From Miss Hong Kong to mum who has it all? Grace Chan on swapping the beauty queen and TVB actress life for hosting and raising a family with husband Kevin Cheng – exclusive interview

Apr 19 , 2023

Grace Chan won Miss Hong Kong back in 2013, but she’s been prioritising her family since she gave birth to her first child. Photo: Handout

After moving to Vancouver, Canada at age 5 and attending Simon Fraser University, Grace Chan returned to Hong Kong and entered a beauty pageant – then became an overnight showbiz sensation

A decade later, she puts family first ‘over everything’, hosts shows like dating series Love Matters with Grace and speaks out about the pressure women face to have it all

Grace Chan is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable faces to come out of Miss Hong Kong. Her powerful presence can still be felt citywide across billboards, ad campaigns and social media – but these days, the former beauty queen devotes much of her time to her family.

Grace Chan is a famous TV host. Photo: Handout

“I definitely prioritise my family over everything,” she tells Style over a phone call. Chan is dialling in from home as she explains that one of her sons, her second-born, is sick, so she’s staying in to look after him.

First runner-up Sisley Choi Sea-pui, champion Grace Chan Hoi-lam and second runner-up Moon Lau Pui-yuet in 2013 Miss Hong Kong Pageant, at TVB City, Hong Kong. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

It’s been 10 years since the Vancouver native was crowned Miss Hong Kong in 2013, a feat that was soon followed by her win at the Miss Chinese International pageant the following year. Chan became an overnight sensation in the industry, her name on everyone’s lips. Yet, as she reveals, a career in pageantry wasn’t always on her radar.

“Even though I studied journalism and broadcasting when I was younger, I didn’t actually anticipate myself to be so involved in media and entertainment,” the 31-year-old remarks. Before landing the major titles, Chan was a communications major at Simon Fraser University.

Chan was born in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver, Canada, with her parents when she was five years old. She fondly recalls how her overseas childhood shaped her into the person she is today.

“I think being in Vancouver gave me more of a chance to be creative and enjoy being outdoors, while Hong Kong has a more traditional approach to schools and studying.” Her parents played a vital role in nurturing her free spirit with a more liberal childhood.