Making it in the top 20 of the Forbes' billionaires list is no small feat, and to be an actual businessperson to amass that wealth instead of simply inheriting it is just amazing. Lee Shau Kee, the second wealthiest man in Asia, is worth around $19 billion USD and holds many titles in Hong Kong, including a few nicknames like "Hong Kong's Buffett."

The "Buffett" is in reference to the United States of America's multi-billion-dollar investment guru Warren Buffett - currently the second-richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of around $47 billion USD. Kee's wealth is still incredibly substantial, especially considering his humble beginnings.

Lee Shau Kee was born January 29, 1928 in Shunde, Guangdong, China. After World War Two, Kee was looking to start up a business like many other people in Asia at the time. This is when he met up with another famous billionaire, Kwok Tak-Seng, and began putting the pieces in place for what would eventually become Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited.

Sun Hung Kai Properties became—and still is—a powerhouse real estate developer throughout much of Asia. This led Kee to many other ventures throughout his life. Lee Shau is still the Vice Chairman Independent Non-Executive Director of SHKP, but his biggest controlling interests lie in the company he started essentially on his own - Henderson Land Development.

This corporation was founded by Kee and he has been the Chairman and Managing Director since 1976. Henderson has interests in property development, investment, construction, hotel operation, finance, infrastructure, and much more. Among Henderson's many development projects, included are the International Finance Centre, the Grand Promenade and 39 Conduit Road.

Only a few years ago, Lee Shau Kee made a huge move in acquiring The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), of which he is now the chairman. Towngas supplies 85% of households in Hong Kong with utilities, and is also involved in joint ventures with Mainland China dealing in drinking water and waste disposal.

Kee's savvy business moves are made possible because of his savvy business mind. Lee Shau is famous in the Hong Kong business world for advising investors correctly, and even shockingly warning people not to invest in his own companies if he feels they will lose out.

Kee is also beneficial in educating many Hong Kong citizens. The Chinese University of Hong Kong has received a lot of support from Kee, starting in 1977, and Lee was even on the Advisory Board of the MBA Program and ultimately was awarded an honorary Doctoral degree for Social Science.