00:00With a microphone in one hand and a strainer in the other, Lai Choy Ngo belts
00:06out classic Indonesian, Malay and Chinese tunes as she fries local kueh at a stall
00:11in Georgetown's Jelutong Market. From Si Jantung Hati and Demi Cintani to
00:17Chan Fu and other timeless hits, the 58-year-old performs with gusto, creating
00:22a lively atmosphere that has turned her into something of a local sensation.
00:30Customers and fellow stall operators often join in, singing duets or dancing along as
00:36Lai sings her heart out. But behind her infectious smile and vibrant stage presence
00:41lies a story of personal grief. Lai, a single mother of two, lost her 20-year-old
00:47autistic son 11 years ago.
01:00She said singing not only helped her cope with the loss, but also keeps her energized
01:13throughout her workday. Though she has been singing at her stall for the past seven years,
01:18social media has recently amplified her popularity with fans now sending her song requests.
01:23Lai Choy Ngo
01:43Nearby vendors like Lim Kakun and Kenny Yeo often sing or dance along with Lai saying they treat her like family.
01:50Lim added that their lively antics have made work more enjoyable and customers more engaged.
01:57Lai's music has also been good for business, drawing curious onlookers who often leave with Kuei in hand and a smile on their face.
02:03Lai Choy Ngo
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