He started his career as a trainee in the fashion and clothing industry, rising to managing director with Peninsula Knitters Ltd ten years later.
Lam was appointed to leading roles in capacities such as chairman of the Clothing Industry Training Authority and Vice President of the Independent Police Complaints Council.
In 2008, he ran for the 4th Legislative Council election and won the seat in the trade-based Industrial (Second) functional constituency.
Lam was appointed director of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) from 2009 to 2015 and became chairman on 1 April 2017.
In 2004, Lam Tai Fai College (LTFC), supported by his charitable foundation, opened in Shatin, where he took the roles of supervisor and chairman of Incorporated Management Committee (IMC).
The project launched in provinces such as Henan, Qing Hai, Hubei and Yunnan, encompassing 30 schools.
[7] In August 2022, Lam said that PolyU has risen from the Siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was now "stronger" with "more energy and momentum" and that "Riots can never stop the SAR government to fully and accurately implement the one country, two systems principle, nor stop PolyU to continue to develop healthily.