Andrew Zlot, a Hong Kong hedge-fund manager, invested in Mr. Ramini's operation, then quit his job and last month starting working on the farm.

WSJ: It's Easy to Be Cowed When Trying to Milk a Water Buffalo

Over many years she saved her money from cleaning and invested wisely in small Hong Kong office buildings.

FORBES: Briefing Book: A. Michael Lipper

HSBC, the giant global bank with Hong Kong and Shanghai in its name, believes professional money managers are very under-invested in emerging markets like China.

FORBES: US Global Funds Have Only 2.8% Committed to Emerging Markets