In a remarkable display of filial piety, Peter Lee Ka Kit and Martin Lee Ka Shing, sons of the late Hong Kong property tycoon Lee Shau Kee, have orchestrated an extravagant memorial that has garnered significant attention. Joined by Martin’s wife, Cathy Chui, the family went to great lengths to honor their patriarch, who passed away at the impressive age of 97 on March 17, 2023.

Local media outlet HK01 reported that the Lee family rented a temple hall for the occasion, inviting a remarkable assembly of 200 monks to chant sutras over five days. The total cost of the memorial exceeded HK$3 million (approximately US$380,000), a sum that underscores their dedication but also highlights the vast differences in financial means within society.

Outside the temple, offerings were stacked high, and a striking five-meter-long life-size boat adorned with intricate decorations was prominently featured. This boat, a traditional symbol in such ceremonies, bore the signatures of Lee Shau Kee's three daughters, though they did not inherit the family business directly. Instead, they hold senior roles within Henderson Land Development, ensuring their financial stability thanks to their father's legacy.

The lavishness of the memorial has triggered conversations about wealth and societal norms in Hong Kong. While Lee Shau Kee was known for his incredible business acumen—often being likened to "Asia’s god of stocks" or "Hong Kong’s Warren Buffett"—his family’s extravagant farewell draws contrasting views regarding the responsibility and expectations of the ultra-wealthy in society.

Lee's journey began in Guangdong, China, before he moved to Hong Kong to pursue a career. He started in gold and foreign exchange trading but soon made his mark in real estate, amassing a fortune reported by Forbes to be around US$30 billion at the time of his death. In 2019, he passed leadership of Henderson Land Development to his sons, ensuring that the family business would continue to thrive under their stewardship.

As preparations for the funeral are underway, details have been kept under wraps, though one can only imagine the grandeur it may entail, echoing the remarkable legacy left by Lee Shau Kee. The family's commitment to honoring his memory also reflects deep-rooted cultural values that prioritize respect and reverence for elders, even in the most extravagant of settings.