Ben Lam has built a dynamic career grounded in resilience and continuous learning. His guiding principle—"You will get only one win within 10 trials"—reflects a practical, optimistic mindset shaped early in life. Reflecting on his journey, Ben notes, "I didn't win much in competitions when I was a kid. It taught me to handle success and failure gracefully and focus on the journey rather than the destination."

Early Career & Leadership Growth
Ben’s career began during the 2003 SARS outbreak, where proactive networking landed him key opportunities. Demonstrating early initiative, he recommended himself directly to UNIQLO and became their very first Hong Kong employee on the ground. Tasked with leading a team of 100 at a young age, he quickly realised that true leadership centres on empathy. "Whether it's your colleagues or your customers, you have to put yourself in their shoes," Ben explains. This approach propelled him to Head of Operations after a decade. Seeking new challenges, he later spearheaded rapid expansion at GU and broadened his operational expertise across global brands like Nike and Pricerite.

Transformative Impact of the CityUHK Global EMBA
Around age 40, seeking to push beyond familiar territory, Ben enrolled in the CityUHK Global EMBA programme to expand his executive vision and learn alongside diverse business leaders. "The EMBA experience broadened my perspective," Ben highlights. "Interacting with top management from different sectors and industries—from logistics and finance to NGOs—allowed me to understand the world from multiple angles. It's not just about retail anymore; it's about seeing the bigger global picture." The immersive curriculum and high-caliber peer network provided actionable insights that refined his strategic thinking, reinforcing the value of cross-industry collaboration at the executive level.

Words of Wisdom
Ben emphasises adaptability and self-awareness for aspiring leaders: "You can't control everything around you, but you can control how you respond. Always be ready—when opportunities come, seize them."