李兆基离世，昔日香港“四巨头”只剩李嘉诚

Core Viewpoint - Li Ka-shing's life exemplifies a true business legend, integrating personal wealth with national development and using corporate power to drive social progress [56] Group 1: Early Life and Career - Li Ka-shing was born in 1928 in a merchant family in Guangdong, which provided him with early exposure to business operations [4] - By the age of 12, he had mastered key skills in gold trading, becoming a notable talent in the local gold shop [6] - At 20, he moved to Hong Kong with 1,000 HKD to seize opportunities in foreign exchange and gold trading, achieving significant profits during a tumultuous period [8][10] Group 2: Real Estate Ventures - In the late 1950s, recognizing the booming housing demand in Hong Kong, Li entered the real estate sector by co-founding Yung Kee Company [14] - He innovated the "layered sale and ten-year installment payment" model, making property ownership accessible to ordinary citizens and significantly boosting market demand [16][17] - By 1963, he helped restructure the company into Cheung Kong Holdings, which quickly gained prominence in the real estate market [19][21] Group 3: Expansion and Success - Li Ka-shing established Hutchison Whampoa in 1972, marking a new phase in his career [22] - He launched Cheung Kong Holdings with 500 million HKD, leading to a prosperous era for the company [24] - The company thrived by acquiring land through "B-type land exchange rights" and redeveloping old buildings, contributing to urban renewal and increasing land value [30][31] Group 4: Investment Strategies - In 2004, Li founded CK Hutchison Holdings, focusing on investments in Chinese stocks, which yielded substantial returns as the Chinese economy grew [36][37] - His investment philosophy emphasized leveraging and risk management, allowing for efficient capital use and maximized returns [43][44] - Li also diversified into other sectors, including energy and hospitality, while supporting educational initiatives with significant donations [46][47] Group 5: Legacy and Influence - Li Ka-shing was one of the last of Hong Kong's "Four Great Families," with his legacy continuing through his sons managing the family business [48][52] - His passing prompted widespread reflection on his contributions, contrasting with ongoing controversies surrounding other business figures in Hong Kong [55]