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Winnie Ho Wing-yin

The latest news and top stories on Winnie Ho Wing-yin. Known for her extensive career in public service, she was appointed Secretary for Housing of Hong Kong in July 2022. A University of Hong Kong architecture graduate, her prior roles include Director of Architectural Services and Deputy Head of the Energizing Kowloon East Office. She has been instrumental in developing policies for regulating subdivided flats and introducing new housing options. Her work focuses on increasing housing supply, improving housing quality and reducing public housing waiting times, including overseeing Light Public Housing projects. She also played a key role in constructing Covid-19 isolation facilities.

The fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court last November raged for nearly two days, killing 168 people and displacing about 5,000 residents. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement staff

Hongkongers displaced by Tai Po fire say they are frustrated with outreach officers’ failure to answer questions and explain rehousing options.

14 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong society

Donald Liao, architect who shaped Hong Kong’s housing landscape, dies at 96

13 Mar 2026 - 10:34PM

Hong Kong housing

Only 1 Hong Kong landlord seeks subdivided flat approval as new law takes effect

12 Mar 2026 - 11:45AMvideocam

Hong Kong housing

Are new Hong Kong subdivided flat standards triggering a wave of evictions?

Basic Housing Units Ordinance takes effect on Sunday, with landlords required to make renovations to ensure properties meet new standards.

1 Mar 2026 - 1:39PMvideocam

Chan Sai-chiu has made efforts to make his home more comfortable, but he is set to be evicted to make way for renovations. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong reserves 4,000 homes for tenants hit by subdivided flats overhaul

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says demand from 30,000 affected households will be ‘digested’ over extended period.

8 Feb 2026 - 8:23PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

No Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle until Tai Po blaze probe wraps up: sources

Speculation is swirling that two ministers are leaving their cabinet appointments.

22 Jan 2026 - 9:38PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong Housing Authority members urge clarity on Tai Po rental site swap

Committee members seek explanation as housing secretary says site is ‘good choice’ for resettling residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court.

19 Jan 2026 - 8:46PM

The plot of public housing land on Chung Nga Road West could serve as a potential site to rehouse residents from Wang Fuk Court. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

14 Jan 2026 - 11:09PM

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong private subsidised flat scheme suffers new blow as site reassigned

Tung Chung site, originally designated for Private Subsidised Sale Flat Pilot Scheme, will be handed over to Housing Society, authorities say.

31 Dec 2025 - 8:19AM

Legislative Council election 2025

Last-ditch effort to get Hongkongers to vote in Legco poll, but turnout uncertain

City leader John Lee calls for refocus on reform and recovery, as analysts say city’s worst fire in decades would play decisive role in turnout rate.

6 Dec 2025 - 11:38PM

Workers set up a polling station in Sai Kung ahead of Sunday’s Legislative Council election. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

2,100 residents left homeless by Hong Kong fire move to temporary housing, hotels

Some residents opt to stay with friends and family to stay close to former neighbourhood following last week’s fire at Wang Fuk Court.

2 Dec 2025 - 1:04AMvideocam

Some residents have moved into flats at the Good House project. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong fire relief fund reaches HK$1.2 billion on huge outpouring from public

Donations surpass amount collected in first week after 2008’s devastating Sichuan earthquake.

1 Dec 2025 - 1:55AMvideocam

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong authorities vow to help residents displaced by fire get through winter

Government will do its utmost to handle aftermath and resettle residents affected by the fire, Financial Secretary Paul Chan says in a blog post.

30 Nov 2025 - 11:43PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘What will happen to us’: fire-displaced Hong Kong residents facing uncertainty

After losing their homes in the devastating Tai Po inferno, families stress that temporary housing offers little relief or assurance.

28 Nov 2025 - 11:04PM

Displaced Wang Fuk Court residents move to transitional housing in Tai Po. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 83 as city rallies to help victims

At least 70 injuries reported as smoke continues to billow out of charred hulks of Wang Fuk Court residential blocks.

28 Nov 2025 - 4:37AM

Relatives weep after identifying their deceased loved ones. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong businessman Peter Law’s daughter buys US$46 million Mid-Levels flat

The purchase by Winnie Law follows her father’s US$140 million mansion sale in August – a sign of Hong Kong’s recovering property market.

31 Oct 2025 - 8:47AM

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong to study reviving public housing sale scheme for tenants

Housing chief Winnie Ho says authorities need to consider flat pricing, property management issues and selection criteria.

6 Oct 2025 - 8:42PM

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong plans 420,000 homes in next 10 years with 70:30 public-private split

Latest government projection aims to balance social demand with private housing needs while encouraging residents to move up the ladder.

30 Sep 2025 - 8:23PM

Latest government projections show the total housing supply target is 420,000 flats by 2036, including 294,000 for public housing and 126,000 for private housing. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong may relaunch public flat purchase scheme but not in near future

Housing minister Winnie Ho says cautious approach and timing key to success of purchase scheme and protection of supply.

28 Sep 2025 - 4:16PM

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Hong Kong must crack down on public housing abuse with compassion

Households with genuine difficulties, such as mental health crises, are all the more reason for the government to adopt a sensitive approach.

22 Sep 2025 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong housing chief pledges more ‘humane’ evictions for mentally ill tenants

Winnie Ho also plans to appoint more medical experts to appeal panel, saying half of current members have legal background.

9 Sep 2025 - 5:32PM

Un Chau Estate in Cheung Sha Wan. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong may cut back facilities at new public estates to speed up construction

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho also expresses confidence the average waiting time for a public flat can be lowered to 4½ years in 2026-27.

30 Aug 2025 - 9:40PMvideocam

Having new estates share markets would help to save resources, a lawmaker says. Photo: Sam Tsang

John Lee policy address 2025

Policy address set for September 17, Hong Kong leader says during community visit

John Lee visits families in ‘light public housing’ before attending weekend fair; he also says HK$2 fare scheme ‘will definitely continue’.

23 Aug 2025 - 8:46PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong extends relocation allowance for transitional housing tenants by 2 years

Minister says scheme, which launched in 2023, will be renewed and allowance will be increased by about 10 per cent due to higher living costs.

21 Aug 2025 - 3:59PM

Hong Kong economy

Letters | Preserve what sets Hong Kong apart – starting with how you shop

Readers discuss whether the city’s way of life is in peril, housing standards, and why classic Cantopop is irreplaceable.

31 Jul 2025 - 11:30AM

Crowds gather outside a bakery in Sham Shui Po to buy mooncakes and other baked goods on September 11. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Hong Kong housing

Exclusive | Hong Kong balances public housing targets with cost-saving measures amid review

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says possible project postponements will not hinder target of supplying 308,000 homes in the next decade.

21 Jul 2025 - 1:30PM

Hong Kong authorities are seeking ways to reduce the construction costs of public housing. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong housing

Exclusive | Hong Kong to build more subsidised homes in I&T hub to meet middle-class demand

Housing minister Winnie Ho says Northern Metropolis flats can be better integrated into greenery to improve liveability as border area has ‘gift of nature’.

21 Jul 2025 - 8:32AM

Hong Kong housing

Exclusive | ‘Avoid harsh labels for Hong Kong homes certified under subdivided flat regime’

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho also says planned shake-up of standards for subdivided flats will not drive up rents.

20 Jul 2025 - 2:00PM

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Winnie Ho Wing-yin

Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement staff

Hongkongers displaced by Tai Po fire say they are frustrated with outreach officers’ failure to answer questions and explain rehousing options.

Donald Liao, architect who shaped Hong Kong’s housing landscape, dies at 96

Only 1 Hong Kong landlord seeks subdivided flat approval as new law takes effect

Are new Hong Kong subdivided flat standards triggering a wave of evictions?

Basic Housing Units Ordinance takes effect on Sunday, with landlords required to make renovations to ensure properties meet new standards.

Hong Kong reserves 4,000 homes for tenants hit by subdivided flats overhaul

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says demand from 30,000 affected households will be ‘digested’ over extended period.

No Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle until Tai Po blaze probe wraps up: sources

Speculation is swirling that two ministers are leaving their cabinet appointments.

Hong Kong Housing Authority members urge clarity on Tai Po rental site swap

Committee members seek explanation as housing secretary says site is ‘good choice’ for resettling residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court.

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

Hong Kong private subsidised flat scheme suffers new blow as site reassigned

Tung Chung site, originally designated for Private Subsidised Sale Flat Pilot Scheme, will be handed over to Housing Society, authorities say.

Last-ditch effort to get Hongkongers to vote in Legco poll, but turnout uncertain

City leader John Lee calls for refocus on reform and recovery, as analysts say city’s worst fire in decades would play decisive role in turnout rate.

2,100 residents left homeless by Hong Kong fire move to temporary housing, hotels

Some residents opt to stay with friends and family to stay close to former neighbourhood following last week’s fire at Wang Fuk Court.

Hong Kong fire relief fund reaches HK$1.2 billion on huge outpouring from public

Donations surpass amount collected in first week after 2008’s devastating Sichuan earthquake.

Hong Kong authorities vow to help residents displaced by fire get through winter

Government will do its utmost to handle aftermath and resettle residents affected by the fire, Financial Secretary Paul Chan says in a blog post.

‘What will happen to us’: fire-displaced Hong Kong residents facing uncertainty

After losing their homes in the devastating Tai Po inferno, families stress that temporary housing offers little relief or assurance.

Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 83 as city rallies to help victims

At least 70 injuries reported as smoke continues to billow out of charred hulks of Wang Fuk Court residential blocks.

Hong Kong businessman Peter Law’s daughter buys US$46 million Mid-Levels flat

The purchase by Winnie Law follows her father’s US$140 million mansion sale in August – a sign of Hong Kong’s recovering property market.

Hong Kong to study reviving public housing sale scheme for tenants

Housing chief Winnie Ho says authorities need to consider flat pricing, property management issues and selection criteria.

Hong Kong plans 420,000 homes in next 10 years with 70:30 public-private split

Latest government projection aims to balance social demand with private housing needs while encouraging residents to move up the ladder.

Hong Kong may relaunch public flat purchase scheme but not in near future

Housing minister Winnie Ho says cautious approach and timing key to success of purchase scheme and protection of supply.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Hong Kong must crack down on public housing abuse with compassion

Households with genuine difficulties, such as mental health crises, are all the more reason for the government to adopt a sensitive approach.

Hong Kong housing chief pledges more ‘humane’ evictions for mentally ill tenants

Winnie Ho also plans to appoint more medical experts to appeal panel, saying half of current members have legal background.

Hong Kong may cut back facilities at new public estates to speed up construction

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho also expresses confidence the average waiting time for a public flat can be lowered to 4½ years in 2026-27.

Policy address set for September 17, Hong Kong leader says during community visit

John Lee visits families in ‘light public housing’ before attending weekend fair; he also says HK$2 fare scheme ‘will definitely continue’.

Hong Kong extends relocation allowance for transitional housing tenants by 2 years

Minister says scheme, which launched in 2023, will be renewed and allowance will be increased by about 10 per cent due to higher living costs.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Preserve what sets Hong Kong apart – starting with how you shop

Readers discuss whether the city’s way of life is in peril, housing standards, and why classic Cantopop is irreplaceable.

Exclusive | Hong Kong balances public housing targets with cost-saving measures amid review

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says possible project postponements will not hinder target of supplying 308,000 homes in the next decade.

Exclusive | Hong Kong to build more subsidised homes in I&T hub to meet middle-class demand

Housing minister Winnie Ho says Northern Metropolis flats can be better integrated into greenery to improve liveability as border area has ‘gift of nature’.

Exclusive | ‘Avoid harsh labels for Hong Kong homes certified under subdivided flat regime’

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho also says planned shake-up of standards for subdivided flats will not drive up rents.

Editorial | Hong Kong must crack down on public housing abuse with compassion

Letters | Preserve what sets Hong Kong apart – starting with how you shop