Stanley Ho (1921-2020) was a Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist who was one of the most prominent figures in the gaming and hospitality industries in Asia. Ho is widely regarded as the father of modern gambling in Macau, a former Portuguese colony that is now a Special Administrative Region of China and the world's largest gambling hub.
Ho was born in Hong Kong in 1921 and began his career as a clerk for a Japanese trading company. In the 1960s, he founded a company called Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM), which would go on to become the dominant force in Macau's gaming industry.
Under Ho's leadership, STDM secured a monopoly on the gambling industry in Macau and became one of the most profitable companies in Asia. Ho was also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating millions of dollars to charitable causes and supporting educational initiatives and medical research.
Throughout his career, Ho was involved in a number of controversies and legal battles, including allegations of organized crime ties and conflicts with family members over his business empire. However, he remained a respected figure in the business community and was widely credited with transforming Macau into a global gaming and entertainment destination.
Ho passed away in May 2020 at the age of 98. His legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist continues to influence the gaming and hospitality industries in Asia and beyond.
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