David Li Ka-Shing
David Li Ka-Shing is a Hong Kong business magnate and philanthropist. He is the chairman and principal spokesperson of the Cheung Kong Group, which he founded in the 1950s. Li holds a number of important titles and honorary doctorates, and is considered one of the most influential business figures in Asia. His success and reputation go far beyond the boundaries of Hong Kong.
When Li Ka-Shing began his business ventures as a refugee in the 1950s, he had only an elementary school education and very few resources at his disposal. Nonetheless, Li managed to overcome significant obstacles and built a successful conglomerate with Cheung Kong Group, which employs an estimated 120,000 people across 49 countries. He made his fortune through the acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa, which is the world’s largest international port and transportation group, and has holdings in properties, retail, cellular telecommunications, infrastructure and other investments.
Lis magnanimous spirit has extended beyond the business world to a number of philanthropic activities. In 2010, Li and the Li Ka-Shing Foundation pledged to donate one billion dollars to fund various education-related initiatives both in Hong Kong and around the world. He has also launched a number of educational, medical and artistic programs and charities.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial and philanthropic achievements, Li has been honored with numerous awards and honorary doctorates. Notably, he was the first to receive both the Order of the British Empire and the Order of Canada. In 2017, he was named the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Li Ka-Shing is a role model for entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and businessmen everywhere. His success and dedication to giving back proves that one person can make a substantial difference and that, even with limited resources, anyone can create a successful global enterprise.
