She appeared in many Malaysian and Singaporean films and TV shows, notably Empat Sekawan, Ah Long Pte Ltd, Money No Enough 2, Taxi!

[5] However due to governmental pressure in promoting Mandarin Chinese in Malaysia and the increasing popularity of Hong Kong and Taiwanese television shows within the nation, Empat Sekawan ended broadcast in 1988.

[8] 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.

[2] In 2008, Jack Neo decided to cast Lai in Ah Long Pte Ltd, and attested to her professionalism as an actress.

[8] Her acting did not go unnoticed and was recognised when she was nominated for Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress for portraying an Alzheimer's-ridden mother in Money No Enough 2 in 2008.

[12] Subsequently in 2017, Lai announced her retirement with a 89th birthday gala dinner that was well attended by other artistes and friends from the entertainment industry, saying that even though she didn't earn much over the years, she had no regrets.

Her godson, Bjarne Wong decided to honour her wish by directing Supermum,[16] which warm and joyful story-line was influenced by her optimistic personality.

[10] In 2008, Lai was nominated for Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress for portraying an Alzheimer's-ridden mother Money No Enough 2 in 2008.