On target – Chester Tsz Ching Lam is just getting started People behind the story
Successful projects are only as good as the people behind them. In our industry, that means facing unique challenges – and seeing things most people never will. We sat down with Chester Tsz Ching Lam to discuss her new career as a field technician in Hong Kong, and her love for darts.
Chester Tsz Ching Lam has a good reason to celebrate. After four years of dedicated training in Hong Kong, she’s earned her technician’s certifications, paving the way for a promising career as a full-time elevator and escalator mechanic.
"It's an amazing feeling. I've learned so much during these years, not just about the job but also personally about myself. I've become a more confident person," Chester says.
With more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, Hong Kong offers abundant opportunities in the vertical transportation sector. Known for its iconic skyline and a plethora of architectural marvels, the city boasts more buildings of 150 meters or above than all of Europe combined – with more towers shooting up as the city continues to evolve.
Learning from the masters
Throughout her training and daily work, Chester works closely with a mentor, who the trainees often refer to as "sifu" – a respectful term in Cantonese for someone who is a master of their trade.
A sifu provides guidance, which allows the students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. In addition to technical skills, a sifu also mentors students in their of personal growth and professional development.
Chester’s training, like that of dozens of participants joining the cohort each year, is methodically designed to meet industry and regulatory standards, setting participants up for success in their future careers. Trainees rotate through segments, covering new installations, existing systems, modernizations, and service maintenance during their first two years. The subsequent two years focus on practical, in-depth learning on the job.
Schindler’s training program was formally recognized in 2024 by the Hong Kong government, making Schindler Hong Kong the first elevator and escalator company in Hong Kong authorized to issue a "Certificate in Electrical Engineering".
Chester spends one full day and one evening a week at our Chai Wan training center in the east of Hong Kong Island, while the rest of her time is spent on sites around the city.
"I really enjoy being on-site, where I can put my knowledge into practice," she says.
The fine art of elevators
Before joining the program, Chester worked as a picture framer, creating protective and decorative edging for paintings and photographs. Although fine art and elevator engineering may seem like separate worlds, she explains that her background in framing brings valuable benefits to her current position.
"Working as a picture framer gave me an eye for detail," she says. "Paying attention to details is also important for safety; I must never neglect the small specifics, not just for myself but for the people around me."
Perhaps then it’s no surprise that her biggest passion outside her job is playing and competing in darts tournaments. Darts is a sport that requires precision, something Chester has a talent for – she's been ranked in the top 20 female players in Hong Kong.
"You have to focus on the target when playing darts, it's similar to concentrating on the important details in my job," she says.
A moment to reflect
One of the most memorable moments during Chester’s four years was when she returned to the Cheung Kong Centre, where she had worked in the early days of her trainee program. At that time, her role involved helping her manager organize documents and materials and collaborating with other managers on-site. When she first worked there, the building was still under construction, so it felt symbolic to return years later and see the completed tower rising high into the sky.
"I was thinking, 'Wow, this is my job! Look at this.' It was an amazing feeling to see the finished building. I felt so proud," she says.
She adds with light poise: "In five years’ time, I hope to be a sifu myself and teach new people how to be escalator and elevator mechanics in Hong Kong."