Li Ka-shing Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Li Ka-shing is a Hong Kong business magnate, investor, and philanthropist widely recognized for building a global conglomerate and shaping modern Asian commerce.

Introduction

Li Ka-shing is one of Asia’s most influential and successful entrepreneurs. Born on July 29, 1928, his journey from humble beginnings in Guangdong province to establishing a global business empire has made him a legend in business circles. With an estimated net worth in the tens of billions of U.S. dollars and a long history of investments and philanthropy, Li’s story blends ambition, discipline, and vision. His personal life includes a marriage (now ended by the passing of his spouse) and two sons who have taken active roles in his businesses, reflecting a family deeply woven into his legacy.

Below is a curated summary of key facts about Li Ka-shing — including his age/birthdate, birthday, net worth, relationships, and what he is most known for.

Quick Facts

From Hardship to Ambition: The Making of a Tycoon

Born in Chao’an, Chaozhou (Guangdong province, China) on July 29, 1928, Li Ka-shing grew up during turbulent times. His early childhood was shaped by hardship and instability. During his formative years, his family relocated to Hong Kong — a move prompted by wartime upheavals in China. 

After arriving in Hong Kong, Li was forced to leave school to support his family. He started working as a watch-company employee and later as a plastic factory laborer. Through relentless work ethic and business acumen, he soon learned the ropes of manufacturing and trade. 

What followed was a classic self-made success story. In 1950, Li founded a plastics manufacturing company that produced plastic flowers — a venture that eventually made him Asia’s largest supplier.  Over the years, he diversified into real estate, retail, ports, infrastructure, and more — gradually building what became a global conglomerate.

Defining moments in Li Ka-shing’s journey include:

• His decision to leave school early and start working to support his family. 

• Founding his first manufacturing company in 1950, marking the first step toward entrepreneurship. 

• Transition into real estate and establishment of core business holdings, which laid foundation for large-scale growth. 

• Strategic expansion and diversification across industries — retail, infrastructure, utilities, ports — transforming a small manufacturer into a global conglomerate. 

Li Ka-shing’s rise is a textbook example of ambition, resilience, and strategic insight — a path from modest origins to global business stature.

The Core Pillars of Li Ka-shing’s Wealth

The core pillars of Li Ka-shing’s wealth include:

• Real estate & property development — Large holdings and developments through real estate arms.

• Conglomerate holdings (infrastructure, ports, utilities, telecom) — Through his conglomerate, he controls diversified assets across ports, infrastructure, energy, telecom, and more. 

• Retail empire — Via retail operations spanning health, beauty, supermarkets, and more, dominating markets in Asia and beyond. 

• Strategic investments & stakes in publicly traded companies — Shares and stakes in publicly listed companies through holding companies and trusts. 

These diversified interests have anchored his financial empire and allowed him to weather economic cycles, diversify risk, and capitalize on global opportunities.

Family, Relationships & Personal Life

Li Ka-shing’s personal life is interwoven with his business legacy, with family playing a central role in the continuation of his enterprises.

• He married Chong Yuet-ming in 1962. Their marriage lasted until her untimely death in 1990. 

• The couple had two sons: Victor Li Tzar‑kuoi and Richard Li Tzar‑kai. Both sons have taken significant roles — Victor succeeded his father as chairman of key holdings; Richard has managed telecom interests. 

Key insights into Li Ka-shing’s relationships and personal life:

• Despite massive wealth, Li has been known for modesty and frugality rather than extravagance.

• His family — especially his sons — play a central role in sustaining and managing his legacy. 

Though his spouse passed away, Li’s family remains a core pillar in his life, symbolizing continuity and stewardship of his achievements.

Beyond Business: Lifestyle, Interests & Philanthropy

Beyond career success, Li Ka-shing leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Philanthropy through the Li Ka Shing Foundation — Through his foundation, Li has funded education, medical services, research initiatives, and social causes across Hong Kong and mainland China. 

• Modest personal style and frugality — Despite being among Asia’s richest, he is known for wearing simple clothes, plain watches, and preferring a no-frills lifestyle.

• Long-term residence in a single home — Li has lived for decades in a home in one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive neighborhoods, a house that has appreciated tremendously in value over time. 

These aspects underscore a consistent thread in Li’s life — focus on substance over show, purpose over flamboyance.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Net Worth Explained

Assessments of Li Ka-shing’s net worth vary slightly depending on the source, but converge around tens of billions of dollars. Below is a simplified breakdown:

While exact numbers fluctuate with market valuations, many recent estimates (e.g., listing him with about US$ 37.3 billion) reflect his continued standing among the world’s richest. 

Influence, Legacy & Public Image

Li Ka-shing’s influence extends beyond balance sheets. He is widely regarded as a visionary entrepreneur whose decisions helped shape modern Hong Kong and influenced global commerce dynamics. His legacy is characterized by:

• Transformative business strategy — He pioneered a diversified conglomerate model blending real estate, infrastructure, retail, and global investments — creating a blueprint many emulate.

• Philanthropic impact — Through his foundation, Li has funded education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, leaving a lasting social footprint across China and beyond. 

• Public persona of humility and restraint — In contrast to many ultra-wealthy individuals, Li’s lifestyle is marked by frugality, simplicity, and a preference for private life — earning respect and admiration. 

As such, Li Ka-shing remains not just a business magnate, but a symbol of disciplined ambition, ethical wealth, and social responsibility.

Conclusion

Li Ka-shing’s story — from a working-class youth who left school to help his family, to a global titan with a net worth around US$ 37.3 billion — is a testament to perseverance, vision, and integrity. Born on July 29, 1928, his birthday marks the start of a life that would reshape industries, support communities, and inspire generations. His personal life, marked by a devoted family and personal modesty, stands in contrast to the grandeur of his achievements. Ultimately, Li Ka-shing’s legacy is not only in skyscrapers and companies, but in the philanthropies, institutions, and values he built — a legacy defined by purpose, humility, and enduring impact.