KINGSTON, Jamaica – University Of Technology Jamaica (UTECH) conferred The Honourable Lascelles Chin, O.J., C.D., Founder and Executive Chairman of the LASCO Affiliated Companies, with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) for outstanding and widely respected contributions in the field of business.
The Honorary Degree was presented during UTECH’s Graduation Ceremony inside the National Arena on Thursday, November 12 and gave credence to Chin as a pioneer exporter and astounding philanthropist, whose excellence in entrepreneurship is difficult to match, consequently making him a major role model for undergraduate and graduate students alike.
In accepting the Honorary Degree, Lascelles Chin expressed humility at being recognized with other distinguished honourees who have already received the prestigious conferral and lauded University Of Technology Jamaica (UTECH) on its role of development in Jamaica.
“This evening, I am truly honoured to join the band of distinguished honourees that have been conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws from this University. I thank you most sincerely for your faith in me. I congratulate you on the pivotal role UTECH has played in the development of the potential and talent of tens of thousands of students. Please accept my very best wishes for the continued success of this truly great Jamaican Institution,” said Chin.
Lascelles Chin was raised by a humble family in south-central Jamaica and is both grateful for and never forgetful of his origins. This has been evident in the way the dynamic business leader speaks of how instrumental his family had been over his 53 years of business operations, not only in the support they had offered but also the role they played in moulding his outstanding business discipline, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Today is indeed a very special day, not only for me, but also for my family and all those who have shared or inspired and supported me over the past fifty three years. It is with them that I share this honorary Doctor of Laws Degree that you have so kindly conferred on me today. They have been the wind in my sail. As I accept this prestigious award with gratitude and humility, my mind goes back to where it all began. It was in the small grocery shop of my humble Chinese shopkeeper parents in Balaclava, that the seeds of my business life were planted. My parents certainly inspired me,” said a poignant Chin.
Today, Lascelles Chin is a titan of business and industry in Jamaica as head of the three LASCO affiliated companies, in Manufacturing, Distribution and Financial Services. LASCO Affiliated Companies has amassed a total value of thirty-five billion Jamaican dollars (JA$35 billion) and is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of a wide range of consumer and pharmaceutical products. Chin spoke to the new alumni present at the UTECH Graduation Ceremony and outlined that despite his success today, there were times when his only possession was his optimism.
“During my fifty plus years in business, I have experienced the agony of defeat and the exhilarating joy of success. I was never daunted by what seemed like defeat to others. When others saw doom and gloom, the optimist in me saw opportunity and hope. Failure is not in my vocabulary regardless of the circumstances and the risk. As you leave the University Of Technology Jamaica (UTECH) to enter the world of work or entrepreneurship, I urge you all to be bold and never settle for the usual. Be extraordinary and discover the untapped opportunities in Jamaica that are waiting for bold University Of Technology Jamaica innovators. I took risks and so can you. Just look at me today,” said a beaming Lascelles Chin as the audience resounded with applause.
The conferral of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) comes on the heels of other honours and awards that Chin has received from the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, the Roche Quality Awards, the AMCHAM Jamaica Awards of Excellence for Corporate Social Responsibility and the Medal of Distinction from the International Federation of Consular Associations (FICAC). The Honourable Lascelles Chin has also been inducted into the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame and received other recognition and salutations for his entrepreneurial efforts, business acumen and local outreach efforts.
