How their romance unfolded

LC: He was a very good friend during my chambering years. He liked me first, for sure! Everyone can tell you that he has liked me forever. But yes, because we were both good friends, and decided to open a law firm. Of course, at that time my first marriage didn’t work out. We were there for each other, and it seemed like the next move! The transition of being very good friends to very good business partners helps a lot in our marriage—not many marriages would have the wife play such a big role in the company!

How they balance work and relationship

SY: I see more good than bad when you’re married to your business partner because there are just so many things to talk about. I’m not just talking about the romance part, but everything in general. A lot of friends think this is hard to juggle, but she and I, we have come to an understanding. We know not to overstep when it comes to work. 

LC: I had to start learning the role of the wife, actually. But even in business, we learn to say the same things, and if there are any disagreements or clashes, we will talk discreetly. At work, he heads the company and makes all the decisions and calls all the shots. I eventually became the wife-cum-business partner, and so we always present a united front. Even if I strongly disagree with something, I will have a private meeting with him and convince him, as he always welcomes my thoughts and ideas. It’s all quite balanced. Being together at work, and at home, also means that we have a lot to talk about—we’re never bored of each other. Plus of course, it’s very good for him that his lawyer sleeps next to him!

How their work is going

SY: We have Malaysia Tourism City coming up! As developers, we are very small players but we are very aggressive. That’s why we find a very different positioning for ourselves. My ultimate aim is for the tourism city to have a huge impact on the country. 

LC: Monopoly Mansion by Sirocco is opening this year, and that’s very exciting because it’s the first in the world. What we want to do is get to know who Mr Monopoly is. So we came from his angle—born in the 1920s, during the Great Depression, so the whole decor will be very Great Gatsby-like. We have thought about having the room keys designed like the property cards in the game, and we plan on offering rewards to those who collect them, for example, redeem a free room or free merchandise. So, I’m really looking forward to the opening in Q2. 

Grab a copy of Malaysia Tatler's January 2019 issue for the full interview and feature story on Datin Lea Chan and Datuk Seth Yap – out on major bookstands now.