Cecil Chao, a flamboyant Hong Kong billionaire, and his daughter Gigi Chao, a prominent businesswoman and LGBTQ+ activist, have captured global attention through their business acumen, personal lives, and a controversial “marriage bounty” saga.
This article explores their stories, including Cecil Chao’s net worth, family dynamics, Gigi’s activism, and their lasting impact on Hong Kong’s real estate and social landscape.
Who Is Cecil Chao?
Cecil Chao Sze-Tsung, born in 1936 in Shanghai, is a renowned Hong Kong real estate tycoon and chairman of Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd. His journey from modest beginnings to billionaire status is rooted in his family’s shipping legacy and his own ventures in property development. Known for his extravagant lifestyle, Cecil has claimed to have dated over 10,000 women, earning a reputation as one of Hong Kong’s most colorful personalities.
Cecil Chao’s Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Cecil Chao’s net worth is approximately $1 billion USD, primarily derived from Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd., a company he founded in 1972. The firm’s portfolio spans residential properties, commercial buildings, and hotels across Hong Kong, China, Macau, and Malaysia. In 2016, the company’s market capitalization was reported at $390 million, with Cecil owning 71% of the shares, though he claimed its assets were worth $1.5 billion. His wealth has fluctuated, with earlier estimates reaching $2 billion in 2018.
Cecil Chao’s Wife and Relationships
Cecil Chao has never married, a choice that aligns with his self-proclaimed playboy lifestyle. He has been linked to numerous high-profile relationships, including with actress Kelly Yao Wei, Ying Ying, and American-Vietnamese model Terri Holladay. These relationships produced his three children: Gigi, Howard, and Roman Chao. Despite his romantic escapades, Cecil has remained single, focusing on his business empire and family legacy.
Cecil Chao’s Children
Cecil Chao has three children, each carving their own path:
- Gigi Chao: Born in 1979, Gigi is the eldest and the designated heir to Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd. As vice-chairman, she oversees major projects in Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong. Gigi is also a vocal LGBTQ+ activist, founding Hong Kong Marriage Equality in 2019 to advocate for same-sex marriage legalization.
- Howard Chao: Howard, born to Ying Ying, served as an executive director at Cheuk Nang until 2014, when he stepped down to start Maximus Engineering and a property consulting business. He remains a non-executive director.
- Roman Chao: The youngest, born to Terri Holladay, Roman is pursuing a business education and gaining experience outside the family company, with plans to contribute to Cheuk Nang in the future.
Gigi Chao: Businesswoman and Activist
Gigi Chao, a graduate of the University of Manchester’s School of Architecture, is a multifaceted figure. As vice-chairman of Cheuk Nang, she translates her father’s strategic vision into operational success, managing high-profile developments like One Kowloon Peak and Cheuk Nang Lookout. Beyond business, Gigi is a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia, advocating for marriage equality and greater acceptance in Hong Kong’s conservative society.
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Gigi Chao’s Relationships: Sean Eav and Jenny Wan
Gigi’s personal life has been a focal point of media attention. In 2012, she married her long-term partner, Sean Eav, in a civil ceremony in France, making them Hong Kong’s first celebrity same-sex couple to publicly acknowledge their union. The marriage ended in 2019, with Gigi citing her demanding schedule as a factor.
Gigi is now in a relationship with Jenny Wan (often referred to as JW), a former primary school classmate who works in asset management and real estate. The couple met on a golf course and occasionally resides at Villa Cecil, a luxury condominium complex owned by Cheuk Nang. Reports indicate that Cecil has grown to accept Gigi’s relationship with Jenny, marking a significant shift from his earlier stance. They have been seen together at family events, including Lunar New Year celebrations in 2024, reflecting a strengthened family bond.
The Marriage Bounty Controversy
In 2012, Cecil Chao made global headlines by offering a $65 million “marriage bounty” to any man who could marry Gigi, despite her open lesbian identity and marriage to Sean Eav. The offer, which he later increased to $180 million in 2014, attracted over 20,000 suitors but sparked criticism for disregarding Gigi’s sexuality. Gigi responded with an open letter in the South China Morning Post, urging her father to accept her identity and respect her relationship. Over time, Cecil softened his stance, and by 2024, he had embraced Gigi’s partner, Jenny Wan, as part of the family.
Cecil Chao’s Young Years and Legacy
In his youth, Cecil Chao was born into relative poverty in Shanghai before his father, Chao Tsong-Yea, built a shipping empire. After studying civil engineering at the University of Sydney and architecture at Durham University, Cecil worked in architectural design before founding Cheuk Nang. His early career included stints with the Hong Kong Government Building Department and the Architectural Office, laying the groundwork for his real estate empire.
Cecil’s legacy extends beyond wealth. His modernist-inspired mansion, Villa Cecil, and his red-and-white Rolls-Royce with the “CECIL” vanity plate are symbols of his larger-than-life persona. He has expressed a desire for his family’s business to continue through Gigi and her nephew, Ian, whom she is grooming as a potential successor.
Social Media Presence: Cecil Chao and Gigi Chao on Instagram
While Cecil Chao maintains a low profile on social media, with no verified Instagram account, Gigi is active online, sharing insights into her professional and advocacy work. Her Instagram handle, though not publicly detailed in recent sources, is a platform where she promotes marriage equality and connects with her community. For the latest updates, searching “Gigi Chao Instagram” on the platform can provide real-time access to her posts.
Jenny Wan: Gigi’s Partner and Professional
Jenny Wan, Gigi’s current partner, is a professional in asset management and real estate, bringing her own expertise to the couple’s shared interests. Described as a supportive partner, Jenny has integrated into the Chao family, with Cecil reportedly welcoming her warmly. Their relationship highlights Gigi’s commitment to living authentically in a society where same-sex relationships are still navigating acceptance.
Conclusion
Cecil Chao and Gigi Chao represent a complex blend of tradition, wealth, and progress. Cecil’s billion-dollar empire and colorful personal life contrast with Gigi’s advocacy for equality and her role as a business leader. Their evolving relationship, from the marriage bounty controversy to mutual acceptance, reflects broader societal shifts in Hong Kong. As Gigi continues to champion LGBTQ+ rights and steer Cheuk Nang into the future, the Chao family’s legacy remains one of resilience, adaptation, and influence.
For more details on Cecil Chao’s business ventures, visit Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd.. To support Gigi’s advocacy, explore Hong Kong Marriage Equality.
