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 tycoon and outspoken pro-democracy campaigner . Smuggled into Hong Kong , he worked in a factory before setting up clothing chain . Lai was forced to sell business after criticism of China 's government . He set up publishing company in 1981 , expanded business into Taiwan .