A civil engineer by trade, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Macau, and leader of the Macau chapter of the charity Lighthouse Club, Keith Buckley’s journey began in Germany, passed through several countries, before settling in Macau to oversee the construction of Sands Macao and The Venetian Macao two decades ago. His achievements recently earned him an MBE in King Charles’ New Year Honours List.
By José Carlos Matias
“Working with people from different cultures makes you more tolerant”
Born in post-war Germany to a British family, Keith Buckley’s upbringing in a foreign land laid the foundation for his later ventures across continents. After the war in 1946, his father went to Germany where Buckley lived until he turned 18. Growing up in Germany during a time of post-war reconstruction shaped Buckley’s perspective on the world. “The British families were told to try and employ as many Germans as they could, to help the economy,” he explains. Buckley pursued civil engineering at Surrey University in Guildford, England, setting the stage for a career that would take him across the globe.
From construction projects in Switzerland to the Netherlands, Poland to Iraq, Turkey, and eventually to Asia, Buckley’s professional journey reflects his willingness to embrace new challenges. Each assignment, from overseeing bridge projects in 1980s war-torn Iraq (at the time of the conflict with Iran) to constructing hospitals in Malaysia, forged him into a seasoned professional with a global perspective. “Working with people from different cultures makes you more tolerant,” he reflects. “I just learned to live with the people you’re with.”
Erecting Sands and The Venetian
In 2003, Buckley’s path led him to Macau, where he became involved in the monumental task of overseeing as a project director for construction management the construction of the city’s first post-liberalization casino: Sands Macao. Shortly after another major project- a rather monumental one – endeavor – building The Venetian Macao, the largest single-structure hotel in Asia. That implied causing out land reclamation at what was until then a swamp meticulous planning, coordination, and management of more than one hundred contractors and thousands of workers. “The scale and operation were huge. I’d never seen anything like it,” Buckley recalls, describing the opening of the Venetian Macao, which featured 3,000 rooms and a bustling casino floor. He remained deeply involved in Sands China’s ensuing property developments in Cotai, such as Four Seasons, Sands Cotai Central, The Parisian, and the redevelopment at The Londoner. Today, Buckley serves at a company under CESL Asia and continues as busy as ever. “I’m focusing on business development. I’m spending more time going out to meet people, looking for work, and making contacts. That’s quite interesting.”
“The scale and operation [of The Venetian] were huge. I’d never seen anything like it”
Recognised social service
Beyond his professional endeavours, Buckley is committed to fostering connections within the community. As chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Macau (BritCham Macao) and the Lighthouse Club, he plays a pivotal role in organizing events, promoting business opportunities, and supporting charitable causes. At the helm of BritCham Macao over the past eight years, he and the chamber committees have been holding numerous breakfast meetings, luncheons, or the annual BritCham Ball, while bringing closer the British and other expat communities and the local society, while liaising with counterparts in Hong Kong and Guangdong. Similarly, the Lighthouse Club provides fellowship and assistance to those in the construction community, embodying Buckley’s dedication to both professional networking and philanthropy. The social charity’s aim is to provide fellowship within the construction community in abroad and inclusive sense and provide assistance to those in need and the family of those who suffer fatal or serious industrial accidents. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Buckley was awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to the community. “I was very proud of getting it,” highlighting the significance of this honor in a small but vibrant city like Macau.
“For me as an expat, my home is where I am,” he reflects. And 21 years after setting foot here, this is the place where he has been based for a longer period of time.
“For now, Macau is my home, and I enjoy it.”
And 21 years after setting foot here, this is the place where he has been based for a longer period of time. “For now, Macau is my home, and I enjoy it.”
