Miss Hong Kong Denice Lam dismisses rumors of romance with businessman 31 years her senior

Miss Hong Kong 2022 Denice Lam. Photo from Lam's Instagram

Dimsum Daily reported that Lam addressed the rumors during a rehearsal for this year’s Miss Hong Kong finals on Wednesday.

"We are just friends who occasionally have meals together," she explained. "I treat him like a normal friend, just as I do with many others."

The beauty queen denied visiting Ma’s residence, emphasizing that their relationship stemmed solely from mutual participation in charity events after her pageant win.

She expressed her unawareness of Ma’s marital history, noting she only became aware of his estranged wife Winnie Chin, a Miss Hong Kong 1981 runner-up, through media reports. Lam stressed that she had no role in Ma’s prior marriage.

"I do not feel wronged," she stated. "I am solely dedicated to my work and appreciate the opportunities given to me."

When asked about the possibility of dating Ma, Lam responded that she was not thinking about it.

"I’m a workaholic right now," she said.

She added that she has maintained communication with Ma since the rumors surfaced, but has avoided meeting him to avert further misconceptions about her professional life.

Rumors of Lam’s involvement with Ma surfaced in June after her high-end sports car was reportedly spotted at Ma’s residence in Hong Kong’s The Peak neighborhood. Additionally, she was allegedly seen accompanying him at social events in Lan Kwai Fong, according to Sohu.

The controversy escalated when Chin, 61, criticized Lam’s visits to the home she still shares with Ma amid their divorce, claiming it adversely impacts the three children she has with Ma.

Chin also revealed her financial struggles, accusing Ma of insufficient financial support.

Ma then declared his single status and defended his right to date.

Lam, of Hong Kong and English descent, first competed in the Miss Hong Kong 2016 pageant but did not place. She later became a model, re-entered the pageant in 2022, and won. She is presently an actress contracted with the television broadcaster TVB.

Ma, also a racing driver and scion of the founder of Tai Sang Bank, married Chin in 1995. They began divorce proceedings in 2018 after Ma was alleged to have had an affair, which he denies. Their divorce remains unresolved due to disputes over assets and costs.