For the first time, the University of Malta has been granted the license to host an official TEDx event on campus, thus joining hundreds of other universities and colleges around the globe in discussing ‘ideas worth spreading’ within their communities. This initiative is being organised in partnership with the University of Malta, KSU, and Agenzija Zghazagh, and will culminate in a half-day conference on Wednesday, 18th May, 2016, between 18:00 and 22:00.

Bearing the theme ‘The Joys of Being’, the conference shall explore the state of our humanity today from a community perspective, stemming from the core belief that despite all the challenges we face, this is undoubtedly the best time to be alive.

TEDxUniversityofMalta shall seek to shed a light on some of the best ideas out there, exposing the forward-looking visionaries and innovative thinkers across multiple disciplines. Through the power of TED’s resources and internationally-renowned brand, this initiative shall provide an unparalleled platform for ideas to come alive.

From architects to educators; scientists to paralympians, the selected speakers represent a vastness of experiences and a plethora of innovative concepts. We hope they will inspire you to dream, spur you to achieve, and motivate you to succeed in leading your own ideas to fruition.

University of Malta
University of Malta
Msida, Msida, MSD2080
Malta

Antoine Zammit

An architect and urban designer by profession, Dr Antoine Zammit holds an undergraduate degree in architecture and civil engineering from the University of Malta (UoM), a post-graduate MSc degree in Town and Country Planning and a PhD research in planning and urban design, both from the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London (UCL). He has worked in private practice since 2002 on projects in Malta, Italy and the Republic of Ireland and was further a member on the Planning Appeals Board in Malta. Today Antoine leads his architectural and urban design consultancy, studjurban, and lectures in spatial planning, urban design and urban governance at the Department of Spatial Planning and Infrastructure within the Faculty for the Built Environment, UoM. Antoine believes that the design of meaningful, quality places for people is key to the creation of successful urban environments, which are truly liveable and which may contribute positively to individuals' quality of life.

David Zammit

David graduated with honours in International Business and Economics from the University of Manchester. During this period, he co-founded a clothing company in partnership with the high street fashion label American Apparel. The company’s innovative ideas caught the attention of PwC UK in 2013, and where recognised with the award of University Business Champions. Following University, David decided to immerse himself fully in the world of adventure sport, a long time interest of his. This saw him climbing mountains in various continents and sailing across oceans. Additionally, he is most known for his 32 day, 4200km solo expedition, where he cycled across the Australian continent. Aside from adventure travel, his foremost passions include photography and writing, both of which he has delved deeply into as a means of sharing his incredible experiences with the world.

Julian Bajada

Julian encountered challenges from the day he was born, but it is his determination to overcome them that defines him. A rare condition affected both his arms and legs, leaving him physically disabled in more way than one. The challenges did not end there and Julian had a mountain to climb, facing a series of back-to-back major operations at the world-renowned Great Ormond Str. Hospital in London. If there is one thing that has made Julian feel like a “normal person” it has definitely been sports. Julian was handed what he calls a life-changing opportunity when he was asked to take up swimming as his main sport. Working his way up the ranks, Julian represented Malta at the prestigious Para-Olympic Swimming World Championships. In his own words, “Sports has taught me everything, there is no dream too big…” Today, Julian is a Law Student at the University of Malta and an avid advocate for healthy living and the importance of sports in daily life.

Lelio Spiteri

Lelio graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Malta in 1994 and started his teaching career in Qala at the Anton Buttigieg Primary School, followed by a Masters Degree in Education. A few years later (2003) he was awarded a Diploma in School Administration from the same University. After thirteen years as a primary school teacher he was appointed Assistant Head at the Gozo College Rabat Primary School. He became Head of the same school five years later. Lately he has completed a CPD course Educational Leaders as Action Researchers at MQF Level 6. Along with his unparalleled passion for education which truly embraces inclusivity and diversity, Lelio is also heavily involved in the voluntary sector within at a community level, with decades of experience in active engagement.

Luke Azzopardi

Luke Azzopardi is a Couturier, Production Designer, & Installation Artist. He studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (UAL) in London and at the University of Malta (UoM), where he is currently reading for an MA in Art History. His self-titled luxury design house based on the Maltese Islands specialises in bespoke couture. Luke focuses on the idea of timeless elegance, and reflects a sense of a researched and applied aestheticism. The brand's mission is to push artisanal design as a self-sustainable local industry through concept-based fashion that embraces beauty, individuality and style. Throughout all of his research and design work, Luke aims to use fashion design, and to a broader sense, pop, as modern day narratives to define postmodernism in Malta, as well as to explore the realities of postmodernist issues as lingering phenomena. He is concerned with pinpointing a set of aesthetic principles by which one can create and discuss contemporary fashion.

Mikela Fenech Pace

As a graduate of International Relations from the University of Malta in 1997, Mikela furthered her studies in Cyprus in Management studies as part of a Commonwealth Scholarship (1998). She then proceeded to read a Masters degree in Conflict Resolution on a Chevening Scholarship at the University of Bradford followed by an EU Scholarship to read a Masters degree in EU Politics and Administration at the College of Europe in Bruges. Mikela joined the Maltese Diplomatic Service in 2000. In her vast work portfolio, she encountered numerous challenges, including the Asian Tsunami and the Libyan crisis. In November 2013 Mikela moved to the Private sector. In October 2015, Mikela launched her first book ‘Stolen Childhood’ – a true story of the struggle of Jacqueline Vassallo to be a mother to her four children. Mikela is married to Eric and has five children, Lisa, Anna, Sarah, Eric and Rebecca.