Casino magnate Alvin Chau’s wife Heidi Chan embraces Buddhist lifestyle after husband’s incarceration

Heidi Chan, married to casino magnate Alvin Chau. Photo from Heidi Chan supertopic Weibo

According to QQ, Chan, who has been sharing insights from Buddhist texts, has adopted a more composed and reflective approach to life. She has spoken about the importance of "letting go of the past" and participated in animal release activities with her daughter. She also supported vegetarianism during Buddha’s birthday celebrations.

In a recent social media post, Chan shared a quote that read: "All emotions from the past, whether painful or joyful, are like ripples on the water’s surface, disappearing without a trace."

"There is no need to revisit them," the post continued. "It’s a waste of time to dwell on the sorrows or glories of the past."

Chan has remained quiet about her personal life when questioned. Despite the challenges, she has dedicated herself to caring for their family while Chau remains incarcerated. She maintains close relationships with her in-laws and spends quality time with her children, including Chau’s from his previous relationships.

Chan’s thoughtful approach has earned her admiration, and her public image has shifted from that of a "high-society lady" to a strong, independent woman, according to Zaobao, which has helped her earn the respect of the public.

Despite her husband facing significant financial setbacks, including frozen assets and hefty fines, Chan and their children continue to live comfortably in their luxury Hong Kong home. Now a certified yoga instructor, she has also opened yoga studios in Macau and Hong Kong.

Chan is the second wife of Alvin Chau. Before their marriage, she worked in the insurance industry. Together, they have two daughters.

Chau, 51, is the founder and former CEO of Suncity, previously the largest casino junket operator in Macau, per AP.

In Nov. 2021, Macao police arrested Chau and other suspects for their involvement in illegal gambling operations and money laundering, and the case was handed over to prosecutors, according to the Global Times.

A Macau court convicted him in Jan. 2023 of fraud, leading a criminal organization, and managing illegal gambling.

He received a sentence of 18 years and is now incarcerated in Coloane Prison, Macau.

Chau is also known for his affair with Malaysian-American model-actress Mandy Lieu, 39, with whom he has four children. Following their separation in 2019, Lieu moved to the U.K. with their children, and Chau reportedly paid her HK$300 million (US$38.4 million) as a "break-up fee," according to The Straits Times.