Dr Joseph Lau graduated from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and received a BSc (Hons) in International Shipping and Transport Logistics. He was placed on the Dean's List because of his outstanding academic performance during his bachelor's degree studies. He also received his Master of Science in International Shipping and Transport Logistics from PolyU.  He further pursued studies at the University of Bristol where he received his Doctor of Education.

 

Prior to joining this institution, Dr Lau worked in the transport and logistics industry. His experience covers freight forwarding, third party logistics provider and air cargo terminal. He earned different professional qualifications pertaining to The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Institute of Seatransport, and Hong Kong Sea Transport and Logistics Association (HKSTLA). Besides, Dr Lau has solid work experience in the education sector. He was responsible for programme registration and quality assurance systems.

 

Until now, he has published more than 350 research papers in international journals and professional magazines, contributed over 20 book chapters, 6 books and presented numerous papers in international conferences. He has collaborated with scholars from more than 20 countries and regions spreading over five continents on research projects. He has also secured over HK$ 10 million research grants. Recently, he has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Institute of Seatransport in recognition of his outstanding performance on research and the Best Paper Award in international leading conferences. Also, he has participated in different consultancy projects with various  (inter-)governmental organisations, academic institutions and industrial associations, e.g. Trade and Industry Department, China Communications & Transport Association (CCTA), The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Institute of Seatransport, Hong Kong Sea Transport and Logistics Association (HKSTLA), and PolyU. In addition, he has been appointed as Associate, University of Manitoba, Transport Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and Visiting Scholar, East China Normal University. His research interests are cruise ships, ferries, impacts of climate change, shipping education and training, transport history, sustainability issues, resilient supply chain management, health logistics, human remains and regional development.

 

Dr Lau has been active in community services and scholarly activities. For example, he is an executive committee member of the Institute of Seatransport, an organising committee member of Wofoo Social Enterprises, Chairman of the Young Members Committee of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK), an editorial board member of Seaview and Data in Brief, a reviewer of international notable journals and leading international conferences. He has played an active role in organising many international conferences, such as the Doctor of Education Conference, the University of Bristol (held in Hong Kong, 2016-2018), the World Transport Convention (held in Beijing, China, 2017), the International Conference on Innovative Development of E-commerce and Logistics (held in Zhengzhou, China, 2017), the BIT's World Gene Convention (held in Macau, China, 2017), and the Higher Education Forum.

 

Dr Lau joined this institution as he would like to teach and share his knowledge with students. He now teaches courses in Logistics and Management.