The Hong Kong property magnate, Lee Shau-Kee, who was once the richest man in Asia died at the age of 97.
The announcement was made by his real estate company Henderson Land Development, of which he has been president for over 40 years.
The company said in a statement that Lee died “in the company of his family” but had not specified.
He was one of the richest men in the city. In February, Forbes highlighted just under 30 billion dollars (23 billion pounds sterling).
Lee was born in the Chinese province of Guangdong in China and moved to Hong Kong as a young man, where he started his commercial career in exchange for gold and currencies before moving on to real estate.
He created Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) – one of the largest real estate developers in the city – in 1958, alongside two other founders.
Lee – who was nicknamed “Uncle Four” because he was the fourth elder of his brothers and sisters – then struck himself in 1976 and founded Henderson Land Development, which her two sons took care of after his retirement in 2019.
In 1996, he was named the richest man in Asia and the richest fourth in the world.
He was also philanthropic and made a significant contribution to education centers and programs aimed at the development of employment. In 2007, he received the highest distinction from Hong Kong – the Grand Bauhinia medal – in recognition for his contributions to the company.
“Dr. Lee was an exceptional business manager and entrepreneur who had made important contributions to the economic development of Hong Kong, as well as the prosperity and stability of the city,” said City General Director John Lee in a statement.
