Friday Beyond Spotlights – Rosanna Law: Housing Future and Advancing Social Mobility

Friday Beyond Spotlights is a captivating and engaging talk show airing every Friday at 8:30pm on HOY International Business Channel (HOY IBC). Co-hosted by Patrick Tsang On-yip, and Nick Chan Hiu-fung, this English-language program brings together some influential guests who share their stories, insights, and unique journeys in the realms of current affairs, business, innovation, sports and culture.

Hosted by Nick Chan, Episode 10 of Season 3 features Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Permanent Secretary for Housing and Director of Housing, as she shares her background growing up in a rental unit in a public housing estate, and her dedication to addressing societal housing needs, making life better and creating opportunities for upward social mobility for low income families.

Progress in public housing

Rosanna oversees the entire cycle of production, management and redevelopment of public housing, one of the most urgent and critical issues for society. She shared that administration has now secured enough land to meet anticipated housing needs and the total housing supply target for the coming decade is 440,000 units. The waiting time for public housing will be slashed, the minimum size of subsidized sales flat will be lifted to 26 m2 per unit, and public rental housing will see an increase of 10% in internal living space!

“We’re the biggest developer of housing in Hong Kong, except that we don’t make a profit,” she quipped.

Rosanna emphasized the importance of vigilance in public housing eligibility as it is a sacred public resource, and public funds should be spent wisely and appropriately. The Housing Department, she said, is currently mounting an anti-abuse drive to ensure that people who have successfully moved up the social mobility ladder with the help of the public housing system and subsidies should ‘graduate’ and let others in greater need also share that path and success to move up the housing and property ladder.

“We will continue adjusting and reviewing our housing policy to meet people’s changing needs and aspirations,” she asserted.

On building public housing, Rosanna explained the benefits of partnering with the private sector. In sharing the burden, Government can accomplish more by leveraging the private sector’s land and financial resources, as well as their experience and expertise. “We may get a bit more variety, too, in the design,” she adds.

Tapping technological advance

In these days of rapid technological advance, Rosanna also highlighted how the Department has availed of smart devices to facilitate more efficient management of public housing, and help people live better lives. For example, the Department is trialing the use of robots for cleaning, and to enhance security with the added benefit of providing ready evidence for any malpractice or crime. They can also detect falling objects from height with the combined utilization of CCTV cameras and IoT sensors. During the typhoon season, they can help in monitoring water level to prevent flooding.

Serving the public

Rosanna pointed out that Hong Kong is a city of equal opportunities with no glass ceilings for women; she encouraged more people to join the Government to serve the greater good.

So what does it take to achieve success in one’s career? Rosanna said that, first and foremost, one must have a true sense of duty and the fervent desire to excel, not forgetting, of course, hard work and diligence. “To be successful in the civil service, you must have the heart and the determination to serve the public,” she stressed.

To watch the video, visit Friday Everyday YouTube Channel – Friday Beyond Spotlights Season 3 Ep. 10 l Rosanna Law Episode 10: https://youtu.be/VO1SgV22Z80