April 22, 2007
HE was a fengshui master who had befriended her in 1993 through a mutual acquaintance.
But he won Hong Kong billionaire Mrs Nina Wang's trust very quickly, an insider had told Hong Kong's Apple Daily.
Mr Tony Chan Chun Chuen told Mrs Wang he believed her husband, Mr Teddy Wang, was still alive.
This even though he was never seen after he was kidnapped in 1990.
Mrs Wang is said to have believed deeply in what he said.
Between 1993 and 1994, the fengshui master also reportedly accompanied Mrs Wang to a temple in Saikung to pray for blessings for her husband.
Their special relationship is likely the reason why the Hong Kong billionaire had named him as the sole beneficiary to her fortunes.
The news has shocked many, including members of Mrs Wang's family, who claim they know little about him.
Who is this guy, they asked?
According to reports, Mr Chan, a 47-year-old father of three, is said to have business interests in property development and had provided fengshui services to several high-profile businessmen.
Mrs Wang, who died on 3 Apr, left behind an estimated US$4.2 billion ($6.3 billion) fortune.
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
Mr Chan was reportedly chosen as the sole beneficiary because he understood her personal and business philosophy, according to Mr Jonathan Midgley, a solicitor at his representing law firm Haldanes.
Said Mr Midgley: 'It was best if her business interests were left to one person who has the necessary experience to continue to manage the Chinachem Group and would do so in a way consistent with her own philosophy.'
In a notice published by Haldanes yesterday in Hong Kong papers, MrChan said he was 'very honoured by the trust and affection' which Mrs Wang showed in passing her entire estate to him.
Mr Chan is said to hold directorships in several companies but is not linked to MrsWang's Chinachem Group.
Fengshui - the Chinese art of spacial arrangement believed to affect one's fortunes - was only a hobby to Mr Chan, Mr Midgley added.