I've Done The Best I Can, Says HK's 'superman'

Hong Kong's own 'superman' – tycoon Li Ka-shing – officially handed over the reins of his business empire to his son on Thursday, saying he had done the best he could.

The 89-year-old had announced in March that he would pass the baton to eldest son, Victor, following this year's shareholders' meeting.

Speaking after officially giving up the chairmanship of CK Hutchison and CK Asset Holdings, Li Ka-shing said: "The shareholders are actually quite close to me, I'm very touched. I say for the past 46 years, so many meetings with the shareholders. Until now, no shareholder has complained any for the last 46 years."

Asked about his proudest achievement he said: "I've done the best I can."

Li, who turns 90 in July, is staying on as a senior adviser to the companies, although he said his main focus will now be on his charity work.

Li, who started with a plastic flower factory in the 1950s, built up a global conglomerate over the decades spanning different sectors like property, retail, ports and telecommunications.

The self-made billionaire, who is now ranked as the 23rd richest man in the world, is admired in Hong Kong as a symbol of the city's hard work and entrepreneurship.

Local media had gathered around Li's residence in Deep Water Bay from Thursday morning, to cover the day's events. (Additional reporting by AFP)