How Hong Kong’s media baron took on Beijing’s might

From refugee to media mogul to prisoner – Jimmy Lai built a $600 million empire before losing it in the fight for democracy.

The rags-to-riches businessman, Jimmy Lai, has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s protest movement. Getty

Jessica SierNorth Asia correspondent

Nov 22, 2024 – 1.24pm

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On an afternoon in London’s Hyde Park 10 years ago, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai taught his son Sebastien a lesson about bravery and sacrifice.

Hounded by the Chinese government for protesting Beijing’s tightening grip over Hong Kong, the self-made millionaire, armed with a British passport, could have decided at any time to live full-time in London.

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Jessica SierNorth Asia correspondentJessica Sier is the North Asia Correspondent for The Australian Financial Review. She is based in Tokyo, Japan. Jessica has previously written on technology, global capital markets and economics.