BillionaireNet
Lau
Joseph Lau
Rank #206
HONG KONGreal-estateReal estate

Joseph Lau

Net Worth
$13.586B
-0.01% (24h)
Joseph Lau, born in Hong Kong on July 19, 1951, is a prominent billionaire businessman primarily known for his significant real estate holdings and his role as the former chairman of Chinese Estates Holdings. His career began in the 1970s and quickly rose in the real estate sector. With a current estimated net worth of $13.6 billion, Lau's wealth stems primarily from real estate investments. Lau's career is marked by key achievements, including the development of high-profile properties and his status as a major art collector. He is also known for his philanthropic contributions through the Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust. Despite legal controversies, Lau remains a significant figure in Hong Kong's business and social circles.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Joseph Lau was born in Hong Kong on July 19, 1951. He attended the University of Windsor in Canada. Upon returning to Hong Kong in 1974, he joined his family's business, which manufactured electric fans.

Rise to Success

In 1978, Lau established Evergo Industrial Enterprise. In 1986, he became the majority shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings. Under Lau's leadership, the company expanded its real estate investments, including in Mainland China. He became known for his business instincts, navigating the regulatory environment of Hong Kong's property market.

Key Business Strategies

Lau's strategies included taking over the family business and diversifying it to investment holding and property management. Lau expanded his real estate investments through a series of acquisitions. He has focused on luxury and high-end markets in real estate.

Philanthropy

Joseph Lau has a history of significant charitable contributions through The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust. Since the early 1990s, the Trust has donated nearly HK$5 billion to various institutions. Major beneficiaries include education and healthcare, each accounting for approximately 20% of the total. During the pandemic, the Trust contributed to support programs for film workers.

Career Timeline

2017

Transferred Wealth

Transferred a significant portion of his shares to his wife and son.

2014

Convicted of Bribery and Money Laundering

Convicted in Macau but avoided jail time.

2010

Developed The ONE

Developed The ONE, the tallest retail complex in Hong Kong

1986

Became Majority Shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings

Acquired a 43% stake in Chinese Estates Holdings.

1978

Established Evergo Industrial Enterprise

Founded Evergo Industrial Enterprise.

1974

Joined Family Business

Joined family's electric fan business.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and Healthcare$1B+

Education and Healthcare Support

Donations to various institutions, including education and healthcare.

Arts and Culture$1.3M

Fresh Wave Film Festival

Donations to support the Fresh Wave Film Festival

Social Welfare$1.3M

Support Programme for Film Workers

Contributions to a support program for Hong Kong film workers during the pandemic.

Education$125k+

Scholarship Program

Scholarship program for students in major Hong Kong universities.

Wealth Trajectory