Joseph Lau

Joseph Lau was born on 19 July 1951 in Hong Kong. He has a younger brother Thomas and two younger sisters. Lau attended the University of Windsor in Canada before returning to join his family's business making electric fans in 1974.{{Cite news|title=Bloomberg Billionaires Index|language=en|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/|access-date=2021-09-18}} In 1978, he established the company Evergo Industrial Enterprise, while Thomas, his brother, inherited the family business. In 1983, the company held an initial public offering in Hong Kong. In 1985, Lau switched Evergo's business focus to investment-holding and property-management services.

Lau became the majority shareholder of Chinese Estates Holdings when he acquired a 43% stake in the company through Evergo in 1986. Since then, he's expanded his real estate investments through a series of acquisitions.

In 1988, under the leadership of Lau, the Group diversified its property interests to Mainland China through the participation in the development of Oriental Arts Building Complex and Hilton Hotel in Beijing. In 1998, The Group, through a 50:50 joint venture vehicle, acquired around 64.29% interest in a listed company, The Kwong Sang Hong International Limited ("Kwong Sang Hong") in January.{{Cite web |title=Milestones - Chinese Estates Holdings Limited |url=https://www.chineseestates.com/eng/Page/Group+Profile/Milestones/Chinese+Estates+Holdings+Limited.aspx |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.chineseestates.com}}

Chinese Estates Holdings developed The ONE, the tallest retail complex in Hong Kong, which opened in 2010. In 2017, Lau gifted the property to his wife [https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/%E9%99%B3%E5%87%B1%E9%9F%BB Kimbee Chan Hoi-wan] and their children.{{Cite web|last=Nguy|first=Dominique|date=27 January 2017|title=Tycoon gifts $18b building to wife|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/11/179067/Tycoon-gifts-$18b-building-to-wife|website=The Standard}}

In March 2014, Lau resigned from his positions as chairman and CEO of Chinese Estates after a Macau court convicted him of bribery and money laundering. His son Lau Ming-wai acceded to the chairmanship of the company. Sue Chan, the elder sister of Lau's wife Kimbee, became the chief executive of the company Lau founded.{{cite web |url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20151112-joseph-lau-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving/ |title=Joseph Lau and the gift that keeps on giving |first=Ben |last=Kwok |date=November 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105816/http://www.ejinsight.com/20151112-joseph-lau-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |website=ejinsight}}

Since the early 1990s, Lau and his Charitable Trust have donated nearly HK$5 billion to various institutions, including numerous individual cases. Major beneficiaries included Education and Healthcare, each account for approximately 20% of the total, while cases for the Under-privileged make up about 10%. The remainder includes categories such as Environmental Protection and Cultural Services.[https://hk.finance.yahoo.com/news/%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E6%97%97%E4%B8%8B%E5%9F%BA%E9%87%91%E7%94%B1%E4%B9%9D%E5%8D%81%E5%B9%B4%E4%BB%A3%E8%87%B3%E4%BB%8A%E5%B7%B2%E6%8D%90%E6%AC%BE%E8%BF%9150%E5%84%84%E5%85%83-074500256.html 劉鑾雄旗下基金由九十年代至今已捐款近50億元][https://www.hkcd.com.hk/hkcdweb/content/2024/04/18/content_8633000.html 華置劉陳凱韻浸大談行善得着 鼓勵青年人活出理想]

Lau has been a film enthusiast since childhood. In an effort to support the Hong Kong film industry, The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust donated HK$10 million to the "Fresh Wave Film Festival" in 2018, encouraging local young creators with potential who aspire to work in film. During the pandemic, to alleviate the hardships faced by grassroots film workers, the Trust contributed HK$10 million to a Support Programme initiated by the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild in 2020.[https://www.hk01.com/%E8%B2%A1%E7%B6%93%E5%BF%AB%E8%A8%8A/585723/%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E4%BC%89%E5%84%B7%E8%88%87%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E6%85%88%E5%96%84%E5%9F%BA%E9%87%91-%E7%B4%AF%E8%A8%88%E6%8F%90%E4%BE%9B3500%E8%90%AC%E5%85%83%E6%94%AF%E6%8C%81%E6%9C%AC%E6%B8%AF%E9%9B%BB%E5%BD%B1%E6%A5%AD 劉鑾雄伉儷與劉鑾雄慈善基金　累計提供3500萬元支持本港電影業]

In early 2021, the Trust supported One Cool Group with HK$15 million to cooperate on 5 local film production.[https://hk.finance.yahoo.com/news/%E5%A4%A7%E5%8A%89%E8%88%87%E5%A4%A9%E4%B8%8B-%E9%9B%86%E5%9C%98%E5%90%88%E6%8B%8D5%E9%83%A8%E6%B8%AF%E7%94%A2%E9%9B%BB%E5%BD%B1-%E6%8A%95%E8%B3%87%E9%A1%8D1500%E8%90%AC%E6%B8%AF%E5%85%83-071913125.html 大劉與天下一集團合拍5部港產電影 投資額1500萬港元] In the same year, the Trust donated HK$10 million to the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers's "Keep Rolling Keep Running" Programme, aiming to support the industry in overcoming challenges during the pandemic.[https://www.mpweekly.com/entertainment/article/%E5%8F%A4%E5%A4%A9%E6%A8%82%E7%B1%8C%E8%B3%87%E9%87%91%E6%8E%A8%E3%80%8A%E7%B8%BD%E6%9C%83%E6%8B%8D%E9%9B%BB%E5%BD%B1%E3%80%8B%E8%A8%88%E5%8A%83%E3%80%80%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E6%8D%90%E4%B8%80 古天樂籌資金推《總會拍電影》計劃　劉鑾雄捐一千萬助電影業界]

Since the 2021 academic year, in order to commend underprivileged students who successfully enroll in the 8 major universities in Hong Kong, The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust has launched a scholarship programme. The programme has a budget of approximately HK$1 million for its first academic year and awards outstanding students from the 8 universities, including the HKU, CUHK, HKUST, PolyU, CityU, HKBU, LU, and EdUHK. Through this encouragement, the programme aims to support academically excellent students in receiving a quality education, helping them move toward their aspirations and contribute to society.[https://hk.finance.yahoo.com/news/%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E6%85%88%E5%96%84%E5%9F%BA%E9%87%91%E6%8E%A8%E6%96%B0%E7%8D%8E%E5%AD%B8%E9%87%91-%E9%BC%93%E5%8B%B5%E5%85%AB%E5%A4%A7%E9%99%A2%E6%A0%A1%E5%82%91%E5%87%BA%E5%9F%BA%E5%B1%A4%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F-015745320.html 劉鑾雄慈善基金推新獎學金 鼓勵八大院校傑出基層學生]

In 2023, Kimbee Chan, the Director of Trustee of The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust, along with her eldest daughter, Josephine, spent about a week visiting impoverished areas in Liangshan, Sichuan (四川涼山), delivered care and cheers to children by showing support to local girls' education development.{{Cite web |title=Charity Visit to Liangshan in Sichuan Province: Delivering Care and Cheers to Children {{!}} Latest News {{!}} News {{!}} Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF {{!}} For every child |url=https://www.unicef.org.hk/en/news/latest_news/Charity_Visit_to_Liangshan_in_Sichuan_Province_Delivering_Care_and_Cheers_to_Children?back=9998d252a0380e742b4be5bef186810a |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.unicef.org.hk |language=en}}

In 2025, a medical complex of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University was inaugurated. The total investment in the complex exceeds HK$600 million, with a donation of HK$400 million from The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust. The complex was therefore named after Lau (劉鑾雄樓).[https://www.hk01.com/%E8%B2%A1%E7%B6%93%E5%BF%AB%E8%A8%8A/60219437/%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E6%85%88%E5%96%84%E5%9F%BA%E9%87%91%E6%8D%904%E5%84%84%E5%85%83-%E4%B8%AD%E5%B1%B1%E4%B8%80%E9%99%A2%E5%8A%89%E9%91%BE%E9%9B%84%E6%A8%93%E8%90%BD%E6%88%90 劉鑾雄慈善基金捐4億元 中山一院劉鑾雄樓落成] The complex's opening further enhances the Hospital's capabilities in diagnosing and treating critical illnesses, as well as its emergency medical response and rescue abilities, bringing more resources for quality healthcare services. In addition to establishing a Women's and Children's Centre and the International Medical Centre, the Hospital has collaborated with the Mass General Brigham (MGB) of Harvard University and the Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine to create a Sports Medicine Centre that combines Western and Traditional Chinese medicine. The Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with VitalGo electric beds valued at HK$600,000, which help improve patient mobility and comfort. Furthermore, the complex also includes an emergency centre, a surgical centre, and a rooftop helipad for emergency rescue helicopters, establishing a 30-minute medical emergency response network for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.[https://finance.mingpao.com/fin/instantf/20250313/1741855295949 劉鑾雄慈善基金捐贈4億元 中山大學附屬第一醫院「劉鑾雄樓」落成]

Meanwhile, Lau Ming-Wai also made significant contributions to charity and social progress. In 2016, Lau Ming-Wai donated US$50 million (approx. HK$390 million) to the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden,[https://www.hkcd.com/content/2016-10/03/content_1019299.html 劉鳴煒捐款3.9億研復修醫學] enabling the establishment of the "Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine" in Hong Kong, which is the Institutet's first hub outside of Sweden.[https://www.hkstp.org/zh-hk/park-life/news-and-events/news/karolinska-institutet-inaugurates-research-centre-in-hong-kong HKSTP - 卡羅琳醫學院研究中心於香港開幕]

Lau is an avid art collector. He ranks among ARTnews's list of the "Top 200 Collectors."{{Cite web|date=2017-09-10|title=Top 200 Collectors: Joseph Lau|url=https://www.artnews.com/art-collectors/top-200-profiles/joseph-lau/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=ARTnews.com|language=en-US}} In 2017, Forbes has estimated the total value of his art collection at around a $1 billion.

Lau owns the painting Everything Must Go (1984) by Jean-Michel Basquiat.{{Cite news |date=2022-08-22 |title=Chinese Estates Holdings invests largest Asian-owned commercial development approved by the City of London, UK in the last few |language=en |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2022-08-22/chinese-estates-holdings-invests-largest-asian-owned-commercial-development-approved-by-the-city-of-london-uk-in-the-last-few |access-date=2023-04-15}} In 2006, Lau purchased Andy Warhol's Mao (1977), a portrait of Mao Zedong, for $17.4 million at Christie's.{{Cite web|date=16 November 2006|title=Warhol's 'Mao' portrait sells for record $17.4M|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/warhol-s-mao-portrait-sells-record-17-4m-wbna15752773|access-date=2021-09-18|website=TODAY.com|language=en}} In 2007, Lau purchased Paul Gauguin's Te Poipoi (The Morning) (1892), a painting of a Tahitian scene, for $39.2 million at a Sotheby's auction.{{cite web |last=Peers |first=Alexandra |date=8 November 2007 |title=The Night the Art Market Went Bust? |website=Portfolio.com |url=http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/arts/2007/11/08/Sothebys-Auction/index1.html |url-status=dead |access-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504132330/http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/arts/2007/11/08/Sothebys-Auction/index1.html |archive-date=4 May 2012}}

In February 2020, Lau offered his David Hockney painting The Splash (1966) at Sotheby's contemporary art sale in London.{{Cite web|last=Solomon|first=Tessa|date=2020-01-16|title=Fugitive Billionaire Joseph Lau Revealed as Seller of David Hockney's 'Splash': Report|url=https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/joseph-lau-david-hockney-splash-1202675602/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=ARTnews.com|language=en-US}} The painting sold for $29.9 million, which is the third highest price ever achieved for a Hockney at auction.

Lau owns a collection of more than 10,000 bottles of red wine.{{Cite news|date=2007-05-22|title=Boeing gets 787 order from Hong Kong's Lau|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-businessjet-idUSN2242425020070522|access-date=2021-09-18}} In October 2020, the sales of Lau's French wines at Sotheby's in Hong Kong brought a total of $6.8 million, more than doubling pre-sale expectations.{{Cite web|last=Wang|first=Natalie|date=2020-10-07|title=Sotheby's achieved 'white glove' sales from fugitive HK billionaire wine collection|url=https://vino-joy.com/2020/10/07/sothebys-achieved-white-glove-sales-from-fugitive-hk-billionaire-wine-collection/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Vino Joy News|language=en-GB}} Following the success of the sale, Lau sold 147 lots (533 bottles in total) again at Sotheby's in Hong Kong.{{Cite web|title=Wines from the Cellar of Joseph Lau Part II 劉鑾雄窖藏佳釀（第二部份）|url=https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/wines-from-the-cellar-of-joseph-lau-part-ii|website=Sotheby's}}{{Cite web|date=2021-04-20|title=Sotheby's Hong Kong spring sale ends on a high note|url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2021/04/sothebys-spring-sale-ended-at-high-note/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=The Drinks Business|language=en-US}} The sale brought a total of $6.8 million, also doubling its pre-sale estimate.{{Cite web|last=Wang|first=Natalie|date=2021-04-19|title=US$6.8m wines from Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau sold out|url=https://vino-joy.com/2021/04/19/us6-8m-wines-from-hong-kong-billionaire-joseph-lau-sold-out/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Vino Joy News|language=en-GB}}

In May 2025, Lau's "Iconic Wines Part III" live auction at Christie's has exceeded all expectations, with the hammer falling at HK$72.9 million, more than double the auction house's low estimate. The top lot, a prized set of 10 bottles of Henri Jayer's Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1999, achieved HK$3.25 million, more than triple its low estimate. The distinguished collection also featured coveted treasures from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Lafite, Leflaive, and Petrus. {{Cite web |last=Hong Kong Tatler |date=24 May 2025 |title=Hong Kong tycoon Joseph Lau’s “Iconic Wines Part III” live auction |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DKBM2jht3g3/}}{{Cite web |title=Christie's |url=https://press.christies.com/?lang=eng |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=Christie's}}

Lau married Po Wing-kam (1954–2003) in 1977 and they were divorced in 1992. They had two children: a son, Lau Ming-wai (born 1979 Dec) and daughter Jade Lau Sau-yung (born 1983). In 2008, Lau Ming-wai's wife gave birth to twins; they are Lau's eldest grandchildren. Lau Ming-wai, a British citizen, is vice-chairman of Chinese Estates Group and is both chairman of the government's Commission on Youth and on the steering committee of the HK$10 billion Community Care Fund, established in 2010.[https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/04/20/panama-papers-future-political-star-and-heung-yee-kuk-lawmaker-have-british-nationality/ Panama Papers: Future political star and Heung Yee Kuk lawmaker have British nationality], Hong Kong Free Press, 20 April 2016 He was formerly a member of the Commission on Poverty. In 2011, he was part of Henry Tang's election team for the 2012 chief executive election.Lo, Alex (28 November 2011). [http://www.scmp.com/article/986189/man-henry-tangs-coat-tails "The man on Henry Tang's coat-tails"], South China Morning Post.

Lau had four additional children with two women concurrently out of wedlock, two with Yvonne Lui and two with Kimbee Chan (aka Chan Hoi-wan). His third child with Kimbee Chan came after their marriage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertolsen/2010/10/28/tycoons-two-girlfriends-seek-1-4-billion-of-aia-shares/|title=Tycoon's Two Girlfriends Seek $1.4 Billion of AIA Shares|first=Robert|last=Olsen|work=Forbes|date=28 October 2010|access-date=21 June 2013}}

In May 2007, Lau was revealed to be among the first seven purchasers of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet for private use.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3200271|title=ABC News|publisher=ABC News |accessdate=12 August 2022|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629024132/http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3200271|url-status=dead}}

In 2009, Lau bought a 7.03 carat blue diamond for his daughter Josephine, that he named the "Star of Josephine" at Sotheby's for $9.5 million.{{cite news |url=http://www.luxuo.com/most-expensive/1-million-coupon-palm-beach.html |title=Billionaire buys 7-year-old daughter Blue Moon diamond for record $48m |date=12 November 2015 |work=The Guardian |access-date=12 November 2015}}

In November 2015, Lau bought two expensive diamonds for his 7-year-old daughter Josephine.{{cite web|title=Crooked tycoon buys daughter $77M in diamonds at auctions|date=12 November 2015 |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/blue-moon-pink-diamond-hong-kong-billionaire-joseph-lau-auctions/|publisher=CBS News|access-date=12 November 2015}}{{cite news|title=What a gem: Hong Kong tycoon buys daughter $48 mn diamond|url=https://news.yahoo.com/gem-hong-kong-tycoon-buys-daughter-48-mn-043248101.html|access-date=12 November 2015|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Yahoo News|date=12 November 2015}} On 10 November, he bought a 16.08 carat pink diamond at Christie's for $28.5 million. The next day, Lau bought a 12.03 carat blue diamond at Sotheby's for $48.4 million, setting new records for the most expensive jewel sold at auction and the most expensive diamond ever. He subsequently renamed them the "Sweet Josephine" and the "Blue Moon of Josephine" respectively after his daughter.

On 7 December 2016, Lau married Kimbee Chan in Hong Kong.{{Cite web|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/finance/20161214/56047751|script-title=zh:【承認身份】大劉娶甘比 共同持有200億元華置股份|website=Apple Daily|language=zh|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221162337/http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/finance/20161214/56047751|url-status=dead}}

In 2017, citing serious health issues, the business tycoon has transferred his 75% shares in Chinese Estates to his new wife and his son.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/joseph-lau/?list=billionaires|title=Joseph Lau|website=Forbes|access-date=7 May 2017}}

On 31 May 2012, the Macau Court of Final Appeal confirmed that Lau and Steven Lo were involved in the case of offering Macau's former public works chief Ao Man-long HK$20 million over the bid for five plots of land opposite Macau International Airport. Lau and Lo were charged with bribery and money laundering. They both denied the charges and Lo earlier told the court that the HK$20 million was a preliminary payment to construction company San Meng Fai.

On 14 March 2014 Lau and Lo were found guilty of the charges against them in Macau's Court of First Instance. Lau was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, but he appealed.{{cite news|date=14 March 2014|title=Billionaire Lau Guilty of Bribery, Corruption in Macau|publisher=Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-03-14/billionaire-lau-guilty-of-bribery-corruption-in-macau|access-date=12 November 2015}} However, on 19 July 2015, the Court of Second Instance rejected his and Lo's appeals and let the length of their prison terms stand.{{cite news|last1=Lai|first1=Stephanie|date=19 July 2015|title=Court of Second Instance rejects appeal lodged by Joseph Lau, Steven Lo|work=Macau Business Daily|url=http://macaubusinessdaily.com/Politics/Court-Second-Instance-rejects-appeal-lodged-Joseph-Lau-Steven-Lo|access-date=12 November 2015}} Lau has so far evaded extradition and remains as a fugitive at large, as Macau and Hong Kong do not have an extradition treaty.

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Category:1951 births

Category:Fugitives

Category:Hong Kong billionaires

Category:Hong Kong chief executives

Category:Hong Kong criminals

Category:Hong Kong financial businesspeople

Category:Hong Kong philanthropists

Category:Hong Kong businesspeople in real estate

Category:Living people

Category:University of Windsor alumni

Category:People convicted of corruption