C.T. Lai BBS MH

Mr. Chi Tong Lai is a veteran social work educator, community leader, and published author with nearly five decades of service dedicated to social development, curriculum innovation, and professional training across Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China. As Lead Advisor – Academic and Curriculum at PTM, Mr. Lai brings academic depth and real-world insight to the design and development of socially responsive, pedagogically sound learning experiences.

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Mr. Lai began his distinguished career in the late 1970s as Director of the Aberdeen Kaifong Welfare Association Social Service Centre, where he led over 200 staff in serving the fishing communities of Southern Hong Kong. This formative experience laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and grassroots engagement.

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From 1985 to 1994, he served as an elected member of the Southern District Council, contributing to district-level planning, social policy development, and civic representation. Upon retiring from frontline practice, Mr. Lai transitioned into academic leadership, serving as Programme Director of Social Work at HKU SPACE from 2008 to 2014. He has since delivered extensive training and curriculum consultation for social work professionals and educators throughout the Greater China region, including Macau, Guangzhou, Shunde, Xiamen, and Zhuhai.

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A prolific writer, Mr. Lai has co-authored more than ten professional books and numerous journal articles. His best-known title, 從前有個香港仔, captures the oral histories, cultural traditions, and evolving identity of the Aberdeen fishing community, and serves as a model for integrating local heritage into applied social pedagogy.

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In addition to his books, Mr. Lai has shared his professional insight and social commentary through respected platforms such as 文匯網, 香港01, and 房協長者通 (Hong Kong Housing Society – Elderly Services Website), contributing articles on elderly care, cultural change, community service, and policy reflection.

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In recognition of his outstanding public service and contributions to social welfare and social services management and administration, Mr. Lai was awarded the Medal of Honour (MH) and the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2010. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Aberdeen Kaifong Welfare Association, where he remains a respected voice for local development and heritage preservation.

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At PTM, Mr. Lai plays a critical role in shaping the academic integrity and contextual relevance of our leadership, coaching, and development programmes. His curriculum guidance ensures that PTM's educational offerings remain grounded in social responsibility, community awareness, and the ethical values essential for sustainable leadership.