Leon Lai

Leon Lai Ming SBS BBS MH (; born 11 December 1966), is a Hong Kong actor, film director, businessman, and Cantopop singer. He is one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Hong Kong pop music. He uses his Chinese name "Li Ming" or "Lai Ming", which literally means "dawn". Early life Lai was born in Beijing, China. His parents initially considered Lai Chit as his name, but eventually opted for Lai Ming instead. He is of Hakka ancestry. His family was originally from Meixian. He migrated with his parents to Hong Kong at the age of four. At the age of 15, he attended Lewisham College in the United Kingdom, but returned to Hong Kong at 18 in 1984. Career Early years Lai initially worked as a salesperson for a mobile phone company. After being awarded second-runner-up in the 1986 New Talent Singing Awards, Lai received vocal coaching from Dai Si Zong. In the same year he signed with Capital Artists. He did not release any albums for four years. As a result, his teacher, Dai, arranged to have him signed a contract with Polygram, later known as Universal Music.