attitude and the heady free-market environment have proved to be a winning combination . Lai is a Hong Kong publishing entrepreneur and outspoken pro - democracy campaigner . Smuggled into Hong Kong , he worked in a factory before setting up publishing chain . Lai was forced to sell business after criticism of China 's government . He set up publishing company in 1981 , expanding business into China .
Lai is a Hong Kong publishing entrepreneur and outspoken pro - democracy campaigner . Smuggled into Hong Kong , he worked in a factory before setting up publishing chain . Lai was forced to sell business after criticism of China 's government . He set up publishing company in 1981 , expanding business into China .