Casino tycoon Alvin Chau’s wife Heidi Chan shares close bond with stepson

Casino tycoon Alvin Chau’s wife Heidi Chan (L) and son Packo Chau. Photo from Chan's Instagram

According to Sinchew, the family celebrated Pakco’s birthday on Wednesday with a lively party. Sharing photos of the event on social media, Chan wrote: "Happy birthday, Pakco! You’re already in your twenties! Wishing you good health, joy, and peace!"

Pakco, son of Alvin and his first wife Yang Su Mei, was pictured with his stepmother and two younger half-sisters. He is said to be very fond of Chan and his half-siblings, often joining them in various aspects of daily life. Since his father’s imprisonment, he has grown even closer to them, and has publicly shared that he frequently confides in Chan, with the two sharing deep emotional trust.

Chau, 51, is the founder and former CEO of Suncity, once the largest casino junket operator in Macau, according to the Associated Press. In Nov. 2021, he was arrested along with several others on charges related to illegal gambling operations and money laundering, the Global Times reported.

In Jan. 2023, a Macau court convicted Chau of fraud, leading a criminal organization, and operating illegal gambling activities. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison and is currently serving his term at Coloane Prison in Macau.

Some sources claim Chan has helped raise Pakco since his parents’ separation. She has been photographed with Chau’s father, sister, and all of his children, including Pakco, at family gatherings. The family is often seen together at sporting events, trips, and parties.

Chan, 45, worked in the insurance industry before marrying Chau.

Chau has also been known for his extramarital affair with Malaysian-American model-actress Mandy Lieu, 39, with whom he has four children. Following their split in 2019, Lieu relocated to the U.K. with their children. The Straits Times reported that Chau paid her HK$300 million (US$38.4 million) as a "break-up fee."