VTC alumnus Lam Shui Wah, co-founder and CEO of LKS Holding Group Limited listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), started his career as a contractor of construction projects. He then treaded the territory of interior design as his company expanded. In 2017, his company was listed on the GEM board of HKEx and in May 2019, it was listed on the main board, truly a dream come true for Lam. But he does not feel complacent fulfilling his own dreams because he is keen on building dreams for others.
From 1997 to 2002, Lam pursued further education at VTC in civil engineering programme while working full-time. Gained profound knowledge in the industry and backed by his solid working experiences, he decided to start his own company Ample Construction in 2002, which became one of the key contractors in Hong Kong with a scope covering interior construction works, refurbishment and structural extension for residential, industrial and commercial premises.
Over the years, his professional team worked hand in hand to build a laudable reputation within the industry alongside significant business growth. In 2007, Lam founded Ample Design to provide interior design services. Ample Construction and Ample Design now jointly offer an all-encompassing design-and-build services to clients, without the need to hire a separate team of contractors. This vertical integration not only saves time, but also brings down the overall cost, making the companies more competitive in the market.
The most memorable project so far, according to Lam, is the remodelling of the multi-storey flagship store of a Chinese products emporium in Hong Kong for 60 years. Lam and his team rethought the store from ground zero with radical re-zoning and new ideas, to update and revive the 40-year-old iconic name that every Hongkonger grew up with. “We tried to turn the store in our childhood collective memory into a store that we are happy to shop even now. The project was worth over HK$100 million and boosted our confidence in getting listed on the GEM board in major ways,” he explained.
After being listed on the GEM board in 2017, Ample attracted more clients and successfully won projects that involved multinational big shots. These high-profile projects in turn elevated the company’s image, fame and reputation, helping it raise capitals more easily. In May 2019, LKS Holding Group Limited was officially listed on the main board of HKEx with the stock code 1867, opening up a world of opportunities.
A dream job for his employees
Despite his success, Lam remains humble and thankful to his team whom he feels indebted to. Under his leadership, his company boasts policies that retain employees by creating a genuine sense of belonging with human touch.
In an office interior design project for one of the world’s biggest social media platform, Lam was especially impressed by the electric desk riser. He then ordered a bunch for his own employees so that they can adjust the height of the desktop according to their needs. They may even work while standing up. He also made room in the office for a lavish massage chair for his employees to relax amidst the busy schedule. “Nothing matters more than their comfort,” he said.
Apart from the ergonomic and healthful concerns, Lam also cares about whether his employees are having a life outside of work. To let them enjoy their birthdays to the fullest, all employees are eligible to a day off on the occasion. If their family or children are sick, on top of the vacation leave they ask for, the company will grant extra paid holidays so that they can give their loved ones undivided attention before coming back to work. On top of that, the company also encourages employees to pursue further education and grow with the company by subsidizing the tuition fee. These humanistic strategies not only helped the company grow quickly, but also built the perfect workplace that many employees dream about.
Building dreams for the young
Apart from managing his company, Lam also actively participates in various volunteer services, including the vice chairman of Mutual Care Association, vice chairman of The Y’s Men’s International – Hong Kong District (2019), a standing and administration committee of Hong Kong Scouts New Territories East District, etc.
Lam was especially keen about being a management committee member of the CUHK Jockey Club Children Eye Care Programme. It provides comprehensive eye examinations to children aged between six and eight, aiming to screen for potential diseases and eye problems among children at an early stage before their visual development completes. Timely treatment can then be received, thereby reducing the risk of permanent visual impairment. As a committee member, Lam actively liaises with various schools run by charitable organizations while inviting them to join the programme to benefit more children. He also makes use of his personal network to raise fund and recruit volunteers.
He encourages his fellow VTC alumni to partake in community services for a good cause. “When you eyewitness the various mishaps people experience, you’ll start to develop ethical values and a positive attitude towards life. Seeing how healthcare professionals helps those patients in need may also inspire you on setting your life goals. I wish all young people would succeed in their field of study and contribute to the society in future.”
