Hong Kong entertainment tycoon Charles Heung and wife name daughter-in-law Bea Hayden to manage estate, bypassing 2 sons

According to The Standard, Heung said in a video posted on TikTok on Wednesday that the couple decided to entrust the family wealth to Hayden, the wife of their 42-year-old son Jacky Heung, after concluding that their sons may lack the financial judgment needed to safeguard the fortune.

He also expressed concern that both Jacky and his younger brother Jonathan Heung, 39, could be vulnerable to financial exploitation.

Heung explained that instead of distributing assets directly, he and Chen intend to establish a family fund overseen by Hayden. The arrangement is designed to preserve wealth for future generations, particularly their grandchildren, while providing only basic living allowances to their sons.

The tycoon praised Hayden's financial discipline, describing her as prudent and capable in managing money, and said both he and Chen feel reassured by her approach to spending and asset management.

Hayden, 42, is a Taiwanese actress best known for her role in the "Tiny Times" film series. She married Jacky in 2019.

The arrangement reportedly includes strict inheritance conditions. As reported by Malaysian outlet Hype, the terms stipulate that Chen’s jewelry collection will be passed directly to their granddaughters, while allowances for their sons could be withdrawn if they stop working due to reliance on inheritance.

Heung also said grandchildren who choose to study or immigrate to the U.S. would forfeit inheritance eligibility.

He acknowledged the decision has created family tension, saying Jonathan has complained that the arrangement is unfair. He added that communication with his younger son has become limited, with some calls now routed through an assistant after Chen blocked him on messaging platforms.

Heung indicated the will remains subject to change and could be revised over the next decade if their sons demonstrate greater responsibility and financial maturity.

Chen drew public attention last month after confirming she had finalized her will at age 67 and excluded her sons, according to The Star, while also criticizing their lack of business acumen.

Heung, 78, founded Win’s Entertainment in the 1980s and later established China Star Entertainment, a Hong Kong-listed production firm associated with the rise of major film figures including Jet Li, Chow Yun Fat, Stephen Chow, Andy Lau and director Johnnie To.

In 2022, the South China Morning Post estimated Heung’s net worth at approximately US$1.2 billion.