Daniel Lai is a seasoned professional in the information technology industry with 38 years experience in the IT sector. Started as an IT trainee with NCR (HK) Ltd., he has made his way through numerous IT technical and managerial positions to become Head of IT of sizable IT installations.

From 1978 to 1998, Daniel held various senior IT managerial positions with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and led many innovative and advanced IT projects. He joined MTR Corporation Limited in 1999 as Head of Information Technology and is responsible for providing a vision for and management of information technology at MTR Corporation. Daniel has an excellent track record in managing different IT functions and creating values with IT, he has established sound IT governance, and effectively applied new technologies such as RFID and Artificial Intelligence.

Over the years, Daniel has made significant contributions to the community, IT profession and IT sector in Hong Kong and the region. He sacrificed his spare time in promoting IT in the community, advancing professionalism, advising government and public institutions on IT, fostering IT industry, and developing relationship between local IT institutions and professionals and mainland and the region. He has held and is holding many positions in public services, professional bodies and educational institutions on a voluntary basis. In his capacity as President of Hong Kong Computer Society from 1998 to 2004, and Vice President from 1995-1998, he has initiated and participated in many projects and activities to enhance IT industry, develop IT professionalism and promote IT in the community. These include the production of Y2K Awareness VCD, the production of the TV episodes "IT Files", the establishment and operations of "IT Easy Link", an IT hotline for the public, and the "IT EasyLink business" for the business community, introduction of IT Continuous Professional Development Scheme, and "IT Excellence Awards".

He also actively initiated and promoted cooperation and exchange between Hong Kong and mainland's/regional IT industry and professionals. He was Chairman/Hon Chairman of the annual Joint International Computer Conference for 8 years from 1996 to 2004, organized the China (2 shores 4 cities) IT Forum, the Pearl River Delta Software Forum, and the Pan Pearl River Delta Software Award. Since 2001, he has been a key organizer for the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Award (APICTA) and personally led Hong Kong's delegates to the event in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and organized APICTA in Hong Kong in 2005. He also regularly represented Hong Kong at regional IT organizations/forums including Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Confederation and South East Asia Region Computer Confederation. To share his practical IT knowledge and experience, he regularly lectures and speaks at local, regional and international conferences, seminars, workshops and training programmes.

For his contributions to the IT community and in recognition of his leadership and excellence in IT applications, Daniel and the projects he led have received numerous IT awards including APICTA Best Industrial Application Award in 2003 and CIO of the year in 2006.

In recognition of his significant contribution to promoting the development of the IT industry, and to driving wider IT adoption in the business section and the community at large, Daniel was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) in 2004.