Every year FinanceAsia compiles a list of Asia ex-Japan’s richest business families according to the dividends paid to them through their shareholdings in publicly listed assets. Hong Kong property developer Lau Luen Hung “Joseph” heads the list this year, knocking last year’s winners, the Cheng family of Hong Kong-based luxury retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, into second position.
Hong Kong property tycoons Li Ka-shing, Lee Shau Kee, and the Kwok family make up the rest of the top five.
Lau’s status as our richest person in Asia by dividends differs markedly from other rich lists that use net worth as a measure...