From Hong Kong’s ‘Iron Lady’ to ‘Big sister’: Regina Ip reflects on 50 years of public service

In October 2025, veteran politician Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee officially announced the end of her 17-year stint as a lawmaker. The 75-year-old founder of the New People’s Party has had a career full of ups and downs. Once reviled, she has successfully transformed herself into a pragmatic, approachable politician. On this edition of The Interview, Ip reviews her 50-year-long career and how she navigates the love-hate relationship with Hongkongers.