Ken Ip says the city draws lessons from the Wang Fuk Court fire calamity

The most important lesson to learn from a tragedy is not simply to understand what went wrong, but to ensure that we do better in the future. For Hong Kong, the Wang Fuk Court fire, which claimed 168 lives, has brought building safety and urban governance into sharp focus. The tragedy caused the city profound grief, but it also created an opportunity to address long-standing weaknesses in the way building maintenance and safety are managed.

Following nine months of investigation and 30 public hearings, the Independent Committee submitted its report to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The SAR government publicly apologized to the community for the fire, accepted the resignation of Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin and announced a comprehensive package of reforms. These include administrative investigations into departmental shortcomings, changes to the regulatory structure, tougher legislation against bid-rigging and greater use of technology in building safety supervision.

Taken together, these measures represent an important step toward strengthening Hong Kong’s building safety framework. The challenge now is to translate the findings and recommendations into lasting improvements that give residents greater confidence in the places they call home.

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The government’s response addressed accountability at several levels. Lee publicly apologized on behalf of the government, while Ho tendered her resignation to take accountability, which the chief executive accepted. An administrative investigation has also been initiated under the accountability mechanism for heads of departments, focusing on supervisory shortcomings involving the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit, the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department and the Labour Department. The investigation is expected to be completed within three months.

The importance of these measures goes beyond individual personnel changes. The Independent Committee’s findings point to weaknesses across different departments and stages of supervision. Addressing them requires a broader institutional response, with clearer responsibilities, stronger coordination and more effective oversight. The objective should be to ensure that every department understands its role, that potential risks are identified promptly and that appropriate action can be taken without unnecessary delays.

The proposed restructuring of the regulatory system is therefore particularly significant. The establishment of a dedicated public housing building control team to replace the existing Independent Checking Unit, together with plans for a Building Maintenance Support and Services Bureau, offers an opportunity to streamline responsibilities and improve coordination. For residents, what matters most is not the number of departments involved, but whether the system can deliver effective protection when it is needed.

The building maintenance industry itself also requires attention. Hong Kong has a substantial stock of aging buildings, many of which require major renovation and repair. These projects can involve considerable sums of money, complicated technical requirements and multiple professional parties. For ordinary homeowners, particularly elderly residents, understanding the technical and contractual details can be challenging. This makes transparency and professional integrity especially important.

The government’s proposal to criminalize bid-rigging in building maintenance projects is a significant development. Under the proposed legislation, offenders could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$10 million ($1.27 million). Extending investigative powers to cover such cases would also strengthen the authorities’ ability to tackle concealed collusion and organized malpractice.

However, a healthy maintenance market requires more than tougher penalties. Transparent tendering, reliable certification, professional standards and effective enforcement must work together. Property owners should be able to make decisions with confidence, while responsible contractors and consultants should be able to compete on a fair basis. A more orderly industry would benefit not only individual homeowners but also Hong Kong’s wider property market.

Another encouraging aspect of the reform agenda is the greater emphasis on digital technology and artificial intelligence. The government plans to integrate complaint records and other information through a centralized digital system, using AI to identify recurring patterns and potential risks involving individual buildings and renovation projects. This would allow authorities to connect information that might otherwise remain scattered across different departments and identify warning signs at an earlier stage.

There is considerable room to build on this approach. A QR-code traceability system for construction materials, for example, could allow inspectors to verify product origins, testing records, production batches and certification documents. This would make it easier to identify questionable materials and improve accountability throughout the supply chain. Smart sensors and AI-assisted monitoring at construction sites could also help detect hazards such as blocked fire escape routes, improper storage of combustible materials and unsafe construction practices.

These applications reflect a wider shift in public administration. Traditionally, regulatory authorities have relied heavily on inspections and reports to identify problems. With better data integration and digital monitoring, it becomes possible to move toward a more proactive approach, identifying patterns and potential risks before they develop into serious incidents. Hong Kong could also draw useful lessons from the development of smart cities on the Chinese mainland, particularly in areas such as Internet of Things monitoring, intelligent alerts and construction material traceability.

Nevertheless, technology should complement rather than replace professional judgement. AI systems depend on accurate data, appropriate design and trained personnel. Digital platforms will only deliver meaningful results if departments are willing to share information and work together. The purpose of technological innovation should be to help public servants make better decisions, not simply to introduce another layer of administration.

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There is also a wider lesson for Hong Kong’s future development. As the city prepares to implement its first five-year plan, advance the Northern Metropolis and strengthen its position as an international business and financial center, urban safety must remain an essential part of its development strategy. Economic competitiveness is not measured solely by investment, infrastructure or technological advancement. It also depends on whether people feel secure in their homes and have confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting them.

The community’s response following the fire has demonstrated the importance of collective responsibility. Government departments, businesses, volunteers and ordinary residents came together to support affected families. Emergency accommodation, financial assistance, social workers and arrangements for residents to retrieve their belongings were all important parts of the recovery effort. This spirit of solidarity is something Hong Kong should continue to build upon.

The government’s reform package provides a foundation for strengthening building safety governance. Its effectiveness will ultimately depend on sustained implementation, professional cooperation and the participation of the wider community. Building safety cannot be the responsibility of one department alone. It requires government regulators, contractors, consultants, property owners and residents to share a common commitment.

Hong Kong cannot change what happened at Wang Fuk Court, but it can determine what the city learns from it. The 168 lives lost must never be forgotten. Turning this painful experience into stronger institutions, smarter regulation and a safer living environment will be a meaningful way to honor their memory and build a more resilient Hong Kong.

The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.