Francis Lau Choo Yew is the Founder and Managing Director of LCY Development – a construction company specializing in building and civil engineering projects in Brunei Darussalam.
Since its incorporation in the Sultanate, the company has completed over 130 projects. With a workforce of over 300 employees, LCY Development has undertaken numerous projects with the Brunei Government and also in the private sector with a total value exceeding B$400 million over the last 10 years.
The company is able to win projects in Brunei’s competitive market as it distinguishes itself through providing a blend of superior quality, innovative technology, and sustainable practices. “We ensure unmatched craftsmanship in every project, integrating cutting-edge solutions to meet modern demands,” says Lau. Their commitment to exceptional customer service is another factor as it entails giving personalized attention and clear communication throughout the project life cycle.
Supported by their robust project management capabilities, they pride themselves on the timely delivery of projects while keeping within the budget. “This holistic approval, from initial planning to final execution, ensures we not only meet but exceed client expectations, making us a preferred choice in the industry,” he says.
Educational and Career Background
Francis Lau graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Building with Honours at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia in 1984. He served as a Quantity Surveyor with the Public Works Department, Negara Brunei Darussalam in 1985 and worked for eight years before joining the private practice. He is now a Chartered Surveyor, Chartered Builder and registered Quantity Surveyor with professional institutions of the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia and Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Becoming an Entrepreneur
A few factors have inspired Francis Lau to become an entrepreneur. “First of all,” he says, “it is a moral obligation to contribute towards society. The spirit of entrepreneurship is also propelled and enhanced by public recognition and appreciation towards this contribution.”
Aside from his personal interest in business especially in the construction industry, stories of successful entrepreneurs and business associates have also inspired him.
Milestones and Achievements
Francis Lau has chalked many milestones in the course of his entrepreneurial journey. In 1997, he founded LCY Development Sdn Bhd in Brunei Darussalam. Between 2002-2013, he co-founded and became director of Imperco Sdn Bhd and Mega Project Development Sdn Bhd. He also founded and was appointed Managing Director of LCY Development (M) Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. Between 2010-2020, he co-founded and became Managing Director of LCY Development Pty Ltd and L&L Group of Companies in Australia. Between 2012 and 2015, he co-founded and became a director of Golden Wang Holdings Pte Ltd and was also appointed director of Progen Holdings Ltd, a public listed company in Singapore. From 2008 to 2022, he was honoured with multiple awards ranging from Outstanding Entrepreneur, Business Initiative Director, Quality Achievements, Best Leadership and Innovations awards from Malaysia, Singapore and European countries.
Challenges
Asked about whether he has faced business challenges, he replies that, “the major challenge that I face as a leader is in maintaining work continuity and sustainability in order to upkeep the existing work force and equipment.” To overcome this, he acknowledges that it is imperative to stay competitive and maintain quality and efficiency while seeking opportunities in overseas markets and pursuing more projects in both the public and private sectors.
Employee Development and HR
LCY offers comprehensive learning and development programs to their employees focusing on key areas such as advanced construction techniques, sustainable building practices, project management, and safety standards.
“We prioritize continuous education and training in emerging technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green construction methods. Leadership and soft skills training are also integral to ensure our team is well-prepared and capable of managing complex building efficiently,” he says.
Managing such a large group of people, Lau tackles human resource issues through a balanced approach of hands-on involvement and delegation. “While I stay engaged in major HR decisions to ensure alignment with our company’s values and goals, I delegate day-to-day tasks to a competent HR team,” he says. A strong HR department is crucial to good leadership as it fosters a positive work environment, ensures compliance with regulations, and manages employee development and relations effectively. Good HR practices contribute to higher employee satisfaction and retention, which in turn supports productivity and organizational success. By empowering the HR Team, they maintain a motivated workforce and address issues productively and efficiently.
CSR initiatives
Apart from running the day-to-day business, LCY is also deeply committed to various CSR initiatives. On the development front, they prioritize sustainable building practices, ensuring their projects minimize environmental impact through energy-efficient designs and promote the use of eco-friendly materials.
Furthermore, they actively engage in community development by supporting and promoting local employment and recruiting fresh local graduates. They also support local charity organizations by providing financial contributions to the local community. Additionally, they participate in tree planting campaigns to promote awareness of environmental conservation efforts and proper waste disposal and waste reduction programs.
