Michael comes from Singapore (read: foodie), and has been a member of the UC community in two different seasons. He and his wife came to Vancouver in 2015 to for him to pursue a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, after 2 decades in the marketplace, first as a litigation lawyer, then in the wealth management industry, helping high net worth clients with their estate and succession planning. During his 3 years in Vancouver, Michael was an active part of the UC community, serving on the preaching team, worship, home group, international students outreach, and eventually on the UC board.
After he graduated from Regent, Michael's original plan was to return back to the marketplace, where he felt called to serve God as a marketplace professional within the wealth management industry. However, the COVID pandemic (and God!) led him to a pastoral calling in his church in Singapore, where he served, during COVID, as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor for 2 years. Despite having moved back to Singapore, Michael and his wife Elena would still visit Vancouver (and UC) regularly, and on their annual visits, they would slip right back into the community life. In 2024, when UC were searching for a new English pastor, Michael was invited into the process, and he joined the staff team in July 2025.
Michael and Elena have been married almost 30 years, and in their free time are passionate scuba divers (but only in tropical waters!), and they enjoy feeding people and having good conversations around their table (which can seat up to 14!). They are also very partial to furry four footed creatures, having had three dogs in their marriage life thus far. Michael is conversant in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien.
