Hong Kong Villa: Millionaire's Life, City's Future & Expat Insights

Kind Multi-millionaire invited me to his villa in Hong Kong

Destination:ChinaCity:Hong KongPopulation:7.4 million
Kind Multi-millionaire invited me to his villa in Hong Kong
Max Chernov2026-01-0237 min

People know Hong Kong as a city of coffin-sized apartments. But I discovered a side of Hong Kong most people never see. Meet David, an Irish multimillionaire who has lived in Hong Kong for over 16 years. He invited me to his spacious villa with stunning sea views. Looks like a good life, right? But a few years ago, he hit rock bottom, had to start over, and managed to rebuild his life. We talked about Hong Kong’s future challenges, what “New Hong Kong” really means, and what foreigners still misunderstand about the city today. Enjoy!

People know Hong Kong as a city of coffin-sized apartments. But I discovered a side of Hong Kong most people never see. Meet David, an Irish multimillionaire who has lived in Hong Kong for over 16 years. He invited me to his spacious villa with stunning sea views. Looks like a good life, right? But a few years ago, he hit rock bottom, had to start over, and managed to rebuild his life. We talked about Hong Kong’s future challenges, what “New Hong Kong” really means, and what foreigners still misunderstand about the city today. Enjoy!

This channel bridges the gap between locals and foreigners all over the world. Join Max as he interviews expats, unraveling their unique stories and providing valuable insights into their lives in the vibrant places of Asia. Through engaging conversations, Max fosters understanding and appreciation between locals and the global community, focusing on cultural exchange.

--- Max Chernov
January 2, 2026, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00INTRO
  2. 0:47Comparing Hong Kong with Singapore
  3. 1:49Are Hongkongers resilient?
  4. 2:33The view from the villa’s roof
  5. 3:01What to do during typhoons in Hong Kong
  6. 3:50The role of Hong Kong in 5–10 years
  7. 5:22Chilling by the shore
  8. 6:01The biggest challenges for Hong Kong
  9. 8:14Will Hongkongers go to China more often?
  10. 9:21Does David miss Ireland?
  11. 9:48Is Hong Kong tightening control over freedoms?
  12. 12:57Why more young people will come to Hong Kong
  13. 14:03How to become a permanent resident in Hong Kong
  14. 17:13Irish details inside the villa
  15. 17:37How life changes when kids grow up
  16. 18:16Why infrastructure in Hong Kong is so good
  17. 20:42How America is investing in China
  18. 22:46Money and business trends worth to know
  19. 24:15Usual weekend in Hong Kong
  20. 25:10Expat areas in Hong Kong
  21. 26:22How Hong Kong changed David
  22. 27:22The wonderful people David met in Hong Kong
  23. 30:09Traits of ultra-successful people
  24. 31:11What it was like growing up in Ireland
  25. 34:36Life principles

Max visits a villa in Hong Kong to talk with David, an Irish multimillionaire who rebuilt his life there. They discuss resilience, Hong Kong’s future, and the “

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Consider HK as a gateway to China for finance and trade; use the stock exchange and family office rules to navigate capital flows. (04:00)
  2. Tip 2Address talent shortages with new youth and professional visas; position HK as a hub for innovation and financial services. (06:45)
  3. Tip 3Explore Greater Bay Area day trips for business and lifestyle balance; leverage HK’s mix of nature and urban life. (12:30)

Max Chernov sits down with David, an Irish multi-millionaire who has called Hong Kong home for over 16 years, in a spacious villa with sweeping sea views. The episode opens with a contrast: Hong Kong is famous for coffin-sized apartments, yet Max uncovers a different facet of the city through David’s story of rebuilding after a tough spell and finding a life of freedom and opportunity. The conversation ropes in Hong Kong’s future challenges, the idea of a New Hong Kong, and what foreigners still misunderstand about life here. They compare Hong Kong with Singapore on business culture, language, and accessibility, while also reflecting on resilience—parallels between Irish and Hong Kong people and the city’s temperament. The chat slides between personal anecdotes and big-picture geopolitics, touching on the Greater Bay Area, talent flight, visa schemes, and the city’s role as a global financial hub. There’s laughter about typhoons, sea views, and the little rituals of daily life in exile

More about the current video:( 17 / 17 )

Kind Multi-millionaire invited me to his villa in Hong Kong

Max Chernov visits Clear Water Bay to talk with David, an Irish multimillionaire who has lived in Hong Kong for over 16 years. The conversation covers Hong Kong’s allure and its volatility, the idea of New Hong Kong, and what foreigners still misunderstand about the city. They compare Hong Kong with Singapore in terms of business, language, and lifestyle, and explore the city’s role in the Greater Bay Area, talent challenges, and ongoing geopolitical dynamics. David explains that Hong Kong remains a powerful financial hub and a gateway to China, while acknowledging the need to attract young talent and reidentify the city’s identity. They reminisce about Irish and Hong Kong resilience, the balance between city life and nature, and the evolving visa landscape that could draw a new generation of expatriates. Max’s personal journey and philosophy emerge—chop wood and carry water as a core credo for pursuing dreams, especially in times of setback. The dialogue closes with reflections on life’s meaning, gratitude, and the importance of balanced priorities, both for locals and foreigners in Hong Kong.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What is Hong Kong really like to live in today?
A: It blends world-class finance with a resilient, nature-rich lifestyle; the city is navigating talent, governance, and identity while remaining a global hub.

Hong Kong Villa: Millionaire's Life, City's Future & Expat Insights

People know Hong Kong as a city of coffin-sized apartments. But I discovered a side of Hong Kong most people never see. Meet David, an Irish multimillionaire who has lived in Hong Kong for over 16 years. He invited me to his spacious villa with stunning sea views. Looks like a good life, right? But a...

Hong Kong’s New Frontiers: finance, talent, and lifestyle in the city,

Step into the opulent world of a Hong Kong villa, far removed from the city's cramped reputation. Join Max Chernov as he interviews David, an Irish multimillionaire who rebuilt his life from rock bottom. Explore David's insights on Hong Kong's future, cultural misunderstandings, and the resilience of its people. Discover the stunning sea views, typhoon survival tips, and the evolving role of Hong Kong in Asia. This is an exclusive look beyond the surface, revealing the vibrant life and unique perspectives found in this dynamic metropolis.

Attractions in this video: VictoriaPeak, Dragon'sBack, BigBuddha, Starferry, Clearwaterbay