Elson dropped out of school at Pr 5. His mother worked as a cleaner and his father was an odd job labourer and both were unable to provide an ideal environment for him to study.

He completed 2 years of National Service and worked alongside his father as an odd job labourer, earning $40 a day.

However the turning point came when he joined ITE for Basic Vocational Training. He also took night classes for BEST and WISE progs. It was tough going as he had to work part time at a fast food restaurant at night and weekends to contribute to family income. Somehow he managed and progressed to NTC 2.However he didn’t make the grade to enter the poly.

Not discouraged, he persevered and was awarded the Tay Eng Soon scholarship to pursue a diploma in Mechanical Engineering at S’pore Poly. Currently Elson lectures at ITE and is able to use his experience to motivate his students.