With a first-class honours degree in building services engineering, a master’s degree in environmental management and a PhD in facilities management, Dr. Lai as the PolyU Facility Management Programme Leader specialized in teaching management for existing buildings and legal matters in facility management. With his research focused on facilities engineering and management, Dr. Lai has published widely in international journals. Serving as co-editor of the journal “Facilities” and a regional editor of the journal “Smart and Sustainable Built Environment,” Dr. Lai is also on the committees of various professional institutions and public bodies.