Born and raised in Singapore, Eli went on to live, study and work across the globe, including in London, Vancouver Island, Toronto, and Berlin. A storyteller for as long as he can remember, he had self-published four novels by the age of 13. Eli completed the International Baccalaureate diploma program in high school in Victoria BC, where he was heavily involved in debate, theatre, and student leadership. In his final year of high school, he wrote, directed and produced his major short film debut, A Deaf Man’s Symphony. This film, in addition to his academic achievements, led to him receiving the University of Toronto’s prestigious full four-year National Scholarship. At UofT, Eli majored in Cinema Studies and double-minored in Philosophy and Creative Expression and Society. In his first year he was accepted into the Vic One program (the Jewison Stream for the Arts and Society), and he went on to become a mentor for the program in his second year.

In 2022, he was selected as one of 20 emerging Canadian filmmakers for Canon Canada’s first ever 12-month creative incubator program, Canon Futures. He was mentored by top industry professionals, and began work on his first feature film, The Only Bar on King Street. Upon graduating from UofT, Eli was awarded the Norman Jewison Fellowship in Film Studies for his outstanding achievements, as well as a Victoria College graduating scholarship. These awards supported his recent move to Germany, where he is currently completing a one-year Master’s Degree in Film Directing at MetFilm School Berlin. He is planning to pursue another Master’s Degree in Philosophy (and eventually a PhD) at King’s College London, to further explore his interests in consciousness, meditation, Buddhism, and the self.

Eli is happy to talk with students or parents about any aspect of university life. He has a particular passion for mentoring students who have a dual interest in academia and the arts, as much of his life has been spent learning to balance these two worlds (philosophy and filmmaking). Eli welcomes discussion of specific programs at the University of Toronto, the structure of the University (the college system, scholarship applications, living on residence, etc.) or living in Toronto. He is also happy to support students interested in studying abroad (especially in Europe), drawing from his current experience living in Berlin (and as somebody who does not speak any German!) and his vast international experience.