Hong Kong Housing Authority and Housing Department

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has recently sent a delegation to attend the 22nd Conference of the Housing and Urban Public Corporations in Asia (A-HUC) hosted by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore. The conference was held from 5 to 6 September in Singapore, with its theme of "Housing for an Inclusive Society". Delegates from other two member organisations are the Urban Renaissance Agency of Japan, and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation of South Korea.

Members of the HA’s delegation were Mr M W Wong, Assistant Director of Housing (Development and Procurement); Mr Stephen Wong, Assistant Director (Estate Management); Ms Portia Yiu, Chief Planning Officer; Mr Ken Tse, Chief Management Manager (Kowloon West and Sai Kung); and Ms Emily Ser, Senior Architect. They shared with other delegates their experience in "Meeting the Needs of an Inclusive Society in Hong Kong Public Housing Development" and "Management and Maintenance of Public Housing in Hong Kong for an Inclusive Society and Sustainable Community".

After the Conference, the HA's delegation attended the “International Housing Forum” (7 to 8 September) jointly organised by the HDB, International Federation for Housing and Planning, Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning & Human Settlements, Centre for Liveable Cities Singapore, and The Singapore Institute of Planners. Speakers included international scholars and policy makers. Ms Ada Fung, Deputy Director of Housing (Development and Construction) was invited to speak on "Building Liveable Homes". She shared her HA’s experience in public housing development – from design stage (including public consultations) to construction stage, as well as challenges encountered and innovative solutions.

Site visit was part of the forum. Delegates visited Punggol, a new town of Singapore, which has become a mature community after almost 20 years’ development. The planning and design of the domestic blocks, community facilities and their integration with the existing environment by infusing a 4.2km long waterway to bring water into the heart of the town have set a very good example for creating a harmonious and inclusive neighbourhood in the 21st century.

The four member organisations of A-HUC take turns to host the annual conference.  The conference will be hosted by the HA next year.