Vigil for Hong Kong’s Lee Shau-kee: political heavyweights, residents pay respects

Political heavyweights, real estate executives and residents have gathered to pay tribute to late Hong Kong tycoon Lee Shau-kee, as they recalled the philanthropist’s generosity and accomplishments.

The Sunday afternoon vigil was organised by Henderson Land Development, the conglomerate Lee founded in 1976. A funeral will take place on Monday for the tycoon, who died last month at the age of 97.

Among those seen attending the service were: eldest son Peter Lee Ka-kit; younger son Martin Lee Ka-shing and his wife, Cathy Tsui Chi-kei; late tycoon Stanley Ho’s fourth wife, Angela Leong On-kei; nightlife tycoon Allan Zeman; Bank of East Asia executive chairman David Li Kwok-po; former chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen; various Hong Kong ministers; and former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen and his wife.

Dozens of residents paid their respects to Lee Shau-kee, with flower wreaths from prominent figures, universities, lawmakers and companies placed outside the venue.

A retiree surnamed Lai, 68, said he had come to pay tribute to the late tycoon for his “good treatment to his workers”.

“After the birth of his grandchild, he offered a HK$10,000 red packet to every employee from top to bottom, instead of the packets being given to him by his employees,” said Lai, whose relative worked for Lee Shau-kee.