There’s no denying that long-distance relationships can be hard. While there are some success stories, like local Astro anchor Irene Sua, not everyone manages to find their happily-ever-after. Take Malaysian-born actress Jacqueline Ch’ng (庄思敏) for instance.
Jacqueline, who is based in Hong Kong, has been married to her Taiwanese husband Brian Yang (杨秉逸) for two years. When they announced their marriage, several voiced doubts that it would last, as the duo were separated by their jobs. Unfortunately, Jacqueline recently revealed that the two are indeed getting a divorce!
The Datuk’s daughter stunned many in 2020 when she revealed she would be marrying her then-boyfriend. To their knowledge, the couple had only been seeing each other for less than a year. Additionally, many were of the opinion that their jobs would make it hard for the two to reside together. After all, Jacqueline had been adamant about continuing her career in Hong Kong while Brian, believed to be the CEO of a bubble tea chain, would be returning to Taiwan.
Still, Jacqueline had been optimistic about a long-distance marriage. And to their credit, it did appear to have worked out for them initially. Jacqueline once mentioned wanting kids, while Brian was seen at a public event with her in July 2021. However, it appears the last time the two met physically was at the end of last year. And, it seems the distance was their breaking point.
“We quarrelled every day about (where to) settle,” Jacqueline later told the media. “Previously, (Brian) had promised to come to Hong Kong to be with me. In the end, he said he could not let go of his business in Taiwan.” Brian had also reportedly asked Jacqueline to leave her work in Hong Kong to stay with him in Taiwan instead. “The problem couldn’t be solved. Since (we) aren’t happy and can’t continue, it’s better to get a divorce!” she explained.
It did seem as though their relationship got strained over time. Jacqueline reportedly once suggested getting a divorce as a joke when Brian was slated to meet her in August. “If you can’t come to me again, the next step is to divorce. See you after the divorce!” she quipped. Additionally, many noted that Brian had not met up with Jacqueline for her birthday in May this year. Instead, he merely sent her a wish via her socials.
When questioned if there was a third party involved in their marriage, the actress denied any on her end. “I don’t know about (Brian), but there shouldn’t be,” she said. Jacqueline added that there would be no alimony given as the two were financially independent. Jacqueline also shared that her parents and family were respectful of her decision.
The 42-year-old actress will apparently be formally signing the divorce papers after her filming finishes this month. Jacqueline also stated that she will be focusing on her career and is not interested in remarrying at the moment.
Sources: China Press, Xuan
