The Li Foundation was delighted to welcome acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo and producer Fong Cheng of Zhao Wei Films for an engaging exchange on the transformative power of storytelling and film in driving social impact.
As one of Singapore’s most internationally celebrated filmmakers, Eric Khoo has played a pioneering role in shaping the nation’s film industry over the past three decades. His award-winning works—including Mee Pok Man, 12 Storeys, Be with Me, My Magic, Ramen Teh, and the animated feature Tatsumi—have been showcased at leading international film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. Through his distinctive storytelling, Eric has consistently explored themes of identity, humanity, family, and resilience, bringing Singaporean stories to audiences around the world.
Joining him was veteran producer Fong Cheng, one of Singapore’s most respected film producers. Over the course of her career, she has produced numerous acclaimed films and documentaries that have been recognised at major international film festivals. Meanwhile, Zhao Wei Films has built a reputation for creating works that combine artistic excellence with thoughtful reflections on contemporary society. It has also served as a launchpad for many of Singapore’s leading filmmakers, including internationally recognised directors such as Royston Tan, Brian Gothong Tan, Boo Junfeng, and Nicole Midori Woodford.
During the meeting, the Li Foundation shared its mission of inspiring and impacting lives through its six focus areas, with particular emphasis on Inspiring Asia, the Foundation’s flagship platform that harnesses storytelling to promote positive social change across the region. The discussion explored the unique role of film in fostering empathy, amplifying underrepresented voices, and encouraging dialogue around important social issues. Eric and Fong Cheng also shared about their journeys in filmmaking and some of the experiences that have shaped their work over the years.
The exchange highlighted a shared belief about the power of stories to inspire action and underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of filmmakers to tell stories that matter. It was especially meaningful that our conversation will continue beyond the meeting room, with Eric graciously accepting our invitation to serve as a Grand Final Judge for this year’s Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival. We are honoured to have him lend his creative vision and wealth of experience to encourage and inspire emerging filmmakers from across Asia.
The book showcases how the participants challenged their limits and conquered the World Marathon Challenge and North Pole Marathon to inspire people to challenge their own limits and pursue their dreams boldly.
The book tells the stories behind the event which saw the largest number of people in history running 1045km round Taiwan in 19 days.