Mr Lai has received several recognitions for his contribution to the art community and his lifelong passion for spreading the joy of art to his students.

Notable awards include:

• "Distinguished Young Landscape Artist" by the Committee on Arts and Culture of Philippines (1971 Constitutional Convention) Republic of the Philippines in 1974.

• "Master of Art in Painting" by Faculty Libre de Culture Humanine Bordeau in 1974.

• "Ten Outstanding Young Persons" by Hong Kong Jayceettees and Kowloon Jaycees in 1974.

• ”Distinguished Client of Hong Kong Bank of Canada’s 1993 annual report”.

• Distinguished Citizen of "Achievement Award" 1997 on Canada Day.

• Outstanding Person of Chinese Canadian Legend 2001.

• Australian Albert Schweizer Award for Art and Science in 2017.

• King Charles III Coronation Medal in Canada in 2025.