Gary Chaw Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Divorce

Gary Chaw, born Chaw Pak Ming (Chinese: 曹格), is a Malaysian Chinese singer-songwriter based in Taiwan, celebrated for his soulful voice, wide vocal range, and heartfelt lyrics that have resonated across Asia.

Rising from humble beginnings in Sabah, he gained stardom with his Mandarin cover of “Superwoman” in 2006, clinching the Best Mandarin Male Singer at the Golden Melody Awards and establishing himself as a Mandopop powerhouse.

Known for chart-topping hits like “The World’s Only You” and songwriting for stars such as S.H.E and Aaron Kwok, Chaw’s career blends emotional depth with experimental jazz ventures, while his openness about bipolar disorder has inspired fans through raw, vulnerable performances in concerts and reality shows.

Profile

• Full Name: Chaw Pak Ming
• Stage Name: Gary Chaw
• Born: 9 July, 1979
• Age: 46 years old
• Birthplace: Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia
• Nationality: Malaysian
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, and Actor
• Height: 1.75m
• Parents: Ching-Tang Chaw
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Wu Sou-ling (m. 2008–2022)
• Children: Grace Chaw, Joe Chaw
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Chaw Pak Ming, was born on July 9, 1979, in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia, to Ching-Tang Chaw and unknown mother.

His parents separated when he was just nine months old, leaving him to be raised by his grandfather from the age of 11 months in a nurturing yet challenging environment that instilled early resilience.

He might have had siblings but are not publicly known.

At nine, he moved to Canada for primary education, absorbing diverse influences that sparked his musical curiosity, before pursuing engineering studies at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

He is of Malaysian Chinese ethnicity, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Chaw Pak Ming began his musical path in Malaysia, writing songs for artists like Aaron Kwok while working odd jobs, but his passion truly ignited after impressing composer Michael Tu at a KTV session in 2001 with flawless renditions of hits like A-Mei’s “Ting Hai.”

Relocating to Taiwan in 2002, he signed with Rock Records in 2004 and debuted with modest releases, but his 2006 Mandarin cover of “Superwoman” exploded onto the scene, earning him the Best Newcomer at TVB8 Awards and Best Mandarin Male Singer at the 19th Golden Melody Awards.

This breakthrough, coupled with early writing credits for S.H.E and Cyndi Wang, marked his swift ascent in Mandopop, blending pop sensibilities with personal storytelling drawn from life’s quiet moments.

Chaw’s momentum built through albums like Gary (2007) and Confusion (2008), featuring hits such as “Lonely Northern Hemisphere” that topped charts in Taiwan and Mainland China, while his reality TV stint on I Am a Singer 2 (2014) showcased his vocal prowess and vulnerability.

He ventured into jazz with Project SENSATION in 2011, releasing experimental tracks like “All I Have to Do is Dream,” and expanded into acting with roles in Making Miracles (2007) and Back to 1989 (2016).

These transitions, alongside sold-out Asia tours like “Welcome to My World,” highlighted his growth from shy songwriter to charismatic performer, earning “Asia’s Best Male Singer” acclaim and broadening his reach across Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond.

Gary Chaw channels raw emotion into projects like The Masked Singer (2015), where he performed incognito as Sun Wukong, and recent singles reflecting on love and loss post-divorce.

His discography, including over 10 albums, continues to influence Mandopop with themes of resilience, as seen in fan-favorite covers and originals that dominate streaming platforms.

Through philanthropy for mental health and mentoring young talents, he fosters a supportive community, his legacy rooted in authentic connections that turn personal pain into universal anthems.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @supergarychaw
• Facebook Handle: 曹格Gary Chaw
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Chaw Ming married Taiwanese fashion blogger Wu Sou-ling on September 19, 2008, after meeting through mutual friends, and they welcomed son Joseph “Joe” in 2009 and daughter Grace in 2011, with the late Alien Huang as godfather to Grace.

However, he divorced his wife Wu Shuling in November 2022 after 14 years of marriage.

Filmography

• Making Miracles (2007)
• Ice Kacang Puppy Love (2010)
• Back to 1989 (2016)
• The Love Song (2016)

Discography

• Gary (2007)
• Confusion (2008)
• Melody (2009)
• Never Say Never (2010)
• Fly (2011)
• SENSATION 1: JAZZ (2012)
• Beautiful Traitor (2013)
• Superman (2014)
• Adrenaline (2015)
• The Fool (2019)

Net Worth

Gary Chaw has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

His earnings primarily arise from album sales and streaming royalties across Asia, lucrative concert tours, songwriting commissions for major artists, and acting roles in films and TV.