Mr Li donated more than HK$1.1 billion to various causes last year and has pledged HK$2 billion to Shantou University over eight years. Also named this year were Hang Lung Group chairman Ronnie Chan Chi-chung, Eric Hotung and Yu Pang-lin, who sprang to prominence last year when he donated the late Bruce Lee's former home to create a museum honouring the martial arts hero.

Out of the list this year were Centaline Property chairman Shih Wing-ching, Henderson Land Development chairman Lee Shau-kee and CLP Holdings chairman Sir Michael Kadoorie.

Mainland recycling king Chen Guangbiao led the list of donors from across the border, many of whom concentrated on relief efforts after last year's Sichuan earthquake.

Former Asia-Pacific Philanthropy Consortium chairman Darwin Chen Tat-man, who sits on the boards of a number of major mainland charities and is also co-chair of Habitat for Humanity China, said some were well known for their generosity.

'There are many wealthy people in Hong Kong who are extremely generous,' he said. 'But there are many donors whose support for philanthropic causes has not been so well publicised.'

Causes on the mainland and Hong Kong drew great support from the city's high-fliers, he said. However, the bleak economic climate would affect donations by rich individuals and corporations.

'During these difficult times, they will have to be careful with their philanthropy as well as with all other facets of their business,' Mr Chen said. 'But they will still give a lot because they understand that, in tough economic times, the underprivileged need even more help.'

Donations to environmental causes would probably suffer as philanthropists directed their attention to ordinary people's hardships, he said. 'The dollar for the environment has never been huge and it is true that, during periods like this, other human services will be more of a priority,' Mr Chen said. 'However, there are donors who have a real passion for environmental causes, so it will still receive some attention.'

Spirit of giving

The Hongkongers and mainlander on Forbes' list of philanthropic heroes

Hong Kong

Li Ka-shing

Hong Kong??s richest man; has made charitable donations of more than: US$1b

Eric Hotung

Real estate tycoon; has given millions for the underprivileged and for education in the US

Ronnie Chan

Founder and chairman of China Heritage Fund; funds scholarships and medical research

Yu Panglin

Shenzhen Panglin Hotel chairman; has made charitable donations of more than:US$300m

Mainland

Chen Guangbiao

Recycling tycoon; was active in Sichuan earthquake relief efforts

Cho Tak Wong

Founder of car parts maker Fuyao Glass; plans to give away shares in the company worth: US$600m

Huang Rulun

Real estate and hotel investor; was the most generous donor on the mainland last year, giving: US$40m

Yeung Kwok-keung, Yang Huiyan

Father and daughter, from property developer Country Garden, assisted quake-relief efforts with: US$14.7m

SOURCE: FORBES