HONG KONG - Billionaire Joseph Lau, 65, placed front-page advertisements in Hong Kong on Tuesday (Nov 15) to announce that he broke up with his partner Yvonne Lui, 37, in 2014, but remains responsible for their two children's living, education and other expenses.

"Before the break-up, I took care of her daily life and gave her a lot of cash, jewellery and other gifts, worth more than HK$2 billion (S$363 million). She is now a super rich woman who can lead a wealthy life without my financial support," the statement read.

The statement was a response to speculation about the status of their relationship, after reports said she visited him in hospital, said Apple Daily.

Mr Lau, who is suffering from kidney failure, heart disease and diabetes, is being taken care of by his girlfriend, former entertainment reporter Chan Hoi Wan, 37.

He has six children with three women, including Ms Chan and his late former wife Theresa Po.