KINGSTON, Jamaica –The University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH) awarded The Honourable Lascelles Chin, O.J., C.D., the Founder and Executive Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies, with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) degree in recognition of his significant and esteemed contributions to the business sector.
The Honorary Degree was given at UTECH’s Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, November 12. This award recognized Chin as a leading exporter and generous philanthropist. His success in business is hard to match. Because of this, he serves as a great role model for both undergraduate and graduate students.
In accepting the Honorary Degree, Lascelles Chin showed humility. He felt honored to be recognized with other distinguished honorees. He praised the University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH) for its role in Jamaica’s development.
“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.
Humble Beginnings
Lascelles Chin grew up in a humble family in south-central Jamaica. He is grateful for his roots and never forgets them. This shows in how he talks about his family’s support over his 53 years in business. They helped shape his strong work ethic, focus on customers, 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.
Business Titan
Today, Lascelles Chin is a leader in business in Jamaica. He heads three LASCO companies in Manufacturing, Distribution, and Financial Services. The LASCO Affiliated Companies are worth thirty-five billion Jamaican dollars (JA$35 billion). They make and distribute many consumer and pharmaceutical products.
Chin spoke to the new alumni at the UTECH Graduation Ceremony. He shared that, despite his success today, there were times when all he had 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.
Honors and Awards
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.
