Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho today expressed sorrow over the passing of former Secretary for Housing Donald Liao, and extended her deepest condolences to his family.

Mr Liao was also the first Director of Housing, and a former Chairman of the Housing Authority.

Ms Ho highlighted that Mr Liao pioneered the Home Ownership Scheme in Hong Kong, establishing the subsidised sale housing system to facilitate turnover in public rental housing and encourage upward mobility for grassroots families.

At a young age, Mr Liao took charge of the development Ma Tau Wai Estate and Wah Fu Estate, where he placed particular emphasis on the integration of public spaces, ancillary facilities and natural environments in public housing design.

Ms Ho said Mr Liao’s career journey in public housing has been an inspiration to her team and that he will remain their role model as the bureau strives to continue delivering excellence in the design of public housing.

Mr Liao was Hong Kong’s first Director of Housing, from 1973 to 1980, and Secretary for Housing from 1980 to 1985.