Early Life and Education
Barry Lam was born in Shanghai, China, on April 24, 1949, and was raised in Hong Kong. He moved to Taiwan for higher education, earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University.
Rise to Success
In 1973, Lam co-founded Kinpo Electronics, which became the largest contract manufacturer of calculators. Recognizing the potential of the notebook computer market, he founded Quanta Computer in 1988 with a small initial capital. Quanta quickly grew, becoming a major player in the electronics manufacturing sector, and the world's largest PC notebook manufacturer.
Key Business Strategies
Lam's success is attributed to several strategic moves, including focusing on innovation, establishing strong partnerships with major tech companies like Apple and Dell, and expanding Quanta's operations globally, with manufacturing plants in China, North America, and Europe. Quanta's cloud computing business has also grown to become a significant source of revenue.
Philanthropy
Beyond business, Lam is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly in culture and education. He established the Quanta Cultural and Educational Foundation and funded a new College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at National Taiwan University, known as the Barry Lam Hall. He supports various charitable activities and promotes culture and arts to enrich people's lives.