking back all these years, it’s my honour to have founded Cheung Kong and to have served society,” giving his charitable endeavours as much regard as his commercial achievements.

Giving back has always been important to Li, in part due to his humble beginnings. Born in 1928 in Chaozhou, Guangdong, Li fled with his family to Hong Kong in 1940 following the Japanese invasion. As a teenager, he found himself sweeping floors in a factory and looking after his father, who was dying of tuberculosis. Things were not easy. But Li had determination and worked his way up to make his first fortune manufacturing plastic flowers. From there came property, as he was forced to purchase his factory when its lease was not offered for renewal. By the 1970s Li had become one of the city’s leading property developers, and his investments didn’t end there. He took over Hutchison Whampoa in 1979, becoming the first Chinese to own one of the big British-established trading companies.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2018 من Hong Kong Tatler.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2018 من Hong Kong Tatler.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HONG KONG TATLER مشاهدة الكل
THE LAST WORD
Tatler Hong Kong

THE LAST WORD

Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare

time-read
1 min  |
July 2024
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Tatler Hong Kong

WOMEN AT THE WICKET

Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go

time-read
10+ mins  |
July 2024
TIME TURNER
Tatler Hong Kong

TIME TURNER

A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2024
ROYAL RICHES
Tatler Hong Kong

ROYAL RICHES

Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India

time-read
8 mins  |
July 2024
MAKING HER POINT
Tatler Hong Kong

MAKING HER POINT

Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
IN IT TO WIN IT
Tatler Hong Kong

IN IT TO WIN IT

Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tatler Hong Kong

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Tatler Hong Kong

INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES

Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Crafting a New Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

Crafting a New Legacy

Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

A Lasting Legacy

Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024