Li Ka-shing, born on 13 July 1928 in Chao'an (now Chaozhou), Guangdong Province, China, is a prominent Hong Kong billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He fled to Hong Kong in 1940 at the age of 12 during the Japanese invasion of China, where he faced early hardships including the death of his father. Starting as a factory worker at age 14 after leaving school, Li demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit by founding his first company, Cheung Kong Industries, in 1950, initially producing plastic flowers. Through astute business acumen and strategic acquisitions, he expanded into property development, plastics manufacturing, and eventually conglomerates, transforming Cheung Kong into a global powerhouse. In 1979, he acquired a controlling stake in Hutchison Whampoa, which became the cornerstone of his empire, spanning ports, retail, telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure worldwide. Under Li's leadership, CK Hutchison Holdings (formed by the merger of Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa in 2015) grew into one of Asia's largest conglomerates, with operations in over 50 countries and employing hundreds of thousands. He stepped down as chairman in May 2018, passing the reins to his son Victor Li, but remains senior advisor to CK Hutchison and CK Asset Holdings. Known for his frugal lifestyle and long-term investment philosophy, Li has diversified into healthcare, technology, and real estate, including significant holdings in the UK and Europe. As of March 2024, Forbes ranks him as the 38th richest person globally with a net worth of $37.3 billion. Li is also a notable philanthropist, founding the Li Ka Shing Foundation in 1980, which has donated billions to education, healthcare, and research, including major gifts to universities in Hong Kong, Canada, and the UK. Li holds multiple nationalities, including Canadian citizenship acquired in 1981, and has been honored with titles such as Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2000. His business decisions, such as selling assets in China amid geopolitical tensions, have drawn both praise for prudence and criticism for perceived divestment from his homeland. Despite retiring from executive roles, Li continues to influence global markets through his investments and advisory positions, embodying the archetype of a self-made tycoon who rose from poverty to immense wealth and societal impact.