Hong Kong is one of the world’s most vibrant cities and home to industry-leading global companies.
Lai Sun Group, based in Hong Kong, is owned and chaired by Peter Lam. The company, established in 1947 as a textile manufacturer, has developed into a diversified conglomerate, active in multiple segments, including property investment, real estate development and entertainment.
“Our strengths are in the areas of hotels, commercial property, shopping arcades, cinemas and the food and beverage sector,” explained Julius Lau, chief executive officer of Lai Sun Development.
“We have over 20 restaurants in our portfolio, including the most Michelin-star-awarded restaurants in Hong Kong.”
Japanese cuisine is front and center of the group’s dining options.
“We have two restaurants that are both by Michelin-starred chefs. Zest by Mitsuru Konishi serves haute French-Japanese cuisine and Takumi is managed by Daisuke Mori,” Lau said.
“We also have two sushi bars. Masa is a premium sushi bar in which diners can sit at the longest piece of Hinoki wood ever to be used as a sushi bar in Hong Kong. Sushi Masataka offers 14- and 18-course omakase (chef’s choice) dinner menu options featuring fresh fish flown in from Japan.”
In line with owning and operating commercial developments across Hong Kong, Lau understands the importance of the Hong Kong-Japan connection.
“People from Hong Kong love Japan,” Lau said. “Due to the pandemic, they have not been able to visit Japan so it is our job to bring Japanese experiences to Hong Kong.”
Lai Sun Development’s portfolio includes a project in Hengqin, an island in Zhuhai, a prefecture-level city and a special economic zone in Guangdong Province.
“The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is one of the largest theme parks in the world,” Lau said. “Our megaproject there includes the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a Lionsgate Entertainment World movie-themed interactive experience, a National Geographic Ultimate Explorer entertainment center, and interactive Ducati and Real Madrid experiences.”
Almost 10,000 kilometers away in the United Kingdom, the group owns three properties in the heart of London’s financial district, which will be redeveloped in 2023.
“Last year the City of London approved the redevelopment of our Leadenhall properties,” Lau said. “We will create over 1 million square feet of office space and develop London’s third-tallest building.”
“Our goal is to bring more foreign, and particularly Japanese, experiences to Hong Kong through our developments,” Lau said.
“We are looking forward to the next decade as we focus on commercial projects in the United Kingdom, the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong, Shanghai and also ‘mega-residential projects’ in Zhongshan and Hengqin Island, China.”
