Lee Shau Kee

Lee Shau-kee, nicknamed "Uncle Four", was a Hong Kong entrepreneur, philanthropist, and pro-China businessman. He was a real estate tycoon and formerly Hong Kong’s second-richest man, and at one point the richest man in both Hong Kong and Asia. Between 1995 and 1997, he was ranked as the fourth-richest person in the world.

He started his business life at the age of 15 and moved to Hong Kong at 20. He founded Henderson Land at 48, took it public at 53, and by age 67 to 69 ranked fourth globally in wealth. Upon retirement at 91 in 2019, he ranked 29th on the *Forbes* Global Billionaires List.

Biography

Lee was also active in finance, and his firm, Sun Kai Finance, was once one of the major brokerage firms in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He also invested in infrastructure, energy, hotel, and retail projects, although these ventures did not reach the same level of influence as his real estate business.

Philanthropy

Lee was well known for his philanthropic activities. He founded the Lee Shau Kee Foundation, which supported education, healthcare, culture, and disaster relief in both Hong Kong and mainland China. He made substantial donations to the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University, funding the construction of academic buildings, dormitories, and research facilities.

In 2007 and 2014, Lee donated over HK$1 billion in total to Peking University and Tsinghua University, making him one of the largest individual donors to education in mainland China. He also contributed tens of millions of dollars to disaster relief efforts for the Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes.

Lee also founded the Lee Shau Kee Primary School and Lee Shau Kee Secondary School in various districts across Hong Kong, offering quality education opportunities to children from grassroots families. He additionally funded the construction of schools, hospitals, and poverty alleviation facilities in provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Gansu.

Personal life

Lee had three children. He resided for decades in the luxury residence "Wai Yuen" on the Peak, before moving to a palace-style mansion at 35 Barker Road, with an annual rental value of HK$25.6 million—reportedly one of the most expensive homes in Hong Kong.

He remained in good health in his later years and passed away peacefully on 17 March 2025 at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, aged 97. A public memorial was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and was widely attended. All three former Chief Executives of Hong Kong participated in the funeral committee, reflecting Lee's significant standing in political and business circles.

Legacy and recognition

Lee was widely regarded as pragmatic and steady, and was known as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of Hong Kong Real Estate," alongside Li Ka Shing, Cheng Yu Tung, and Kwok Tak Seng. His success was attributed to his mathematical mind, keen sense of timing, and low-profile, frugal management style.

The President of the University of Hong Kong, Zhang Xiang, praised him: "Dr. Lee's vision and generosity have had a profound impact on education and real estate in Hong Kong." Tsinghua University commented: "Mr. Lee Shau Kee cared deeply about the country and firmly supported education in mainland China. He was a role model for entrepreneurs in the new era."

External links

• Lee Shau Kee – Henderson Land Development official website (archived)