Lai Meng Yi ( Aunty Lai Meng )

Aunty Lai Meng a Malaysian veteran actress who was famous and known for her acting in “Empat Sekawan” ( Four Great Friends ) is already over her 50 years in showbiz such as dramas, movies and advertisement to name a few. She had won many audience hearts especially in "Money Not Enough II and even nominated for the best Supporting Actress in the prestigious Golden Horse Awards in 2008 for her excellent protrayal of a dedicated mother who gives a lot of love to her children in the movie. IN THE 60s, many especially in Chinese new villages, would tune in to their radio sets —some with transistors close to their ears —waiting to listen to the radio drama of Lai Meng or more affectionately known as “Lai Meng Yi” (aunty Lai Meng). A decade later, thousands of households would sit on floors or on rocking chairs to watch her in the popular TV series Empat Sekawan in the 1970s — the show that shot Lai Meng to stardom. Read about the golden nuggets of wisdom from Malaysian veteran actress Lai Meng who recently published her first biography book called Lai Meng’s Biography.

The biography is written in Mandarin, with Lai dictating the story that is accompanied by black-and-white photos of the 83-year-old. She shares her ups and downs in life while providing some insights into the show business world gained through 50 years experience in acting. Her career started in the 1950s when she joined the Radio Network as part of a four-member troupe in a popular radio comedy sketch. She then rose to fame in the popular TV series Empat Sekawan that ran for two decades and ended in the 1980s.

Veteran Malaysian actress Lai Meng received her Datukship from Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah on Sunday.

Lai also gained fame across the causeway with her recent portrayal of a mother suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in Singaporean director Jack Neo’s Money No Enough II. She was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award in the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards and received a certificate of honour from the mayor of Taichung. “The memories of yesteryear keep resurfacing as I was dictating my stories — some were sweet while others were bitter. “I hope readers will enjoy the book as there is something for everyone, not just for those in the entertainment industry,” she said.

Her best friends such as Mak Fung, Loo Aye Keng, Cheng Kam Cheong and Angela Chan were among those in the entertainment industry who came to lend support during a recent book-sharing and autograph session at the IPC shopping centre, Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya. Looking at the audience, it was evident that she is popular among all age groups. Lai has won the hearts of many judging by the 10-page testimonials (written by those in the entertainment industry) in the book.

Publisher James Wong of Just Work Entertainment Sdn Bhd said Lai was the first celebrity to have her biography published by the company and they hope to work with others in the future. “She is a gem in the industry and we hope to share her experiences with the readers via the book,” he said.

Finally, Datuk Lai Meng - Source : redcarpet / By Noorsila Abd. Majid

Her lifelong devotion to arts has paid off. At 85, veteran Malaysian actress Lai Meng received her Datukship from Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah on Sunday.

The good-humoured actress, who shot to fame with her 1960s sitcom, Empat Sekawan, was dressed in a Nyonya Kebaya for the royal ceremony, held in celebration of His Royal Highness’ 82nd birthday.

“I’m happy to be recognised for my hard work at this age and to still have job offers,” the seasoned actress told Red Carpet.

A firm favourite among Singaporean filmmakers, the octogenarian was last seen in Gurmit Singh’s Chinese New Year comedy, Taxi, Taxi.

In 2008, she earned a nomination for Best Supporting actress at the Golden Horse Awards, Taiwan’s version of the Oscars, for her her pivotal role as a self-sacrificing senile mother who is neglected by her three grown-up sons in Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo’s Money No Enough 2.

Lai Meng was the third Malaysian actress after Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Lee Sinje to have scored a nomination at the prestigious international Chinese film award ceremony.