Li Ka-shing Biography
Li Ka-shing was born in Chaozhou in 1928, fled to Hong Kong in 1940 and founded Cheung Kong in 1950 46.
Full nameLi Ka-shing
NationalityHong Kong, China
Known forFounder of Cheung Kong, CK Hutchison and CK Asset
Born in Chaozhou
Li Ka-shing was born on 29 July 1928 in Chaozhou, Guangdong, to Li Yun-ching, a school principal, and Cheung Bik-chin 56. Some sources give a different day in July or June.
Flight to Hong Kong
His family fled to Hong Kong in 1940 as Japanese forces advanced through Guangdong. His father died in 1943 45.
Leaving school
His formal education ended at high school 6.
Cheung Kong
He founded the plastics maker Cheung Kong in 1950, at 22, and the company sold shares to the public in 1972 4.
Frequently asked questions
In Chaozhou, Guangdong province, China, on 29 July 1928.
In 1940, during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
He started Cheung Kong Plastics in 1950, at 22.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Fortune, Hong Kong's richest man is retiring, 16 Mar 2018, Birth, schooling
2 Bloomberg, Bloomberg Billionaires Index: Li Ka-shing, 1 Jan 1970, Milestones
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