Up Close and Personal.
Monique at Doctor’s Cave Beach in Mobay.
What it’s like being Jamaican in Hong Kong?
MONIQUE LAI TALKS CULTURE, CREATIVITY & IDENTITY
For Jamaican-Chinese Monique Lai, it’s a story of dual heritage, artistic evolution, and proudly representing Jamaica in spaces where Caribbean culture is rarely seen.
In the latest episode of Jamaicans to the World, host Xavier Murphy sits down with Monique, photographer and filmmaker whose life journey spans Montego Bay, China, and Hong Kong. Born to a Jamaican-Chinese father and a Hong Kong mother, Monique’s story is one of cultural fusion, rich family history, and a passion for visual storytelling that now defines her career.
Monique grew up in Jamaica, attending Mount Alvernia Prep and High School in Montego Bay, but spent many of her childhood summers visiting family in Asia. “From a very young age, I was really taken with Asia and the possibilities,” she recalls. These early experiences—watching the vibrant life of Hong Kong unfold around her and visiting her father’s village in China—inspired her creative imagination. “When I would go back to Jamaica, my imagination would just spiral.”
That imagination eventually led Monique to pursue directing, first for stage productions like ‘Jamaica Farewell’, and later photography and film. Her move to Hong Kong was fuelled by a desire to challenge herself creatively and connect with audiences in new ways. “I wanted to see if I could tell a story or emotion through a single image—without dialogue.”
Now settled in Hong Kong, Monique runs a photography and video business and recently returned from working on a project at the prestigious Venice Biennale. She describes Hong Kong as an advanced, fast-paced city that’s efficient and inspiring—but also expensive. “The cost of living is high, but there have been more sales lately, which helps,” she shares. Public healthcare is affordable and accessible, and setting up her creative business was a smooth process with the right support.
Chatting with Xavier after the recording
Despite her Chinese appearance, Monique is often mistaken for a local until she starts speaking. “A lot of people say I’m the first Jamaican they’ve ever met,” she laughs. “I’m always happy to be that person.” Representing Jamaica in a place where Caribbean identity is largely unfamiliar comes with its challenges, but Monique embraces the role. She even found a small Caribbean community in Hong Kong that helps keep her connected to home.
And like many Jamaicans abroad, she deeply misses the food—especially patties and Maggi products. “Every time someone visits, I get a little bag of goodies,” she says with a smile.
At the heart of Monique’s story is a deep respect for her roots, a drive to create, and an openness to the world around her. Her advice to other Jamaicans thinking of making a similar move? “Stay open and receptive. The culture can be very different, but it’s also incredibly enriching.”
“Thank you all for viewing. Stay Irie.”
Film Location:
Recorded in the Club Library, Hotel Stage in Jordan, Kowloon.
Special Thank You to Evelyn Chan.Q. Fitz Thompson
I wanted to ask: what question you wanted to be asked, or wanted to say on the video that you didn't get the chance to share?
A. There is actually 2 things:
1) I should've mentioned what was fascinating and unique about Hong Kong is that in the city, the buildings include overhead pedestrian walkways / walkthroughs for the general public. Great for rainy, hot days, storms, etc. The planning of this is quite extraordinary and I should've big up the architects & urban planning. They make the public-use flow seamless and fluid.
2) I regret not revealing the price to travel to China: 45 mins. MTR Train is ~ US$8 . And the super impressive High-speed Train I completely forgot to mention !
15 mins. to Shenzhen North
1 hr. to Guangzhou ~ US$30 .
Q. @simonelavigne8618
I am confused. Is she descended from the Jamaican grandmother, and was that Lady Chinese? Monique described herself as mixed. Most Jamaicans are, but her grandfather’s story makes me curious. Also, is she a citizen? Does she have rights because her mother is from there. Are people confused when they discover she is Jamaican? So many questions, lol.
A. They get confused b/c they truly don't know there are Chinese people in the Caribbean. They can tell I’m different bc I’m not one to shy away from wearing colour 🌸 My grandmother, Gwendolyn Smith was from Westmoreland. Re: HKID, I got this thru Mommy.
My Grandmother, Gwendolyn Smith
@deniserodgers9272
Monique is another PROUD Jamaican 🇯🇲 such an interesting enjoyable interview.
@londonlondon-z6q
Very interesting, I love this lady keep flying that Jamaican flag 🎉😂, I can see that you very proud 🦚 of your Jamaican country
🦚🦚 Yessssssss ~ no other way ! Ha ! Thank you ... 🦚
@patsydelatiebudair5218
Only thing with Jamaicans we travel the word and loving it. Congratulations my lady ❤
@eileenwatt8283
This is the most interesting one. All roads led to Jamaica then they found love.
@TrelawnyBertram
Best dumpling and ackee!? Go Mommy Lai 👏🏾
I'm telling you !! That's why I always ask for a can of Ackee. Now I need a little saltfish, ha ! 💫
Q. @julainejaddo4907
I don't think it was affordability.
A. You are right, I used the wrong word! I should not have said affordability. The 4 boys were sent to China to gain a cultural experience and to have a Chinese mindset. It was hard, rough, and very tough. But this environment gave Daddy the inner / mental strength to handle anything and everything. The woman that raised him, was the one who found Mommy ❤️
@claudiamyers4605
Wonderful interview, so clear and honest about her Chinese, Hong Kong ancestry ❤ Monique continue to flag the Jamaican flag high....Love and Blessings ❤
@Patiencenad1
(1) So super proud of my beautiful friend, my school mate, my girl Monique Lai in Hong Kong- Mt Alvernia High forever… great interview ❤
(2) Monique you were so awesome doing this interview, don’t know if you remember but you were so shy in 7th-8th grades. Love this ❤
A. Nadine !!! 🥰🥰 so Happy u saw this … I’m still definitely ‘camera’-shy ! Only b/c of Xavier I felt comfortable enough to say Yes ! I recorded @HotelStage in Kowloon. Their private Club Library space completely relaxes me ~ I had so much fun. Thank you, Much 💖💖💖
@JanetMcRae-j9b
Very interesting interview ❤❤
@theandrewgreen
This was good!