Richard Li: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Richard Li’s Profile Summary

Company	PCCW
Position	Executive Chairman at PCCW Limited, a major telecommunications company based in Hong Kong. He is also the Executive Chairman of PCCW-HKT Limited and serves in various executive roles within the company's subsidiaries, such as HKT Trust
Source of wealth	Richard Li's wealth is derived from several key sources, including ownership and management of PCCW, insurance business through FWD, asset management from PineBridge Investments
Also known as	Philanthropist, media entrepreneur, insurance leader.
Age	59
Education	Stanford University - Studied for one year, did not graduate
Citizenship	Hong Kong
Residence	Hong Kong
Family	Richard Li has three sons with his former partner, actress Isabella Leong.
Website, Social Media	https://www.pccw.com/

Biography

Richard Li Tzar Kai, born in 1966, is a prominent Hong Kong entrepreneur and the son of billionaire Li Ka-shing. After earning his reputation by founding the regional satellite television operator STAR TV in 1990, he sold the company to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp in 1993. This marked the beginning of Li's rise as an independent business figure. He later founded the Pacific Century Group (PCG) in 1993, an investment firm with interests in financial services, technology, and telecommunications. His most notable achievement came in 2000, when PCG acquired PCCW for $38 billion, which was Asia’s largest corporate acquisition at the time. Under his leadership, PCCW developed groundbreaking services, including launching the world’s first major IPTV service, now TV, in 2003. Beyond telecommunications, Richard expanded into insurance through the acquisition of ING’s Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand businesses, rebranding them under the FWD insurance brand. Richard Li is also known for his involvement in philanthropy, particularly in education and healthcare. His influence extends globally as a member of advisory councils such as the APEC Business Advisory Council and the Center for Strategic and International Studies

In July 2025, his insurer FWD Group completed a Hong Kong IPO; Li owns 66.45% of the company.

How did Richard Li make money?

Richard Li makes money in the following areas:

Richard Li's wealth is derived from several key sources, including ownership and management of PCCW, insurance business through FWD, asset management from PineBridge Investments
What is Richard Li net worth?

As of 2026, Richard Li’s net worth is estimated to be $6.19B.

What is Richard Li also known as?

Richard Li is also recognized as a philanthropist, actively contributing to educational and healthcare causes, particularly in Asia. He has made significant donations to universities and medical institutions in Hong Kong and China. Furthermore, he is known as a media entrepreneur, having launched STAR TV, Asia’s first satellite-delivered cable-TV service, which he sold to News Corp in 1993. Additionally, he has emerged as a key player in the insurance industry, through his leadership of FWD, which has expanded into multiple Southeast Asian markets

Prominent achievements

Richard Li has been recognized for his accomplishments in several industries. Notable achievements include orchestrating Asia’s largest corporate acquisition with the $38 billion purchase of PCCW, launching now TV, the world’s first major IPTV service, and expanding his insurance business, FWD, across Asia. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia and has consistently been listed among Hong Kong’s richest individuals

Completed the Hong Kong IPO of FWD Group on 7 Jul 2025, raising US$442 million at a US$6.2 billion valuation. FWD Group achieved a US$10 million net profit in 2024, reversing a US$717 million loss in 2023.

What are Richard Li’s key insights?

Richard Li's business philosophy emphasizes innovation, long-term investments, and diversification. His ventures span multiple sectors including telecommunications, media, insurance, and asset management. He is a proponent of using technology to drive growth, as seen through the development of PCCW and the expansion of FWD in Southeast Asia. Li also places importance on philanthropy, often contributing to education and healthcare, and believes in building businesses that contribute to society beyond profit

Personal life

Richard Li's three children were born during his relationship with Macanese actress Isabella Leong. The couple welcomed their first son, Ethan, in 2009, followed by twin boys in 2010. Though the couple separated in 2011, Isabella Leong has expressed no regrets over her decision to have children with Li

Useful insights

Fundamental principles of investing

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Benjamin Graham - "The Intelligent Investor"
- Summary:
  
  Written by one of the most influential investment thinkers, this book outlines the principles of value investing. Graham emphasizes the importance of analyzing a company’s intrinsic value, long-term investment strategies, and avoiding emotional decisions driven by market fluctuations. The book also discusses defensive investing, focusing on preservation of capital and minimizing risk.
- Why read it:
  
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Ray Dalio - "Principles"
- Summary:
  
  Ray Dalio, founder of one of the world’s largest hedge funds, shares the life and work principles that led to his immense success. The book covers Dalio’s unique management and investment strategies, focusing on radical transparency, truth-seeking, and the importance of learning from mistakes. It also provides practical insights into organizational behavior and personal growth, making it valuable beyond just investing.
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