Former bodyguard to visiting presidents Jiang Zemin and Bill Clinton sees his Hong Kong security firm thrive as violent protests drive demand

Clement Lai Ka-chi, a former Hong Kong police superintendent and close protection officer, has seen his security firm’s business boom as violent protests rock the city

As a member of the force’s VIP Protection Unit he guarded visiting leaders including Chinese President Jiang and US President Clinton

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Clement Lai, founder and CEO of Clement Shield. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 10:30am, 1 Jan 2020Updated: 11:25pm, 1 Jan 2020

Months of violent protests have landed a heavy blow to big and small businesses in Hong Kong. But for Clement Lai Ka-chi, a former police chief and bodyguard to visiting presidents, the unrest has been a boon.

His private security firm, Clement Shield, has been in high demand as the protests plaguing Hong Kong have escalated and became more volatile.

Formerly a close protection officer in the Hong Kong Police Force’s VIP protection unit, Lai was responsible for the personal safety of visiting Chinese leaders including President Jiang Zemin and then Vice-President Hu Jintao, as well as overseas dignitaries such as US President Bill Clinton.

But he quit his job four years ago and decided to put his talent to good use providing protection to private businesses, educational institutions and public organisations.

A photograph of Clement Lai on duty as a bodyguard for then Chinese President Jiang Zemin during a visit to Hong Kong. Photo: Felix Wong

He set up Clement Shield in mid 2015 with just eight staff, most of them experienced fellow police officers. The company’s strong background in policing helped it to acquire clients and grow steadily.