Former Hong Kong celebrity Ng Man-yan, known professionally as Ng Man-yan, is navigating a challenging trifecta of personal hurdles, publicly addressing her recent divorce, ongoing battle with recurrent breast cancer, and philosophical approach to life’s impermanence. Speaking on the RTHK program Old Traces hosted by Che Suk Mei, Ng detailed her decision to end her marriage to businessman Chan Kim-ling—dubbed the “Prince of Lamma Island” by media—and the strength she draws from focusing on her children and artistic aspirations amid health crises.
Ng Man-yan, who wed Chan in 2011 after meeting him during their studies in the United States, confirmed her separation earlier this year. The couple shares two daughters. Ng revealed that while she and Chan maintain an amicable relationship for their children’s stability—even venturing out for meals together—the marital issues predated her cancer diagnosis. She candidly stated that despite the superficial appearance of togetherness, they had been merely “living under the same roof” for an extended period, citing a profound breakdown in communication that left her feeling isolated.
Prioritizing Safety and Longevity in Relationships
Reflecting on her past dating life, Ng explained her deliberate decision to avoid partners within the entertainment industry, citing her straightforward nature and past experiences with baseless rumors and negative interactions she dubbed “scummy men.” This informed her choice to seek a long-term partner with a known character, which she found in her college sweetheart, Chan. She dismisses the “Prince of Lamma” moniker as a media invention, emphasizing her commitment to creating a stable family life after having parents who were often absent during her formative years.
Ng was first diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, experiencing a recurrence last year. Despite the immense strain of her health challenges, she believes the illness did not serve as a catalyst for saving the long-troubled marriage. When asked about potentially deteriorating health and leaving her loved ones sooner, Ng expressed a stoic acceptance. She referenced an interview with actor Julian Cheung, who suggested that challenging circumstances, like having a strict mother (“tiger mum”), are simply part of a child’s destiny. Ng applies this perspective to her own situation: “If I pass away, I cannot worry about that. That is the fate arranged for my children. Their life path without a mother is not for me to determine.” Instead, her focus remains on living authentically and positively, using her fight as a teaching moment for her daughters. “I am actively fulfilling every ambition during this anti-cancer period,” she affirmed.
Returning to the Spotlight: Artistic Rebirth
Amid treatment, Ng is channeling her energy into creative projects. She disclosed her cancer treatment progress, noting she has completed eight cycles of therapy but is facing drug resistance requiring medication changes. Looking ahead, Ng has ambitious plans for 2026: a return to music with an upbeat, dance track.
Though treatment had severely weakened her—at one point unable to stand steadily—she embraced a producer’s suggestion to first release a slower, reflective ballad titled Rebirth while she recuperates. Despite the unpredictability of life, Ng holds onto a resilient outlook. She encourages resilience in the face of adversity, offering six simple yet powerful words as a mantra for coping: Acceptance, Facing, Letting Go. “Life is truly unpredictable,” she concluded, “but we must embrace the attitude of learning, be fearless, and remember those six words. Once you get past it, there is always light ahead.”
