The Government announced today (March 22) the reappointment of Mr Ma Ho-fai as the Chairman of the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund Board (PWIFB) for a term of two years with effect from April 1, 2024.

     Four incumbent members, Ms Juan Leung Chung-yan, Mr Chu Hon-chung, Mr Wong Yin-hao and Ms Wong Caroline Ho, have also been reappointed for another two years.

     Two new members, Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong and Ms Alice Wong Nga-lai, have been appointed for a term of two years as well.

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, welcomed the appointments.

     "I am thankful to Mr Ma for leading the work of the PWIFB, in particular completing the review of the coverage of ex gratia payment items under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund and the rate of levy on business registration. Moreover, the PWIFB has introduced the new service of providing free legal assistance for applicants, so as to shorten the time required for processing applications to the Fund and strengthen the functions of the Fund as a safety net. I am confident that under his leadership, the PWIFB will continue to ensure the effective operation of the Fund and the provision of protection to employees," he said.

     ýÿMr Sun also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members, Ms Elizabeth Law and Mrs Susan So Chan Wai-hang, for their dedicated service and valuable contribution to the PWIFB over the past years.

     The membership of the PWIFB, which will take effect on April 1, 2024, is as follows:

Chairman:
Mr Ma Ho-fai

Members (representing employees):
Ms Juan Leung Chung-yan
Mr Chu Hon-chung
Mr Wong Yin-hao

Members (representing employers):
Ms Wong Caroline Ho
Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong
Ms Alice Wong Nga-lai

Public Officers:
Assistant Commissioner for Labour (responsible for wage security matters)
Assistant Principal Solicitor of the Official Receiver's Office

     The PWIFB, formed under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance, is tasked mainly with administering the Fund, which provides ex gratia payments to employees whose employers have become insolvent.

Ends/Friday, March 22, 2024
Issued at HKT 11:00

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