Last night, surrounded by loved ones, Lee Shau-kee—the visionary founder of Henderson Land Development—passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Once ranked as the world’s fourth-richest person and Asia’s wealthiest individual, his death marks the end of an era, the company announced. Details of his funeral will follow in due course.
Henderson Land hailed Lee as a towering figure in business, a man whose influence stretched far beyond Hong Kong, supported by an expansive network of connections. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu echoed this sentiment, calling him a “remarkable entrepreneur” whose efforts fueled Hong Kong’s economic growth, stability, and prosperity. In recognition of his contributions, Lee was honored with the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2007, the city’s highest accolade.
Yet Lee’s legacy wasn’t confined to boardrooms. Known affectionately as “Uncle Four” (a nod to being the fourth child in his family), he was a philanthropist of rare caliber. Through the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and the Hong Kong Pao Hua Education Foundation, he poured resources into education and social welfare, funding universities and institutions across Hong Kong and mainland China. His passion for nurturing talent and advancing research within the Chinese community left an indelible mark.
Lee’s story began in 1928 in Shunde, Guangdong. Fleeing the unrest of mid-20th-century China, he arrived in Hong Kong and cut his teeth in currency and gold trading before turning to real estate. In 1958, he teamed up with seven partners—including luminaries like Kwok Tak-seng and Fung King-hey—to launch a property venture. By 1963, this collaboration birthed Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), now Hong Kong’s largest developer. Lee, Kwok, and Fung earned the nickname “the three musketeers” for their synergy. But in 1976, Lee struck out on his own, founding Henderson Land and steering it to prominence with a keen eye for opportunity and bold leadership. The company grew into a powerhouse, spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Beyond Henderson, Lee chaired Hong Kong and China Gas (Towngas) and Miramar Hotel & Investment, while serving as vice chairman of SHKP. His influence extended to directorships at Bank of East Asia, Hong Kong Ferry, and Union Hospital. He also took on civic duties, notably as a member of the Preparatory Committee’s Selection Committee for the Hong Kong SAR and honorary president of the Shun Tak Fraternal Association.
Henderson Land praised his integrity and compassion, qualities that earned him deep respect among employees. His charitable endeavors—totaling billions—focused heavily on education and community upliftment. In 2019, at 91, Lee stepped back from his chairmanship roles at Henderson Land and Towngas, entrusting his sons, Peter and Martin, with the family empire’s Hong Kong and mainland operations.
Tributes poured in from Hong Kong’s leadership. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, along with Secretaries Bernadette Linn Hon-ho (Development), Winnie Ho Wing-yin (Housing), and Christine Choi Yuk-lin (Education), offered their sympathies to Lee’s family, underscoring the profound loss felt across the city.
Lee Shau-kee’s life was a tapestry of ambition, generosity, and legacy—a journey from humble beginnings to a titan whose impact will resonate for generations.
Last night, surrounded by loved ones, Lee Shau-kee—the visionary founder of Henderson Land Development—passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Once ranked as the world’s fourth-richest person and Asia’s wealthiest individual, his death marks the end of an era, the company announced. Details of his funeral will follow in due course.
Henderson Land hailed Lee as a towering figure in business, a man whose influence stretched far beyond Hong Kong, supported by an expansive network of connections. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu echoed this sentiment, calling him a “remarkable entrepreneur” whose efforts fueled Hong Kong’s economic growth, stability, and prosperity. In recognition of his contributions, Lee was honored with the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2007, the city’s highest accolade.
Yet Lee’s legacy wasn’t confined to boardrooms. Known affectionately as “Uncle Four” (a nod to being the fourth child in his family), he was a philanthropist of rare caliber. Through the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and the Hong Kong Pao Hua Education Foundation, he poured resources into education and social welfare, funding universities and institutions across Hong Kong and mainland China. His passion for nurturing talent and advancing research within the Chinese community left an indelible mark.
Lee’s story began in 1928 in Shunde, Guangdong. Fleeing the unrest of mid-20th-century China, he arrived in Hong Kong and cut his teeth in currency and gold trading before turning to real estate. In 1958, he teamed up with seven partners—including luminaries like Kwok Tak-seng and Fung King-hey—to launch a property venture. By 1963, this collaboration birthed Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), now Hong Kong’s largest developer. Lee, Kwok, and Fung earned the nickname “the three musketeers” for their synergy. But in 1976, Lee struck out on his own, founding Henderson Land and steering it to prominence with a keen eye for opportunity and bold leadership. The company grew into a powerhouse, spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Beyond Henderson, Lee chaired Hong Kong and China Gas (Towngas) and Miramar Hotel & Investment, while serving as vice chairman of SHKP. His influence extended to directorships at Bank of East Asia, Hong Kong Ferry, and Union Hospital. He also took on civic duties, notably as a member of the Preparatory Committee’s Selection Committee for the Hong Kong SAR and honorary president of the Shun Tak Fraternal Association.
Henderson Land praised his integrity and compassion, qualities that earned him deep respect among employees. His charitable endeavors—totaling billions—focused heavily on education and community upliftment. In 2019, at 91, Lee stepped back from his chairmanship roles at Henderson Land and Towngas, entrusting his sons, Peter and Martin, with the family empire’s Hong Kong and mainland operations.
Tributes poured in from Hong Kong’s leadership. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, along with Secretaries Bernadette Linn Hon-ho (Development), Winnie Ho Wing-yin (Housing), and Christine Choi Yuk-lin (Education), offered their sympathies to Lee’s family, underscoring the profound loss felt across the city.
Lee Shau-kee’s life was a tapestry of ambition, generosity, and legacy—a journey from humble beginnings to a titan whose impact will resonate for generations.