Hong Kong billionaire gifts mansion, yacht & land worth $250 million to daughter-in-law before death
In a stunning gesture of wealth and affection, Hong Kong billionaire Lee Shau Kee gave his daughter-in-law, Cathy Chui, expensive gifts worth almost $250 million before he died in March 2025. This generous billionaire gift included a beautiful mansion, a luxury yacht, valuable land, and a large education fund for her children. The news caught the attention all over Asia.
Who is Cathy Chui – The Hundred-Billion Daughter-in-Law?
Cathy Chui is a former actress turned socialite and philanthropist in Hong Kong. She is married to Martin Lee, the younger son of the late tycoon Lee Shau Kee, who was famously known as Hong Kong's second richest man and nicknamed 'Asia's Warren Buffett'.
Cathy and Martin tied the knot in a grand wedding ceremony in 2006 that was widely reported as the "wedding of the century." Since then, Cathy has earned a name for herself not only for her high-profile lifestyle but also for her charitable contributions. Due to the lavish presents she received over the years, she became known in the media as the 'Hundred-billion daughter-in-law.'
What Did the Billionaire Gift Include?
During her 19-year marriage, Cathy Chui was given many expensive gifts by her billionaire father-in-law, Lee Shau Kee. These were not just luxury items, but valuable assets that together were worth over $250 million. Here's a look at some of the gifts Cathy received:
A luxurious HK$110 million yacht
A high-end mansion located in a prestigious Hong Kong neighbourhood
Land worth HK$1.82 billion
An education fund worth HK$50 million set aside for Cathy's children
These lavish presents symbolised Lee Shau Kee's affection for Cathy, who also happens to be the only daughter-in-law in the Lee family. The gifts were often presented on special occasions, especially after the birth of each of her four children.
Why Cathy Chui Is So Well-Known in Hong Kong
Before her marriage, Cathy Chui was a popular actress, but after marrying into one of Hong Kong's wealthiest families, she stepped away from the entertainment industry. She later focused on philanthropy and social causes. Tatler Asia described her as a leading figure in charitable work, and she received the amfAR Award of Courage in 2018 for her contributions to society.
Cathy Chui's transformation from an actress to a celebrated philanthropist and Hong Kong socialite has inspired many. Her status as the Hundred-billion daughter-in-law is not just because of the wealth she married into, but also due to the deep respect she has earned for her charitable work and dedication to family.
Lee Shau Kee's Generosity Extended Beyond His Family
Lee Shau Kee didn't just show kindness to his family. As reported by the South China Morning Post, in 2015, after his grandson was born, he gave HK$10,000 in cash to each of his 1,500 employees. This generous act showed the loyalty and care he believed in throughout his life.
At the time of his passing on March 17, 2025, Lee Shau Kee was 97 years old and had an estimated net worth of $23.2 billion, according to Bloomberg. His real estate empire, Henderson Land Development, played a major role in shaping Hong Kong's skyline. After his death, his fortune was split between his two sons, Peter Lee and Martin Lee.
A Billionaire Gift That Shocked Hong Kong
The incredible billionaire gift received by Cathy Chui before the death of her father-in-law is a reminder of the wealth and legacy of the Lee family in Hong Kong. From a mansion, land, and yacht to a sizable education fund, these gifts showcase the extraordinary lifestyle of the Hundred-billion daughter-in-law and underline the lavish standards set by the late Lee Shau Kee.
This story continues to capture public attention, as people remain fascinated by the wealth, legacy, and grand gestures of one of Hong Kong's most powerful families.
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