Research Highlights

Poverty, social security and retirement protection

Update as of 3 August 2026


This research project has made a significant contribution to the development of retirement protection policy in Hong Kong. Through a series of government-funded studies on retirement income adequacy and elderly poverty, the project generated evidence-based recommendations that informed key policy reforms aimed at strengthening financial support for older people.

One major outcome was the introduction and subsequent enhancement of the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), which expanded income support for elderly people with limited financial resources. These policy developments progressively increased both the coverage and level of assistance available to older residents, strengthening the retirement protection framework and improving financial security for a substantial proportion of Hong Kong’s ageing population. By 2023, more than half of all elderly residents were receiving basic income support through the combined retirement protection system.

The project’s influence extended beyond specific policy measures. By providing rigorous evidence on retirement adequacy, elderly poverty and alternative pension models, it helped shape public and policy discussions on the future of retirement protection. The findings informed consideration of different approaches to achieving greater retirement security and supported subsequent government initiatives to enhance retirement savings and income protection.

Overall, the project has contributed to a more comprehensive and inclusive retirement protection system, improving the economic well-being of older people and informing long-term policy development in response to population ageing in Hong Kong.

 

Team Members:

UGC/FDS11/H04/22

  1. PI: Prof WONG Yu Cheung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  2. 2. Dr. CHEUNG Pui-ling Ada, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University

ISG 200103

  1. PI: Prof WONG Yu Cheung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  2. Dr MAK Kin-wah, BBS, JP
  3. Dr. KWOK Kim, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong
  4. Mr. LUK Yiu-tung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  5. Mr. LAU Sik-wai, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University

ISG190201-R2

  1. PI: Prof WONG Yu Cheung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  2. Mr. LAU Sik-wai, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  3. Mr. LUK Yiu-tung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University

ISG190202 (R2-Oxfam)

  1. PI: Prof WONG Yu Cheung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  2. Mr. LAU Sik-wai, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  3. Mr. LUK Yiu-tung, Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University
  4. 4. Dr. KWOK Kim, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong

Reference no.: UGC/FDS11/H04/22 ; ISG 200103 ; ISG190201-R2 ; ISG190202 (R2-Oxfam)