William Louey Lai Kuen: A Legacy of Business, Philanthropy, and Wellness

William Louey Lai Kuen is a Hong Kong businessman, philanthropist, and wellness advocate. A fourth-generation heir of the Louey family, William Louey continues to build upon his family's legacy while championing sustainability, education, philanthropy, and, most recently, well-being, a passion shaped by his own personal challenges. The profound loss of his grandfather and father at a young age has fuelled his commitment to longevity and holistic health.

Business Leadership and Sustainability

William Louey's grandfather, William Sui Tak Louey, founded the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (KMB) in 1921, Hong Kong’s oldest transportation company. Since becoming a director of KMB in 1997 and later assuming the role of non-executive director at Transport International, William has played a crucial role in the company’s strategic growth. Under his vision, KMB has prioritised sustainability, with a commitment to upgrading its entire fleet to new energy vehicles by 2040.

Beyond transportation, William Louey is a founding member of JNW Properties, a premier real estate agency specialising in resort properties across Asia. He also serves as chairman of Hong Kong Construction (Technology), a company licensed to implement Geofiber, an eco-friendly alternative to cement slopes. His business ventures reflect his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

The Pay It Forward Philosophy of Philanthropy

Despite his multifaceted career, philanthropy remains William Louey's greatest passion. Inspired by his late grandmother, who devoted her life to helping the elderly and disabled, he believes in making a personal impact rather than simply donating money. He founded the William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation in 1995 to provide scholarships for underprivileged yet exceptionally talented students from China and Hong Kong, allowing them access to prestigious institutions in the UK and the US. Over time, the Foundation has awarded over 60 scholarships, with many recipients going on to study at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and MIT. 

More than financial support, William personally mentors his scholars, fostering relationships that last beyond their academic years. His Pay It Forward philosophy encourages each scholar to contribute to society, creating a ripple effect of generosity and progress. In 2016, a group of alumni established their own scholarship fund, Pay It Forward, in his honour to sponsor Chinese students at Oxford. The William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation's impact, driven by its Pay It Forward philosophy, is now supporting third-generation scholars.

Growing Young: A New Wellness Venture

William Louey’s latest initiative, Growing Young, is a digital series dedicated to exploring longevity, health, and well-being. Launching in 2025, the series delves into the science and philosophy of aging gracefully, featuring expert insights and real-life applications of wellness strategies.

Each episode explores a unique aspect of longevity and well-being, delving into topics such as the importance of relationships in maintaining mental and emotional health, and the myths and realities surrounding plastic surgery in the context of evolving beauty standards. Creativity is examined as a fountain of youth, highlighting its role in cognitive vitality, while the science of nutrition uncovers how dietary choices impact aging. The series also examines the impact of philanthropy and purposeful living on extending vitality, as well as the influence of technology in anti-aging science and health monitoring. Finally, stories of resilience shed light on the art of bouncing back, offering inspiration through personal strength and recovery.

Filmed in Hong Kong, Growing Young with William Louey features conversations with leading industry experts, including anti-aging researchers, Olympic athletes, and renowned surgeons. The series adopts a digital-first strategy, leveraging platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to engage a global audience.

William Louey's contributions extend beyond philanthropy and wellness. In 1999, he joined the committee of the China Oxford Scholarship Fund and, in 2011, was appointed a Member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle at the University of Oxford. He has also served on the Executive Committee of The Friends of Cambridge University in Hong Kong, supporting the Prince Philip Scholarship. In recognition of his contributions to higher education, Oxford University awarded him the prestigious Elizabeth Wordsworth Fellowship in 2013—the first and only accolade of its kind.

William Louey is also a contributor to Entrepreneur.com, where he shares insights on leadership, business strategy, and personal development as part of the Entrepreneur Leadership Network.

Now 65 years old, William Louey celebrates over 30 years of philanthropy, while working on his next chapter –  Growing Young with William Louey, inspiring others to embrace a holistic approach to life. Louey’s work stands as a testament to the power of giving, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and well-being.