In 40 years of practice as a Professional Civil & Structural Engineer, Mr Lai led the engineering division of a distinguished private practice, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers for over three decades, accomplishing many landmark developments in Singapore and overseas. Giving back to society, Mr Lai contributed his professional expertise as a long-serving member of The Strata Titles Board. For this, the Ministry of National Development conferred upon him the Meritorious Service Award (PBM) in 2011.
As an industry ambassador for the Building & Construction Authority, serving in several of their committees and assessment panels, he was conferred the Public Service Star (BBM), a recognition for his invaluable contributions, in August 2018. Mr Lai is now the Senior Managing Director of SJ architecture, a business unit under the Surbana Jurong Group.