Ho was born on 13 March 1955 in Portuguese Macau, to parents of Cantonese descent and origin with family roots in Panyu, Guangzhou, in neighbouring Guangdong.

He is the son of the prominent Macau community leader and businessman Ho Yin and Chan Keng (陳瓊).

Ho returned to Macau and started himself on a business and political career in 1983, undertaking social activities and community service.

He was appointed Vice-President of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) of the People's Republic of China in 1988.

Over the years, Ho has been leader of a number of industrial, financial, educational, charity and sports institutions and associations.