HONG KONG -- Adrian Cheng Chi-kong doesn't like to waste time. The heir to a family fortune of $20.7 billion, he also detests excessive formality and inefficiency.

Adrian Cheng, heir to the behemoth New World conglomerate. Hong Kong politics is moving one way, and society another; for the territory's third-generation business elite, straddling the divide is becoming increasingly precarious. (Photo by Paul Yeung)
Avoid politics, build trust: One dynasty heir speaks on a generation's dilemma