.Ivan Lai

I remember Ivan was a good boss and gentleman.

Having started at MTS in 2017 when the team was starting to turn the successful MTR bid (and Ivan’s vision) into reality. I first met Ivan via online meetings and subsequent FIFO visits, though it was only when he came to Sydney to lead MTS as CEO in 2018 in the final stages of readiness that I truly realised what an inspirational leader, true gentleman and generous mentor Ivan was. Ivan, despite his schedule, regularly gathered the ever-growing team, to keep the safety focus, ensure the importance of this project, MTR and GoA4 operations, our point of difference to be front and centre in all our minds. This would ultimately translate into exceptional reliability and service offering that, our city, our customers and client had never experienced. Ivan trusted his team to deliver, had a unique style, always calm in his demeanour, yet he challenged processes and possible outcomes to ensure they were fit for purpose or to ensure the concept was fully understood or engrained. He always made time to share his vast knowledge and experiences. He also used many a proverb,or story, from the eagle to the dragonfly, to convey the message or the concept. Many of his words still ring true today as the day they were said. Ivan was keen to ensure we weren’t just building a railway, we were facilitating cross cultural awareness between the HK and Sydney teams, through recognition of events locally and abroad. Who knew that there is a secret yum-cha menu!! As the challenges in the D&C delivery manifested, Ivan’s professionalism, leadership and steadfast determination navigated through the rough waters facilitating the best possible outcome team for opening day. How the original MTS and MTR colleagues worked together to facilitate the successful opening in May 2019 remains something of immense pride for all involved. In time many would get to know Ivan outside the pressure of the work environment, whether, at a café, at restaurant, or at our home with a BBQ or a roast, here we saw Ivan as a very proud, yet humble family man, husband and father of two. And despite the distance between work and home, family was always in Ivan’s focus. Ivan’s wife, Annie, was always included via photos, a video call and occasionally joining us in person. As we all try to understand why this was Ivan’s destiny, we do know that Ivan’s legacy will go far beyond his time with us. Ivan’s personal and professional contribution to Australia’s and Sydney’s railway history is significant and should not be underestimated. Ivan led the team to bid, design and build a new GoA4 railway, the first new railway in over 150 years, bringing modern technology to our local industry. Future generations of rail engineers and industry workers will be able to reflect on this significant contribution. Ivan, your far reaching legacy, well beyond MTR and MTS, will continue through the people that were fortunate enough to have known, worked with you and learned from you. Thank you seems inadequate, Ivan, I have learnt so much from you, Ivan more than I can put into words at this time, I will miss our friendship, your leadership and above all the ability to call on you as a mentor. Our maker has a special place for you, Ivan Lai. I’ll look for you in the night sky as the brightest star shining, looking down and guiding us. Rest In Peace, my dear friend

Ivan a great man and leader. Thank you for your support and bring me to the team. Condolences to Ivan's family and Rest In Peace

Ivan, working under your leadership during challenging yet rewarding times at MTS has been a true honor. You were a great and truly caring leader, a real gentleman. Under you guidance and relentless positivity we were able to deliver successfully what seemed at times like an impossible task. Thank you for everything. You will be thoroughly missed. Rest in peace and my deepest condolences to your family.

A boss who cares not only for his company but also the well-being of his staff is worthy of our good memory. Farewell Ivan, our good boss, you had been a beacon of hope and stability at times when facing challenges for launching the first auto rail link in Sydney. We thank you for everything you are upholding - your sense of duty, your dedication, your professionalism and of your care for us, your colleagues. Rest in peace.

I will always remember your encouragement and enthusiasm during the difficult yet rewarding times. A true mentor to many and I have learned so much from you. Rest in Peace and condolences to your family.

I completely lost my words and heart-wrenched when hearing your departure cause you're so important and loved by everyone. Beyond your exceptional expertise in railway, you always demonstrated the Just Leadership explicitly with wisdom and compassion. Your personal charisma not just earned respect from others but motivated each individual to focus his/her energy on the right place. It’s my privilege to have an opportunity to work with you in the first UTO metro of Australia, in which I witnessed what qualities would lead us to accomplish the mission of impossible. Though we are facing tougher challenges on marching towards the city section without your company, we have confidence that MTR will make another remarkable legend in Sydney cause we now have the stronger team in MTS and the legacy of your spirit. May God heal the broken hearts and comfort Ivan’s family with hope in Christ.

RIP Ivan and condolences to Ivan’s family, it was a valuable experience working with you during the challenge period of MTS, you're not only a great leader but also let me learnt a lot of railway knowledge from you. You will be remembered and missed.