When Success Speaks Chinese
Many find agony and despair in their impoverished lives where most of their needs are not met, and that prevents them from moving forward. However, some manage to turn their poverty into hope and motivation towards building a better future, and Sir Li Ka-shing is one of those people.
He is the founder of CK Hutchison Holdings, an infrastructure company, and CK Asset Holdings, an asset manager and real estate service provider. As Hong Kong’s wealthiest man and the 28th richest in the world, Li is among the world’s most influential businessmen. However, his current opulence is the result of the diligence of a man who once struggled day and night to support his family.
Mr. Li receiving a paper fan from the students of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Li and his family had to leave China in 1940 to escape the Japanese forces, and the family was struck with grief after Li’s father passed away. Fourteen-year-old Li was then responsible for his family and worked as a mere factory apprentice to put food on the table. Within a few years, he established Cheung Kong plastics from his savings and loans, and then proceeded to invest in real estate.
Li Ka-shing with his eldest son, Victor
Business began to flourish, and by 1979, approximately 1 out of 7 private residences in Hong Kong were being developed by his conglomerate which is considered today as the third largest property developer in the world- quite an accomplishment for a man who once worried about saving every penny.
In 1979, he acquired Hutchison Whampoa and dedicated much of the following years to expanding its influence outside of Hong Kong, only to make it become one of the world’s largest private port operators.
Li with the children sponsored by his foundation
Then in 1987, Li bought a controlling stake in Husky Energy which was then only a simple Canadian oil and gas driller. With his business wit, he stretched its operations and made it become one of Canada’s biggest energy companies. With such massive accomplishments and unparalleled business aptitude, one can understand why this man is nicknamed “Superman”.
His eldest son has replaced him as chairman of Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa, though Li remains the senior advisor. When asked about the secret behind his success, he replied with, “The burden of poverty and this bitter taste of helplessness and isolation sort of branded on my heart forever the questions that still drive me”. That also explains why Li Ka Shing Foundation has donated more than $2.6 billion to help those in need, especially in his native China.
Li Ka-shing in his office
At the age of 90, this inspiring man is worth $32.4 billion and is revered as one of Asia’s most important businessmen. His heart may be growing old, but it still beats like that of any robust young man eager to prosper and make a change. To succeed all one needs to do is trust Li’s words that, “You need to be interested in your business. If you are interested in your business, you are bound to do well”.
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