Computerised random-ordering ballot drawing results of Special Sales Exercise for Wang Fuk Court Owners announced
Computerised random-ordering ballot drawing for the Special Sales Exercise (SSE) for Wang Fuk Court (WFC) Owners was conducted today (September 15) to determine the sequence of the last two digits of the application numbers held by the applicants and their order of priority for flat selection.
Wang Fuk Court, Photo source: reference image
Flat selection priority based on computerised random-ordering ballot drawing results
"The flat selection priority under the SSE was determined in batches according to the date on which the duly signed 'Letter of Acceptance' from the owners was returned to the Government. The deadline for the first batch was June 30, and the deadline for the second batch was August 31. The flat selection priority for applicants within the same batch would be further determined by their sequence as drawn in the computerised random-ordering ballot today. The Housing Bureau has conducted separate computerised random-ordering ballots for the two batches of applicants to determine the sequence of the last two digits of the application numbers held by the applicants. Based on the ballot results, the Housing Bureau has randomly generated the order of all applicants with the same last two digits by computer," a Government spokesman said.
Same-day online announcement of ballot results
The ballot results and the order of priority based on the computerised random-ordering ballot drawing for the two batches of applicants under the SSE have been uploaded to the designated website of SSE (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/ssewfc) and displayed at the office of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in Kwun Tong. Applicants may contact their designated Engagement Team member or call the enquiry hotline for Wang Fuk Court long-term housing arrangement plan at 2129 8133 for enquiries of the results.
Flat selection to commence from late September with notification letters to owners
"Flat selection for the SSE is expected to commence in late September this year. The Housing Bureau will, in accordance with the order of priority, issue letters in batches to notify applicants of the priority order and invite eligible applicants to attend flat selection sessions at the office of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit in Kwun Tong within specified date and time slots," the spokesman said.
The Housing Bureau, Photo source: reference image
Supply of over 4 400 flats in 10 projects with diverse choices
The Government has reserved over 4 400 flats in a total of 10 development projects of the HA and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) for owners who have sold their titles of WFC flats to the Government to purchase or to participate in the "Flat-for-Flat" arrangement. The 10 development projects are located in Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, Tung Chung, Tai Po, Fanling and Kwun Tong with saleable areas ranging from about 26.0 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 280 square feet to about 560 sq ft) with larger flats (saleable area of 37 sq m or 400 sq ft) or above accounting for over 60 per cent (i.e. a total of about 2 800 flats), which has far exceeded the total number of 1 984 flats in WFC. Other flat types can also cater for the needs of different owners, providing a diverse range of choices. As the number of flats reserved greatly exceeds the number of WFC owners participating in the SSE, owners have ample choice of flats regardless of their order of priority in flat selection.
Continue taking forward long-term housing arrangement plan
The Government announced the long-term housing arrangement plan for Wang Fuk Court on February 21 and further announced the follow-up arrangements for Wang Chi House on April 28 and June 26 respectively. The Government confirmed that it would continue to take forward the acquisition work of Wang Chi House on September 3. Upon expiry of the deadline for WFC owners to accept the Government's acquisition on August 31, a total of 1 971 owners (99.3 per cent) from the eight buildings from Blocks A to H of WFC have signed and returned the "Letter of Acceptance" to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government. Among them, about 1 700 owners opted to participate in the SSE. Up to September 14, the Government has signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase with 1 702 households (about 85.8 per cent) of the eight buildings from Block A to H of WFC.
Wang Fuk Court, Photo source: reference image
Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner this evening (September 15):
Guy (Chair of Cathay Group, Mr Guy Bradley), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.
From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today's global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: "Pacific" expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit - starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards - is unmistakably Hong Kong.
For generations, Cathay has been part of life's most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.
Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government's support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay's role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people - their professionalism, perseverance and dedication - who helped turn confidence into recovery.
Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our "super connector" role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.
Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.
Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority's expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport's appeal - as both a gateway and a destination.
With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.
Cathay's plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.
As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.
In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.
Cathay's commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.
As Hong Kong's home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong's reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.
And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.
Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world - and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.
Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
