Lai Kwai Yoon

Datuk Lai Kwai Yoon (; 29 September 1928 - 6 May 2018), known professionally as Lai Meng , was a Malaysian actress. She appeared in many Malaysian and Singaporean films and TV shows, notably Empat Sekawan, Ah Long Pte Ltd, Money No Enough 2, Taxi! Taxi! and Supermum.

Early life Lai was born in Benut, Pontian District, Johor, Malaysia on 29 September 1928, her full name was Lai Kwai Yoon. With a passion for singing, Lai joined Malacca Meng Seng Charitable Association's choir and occasionally held performances with the choir. After catching a performance of Lai by chance, an established singer, Hoi Yong struck a friendship with her and would later spark her interest in becoming a singer later on. In 1952, the four decided to join a radio station and started broadcasting a radio show, Empat Sekawan, a comedy skit with dialogue in various Chinese dialects intermingled with Malay. The radio show was so well received that it evolved into a television show which was broadcast on a Radio Televisyen Malaysia's television channel in 1966.

After Empat Sekawan ended and although Lai had lost her job, as the local entertainment industry in Malaysia and Singapore was maturing, she soon joined a movie production company despite her advanced age and knowing that she would not be able to get lead roles anymore.

In 2008, Jack Neo decided to cast Lai in Ah Long Pte Ltd, and attested to her professionalism as an actress. Lai soon accepted roles in the next Jack Neo movie being Money No Enough 2. In 2013, Lai also starred in Singaporean movie Taxi! Taxi!.

Retirement and later life Lai had a fall in 2016, requiring her to use a wheelchair. She then took a break from acting.

Lai Meng died on 6 May 2018, at the age of 89 of stroke. She was interred at the living tomb that was given to her in 2013 at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih, Selangor.

Before Lai died, she wanted to act one last time for her fans. Her godson, Bjarne Wong decided to honour her wish by directing Supermum, which warm and joyful story-line was influenced by her optimistic personality. However before her scenes could be filmed, her health debilitated with a stroke. and recorded messages from Lai were included throughout the movie. Money No Enough 2

Nominated for Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress The Wedding Game

Dance Dance Dragon Mother Long The Golden Couple 金童玉女 Supporting role 2013 Taxi! Taxi! +Radio showsYearTitleRoleNotes1952客人卖女儿 1988城市妙人

Awards and honours In 1978, Lai was awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara by Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia of the time, Sultan Yahya Petra.