NewHong Kong accountant overcame challenges to build career as corporate liquidator
Accountant Derek Lai overcame personal and professional challenges to build a career as liquidator in high profile bankruptcy cases
Veteran accountant Derek Lai Kar-yan suffers from a rare bone disease but that did not prevent him from climbing to the top management of Deloitte and handling many high profile liquidation cases.
The managing partner of the southern regions of Deloitte China, which has 4,000 staff, is also Asia Pacific head of insolvency for the world's largest accounting firm. He is now working on a rescue plan for cash strapped Hong Kong television operator Asia Television (ATV).
Previously, he handled well-known liquidation cases such as Ocean Grand, and acted as manager handling the estate of late property tycoon Nina Wang Kung Yu-sum.
"I do not find any experience of being discriminated [against] during my career. All my bosses, my colleagues or clients, have treated me equally," he said.
Lai, now 50, has difficulty walking as he was born with a rare bone disease called Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita, which affects his joints. The disease has not dampened his spirit. He is a cheerful person who likes travel, going to the cinema and having a monthly birthday party for his staff.
"I have had some bad experiences from some taxi drivers who complain I move too slowly out of their cars, but there are also some taxi drivers who are very caring."
"That is the beauty of Hong Kong. By working hard and always giving my best efforts, I also have the opportunity to be promoted and achieve a successful career."
Lai said accountancy was not his boyhood dream as he wanted to be a lawyer, but his father was opposed to the idea.