Theme: Shift

Our communities are living creatures, morphing endlessly to reflect the life within them. As we change, so do the societies we inhabit, swiftly and obediently. In wielding this power, the human race for long stood alone and almighty. Yet our reign over the shift might soon be over.

We are now starting to question whether the contemporary realities we’ve created are starting to break away from our hold; whether the fruit of our innovation has gained the upper hand over its own creators. Does the ultimate manifestation of human ingenuity stand in losing the power to shape our own destinies? And, if this is indeed where we’re headed, who will command the shift?

As we approach our third conference, our thoughts are focused on what lies ahead for our communities and beyond. In particular, we wish to delve deep into our collective aspirations and apprehensions for a future which is taking shape as we go around absentmindedly though our hectic lives. We believe that these constant changes have been a staple part of our lives, and a breeding ground for new opportunities: some exciting and others disconcerting; yet all worthy of our careful consideration.

Curious as to whether we can embrace the ever-changing reality of our existence without losing our identity in the process, we are pleased to invite you to the third edition of the TEDxUniversityofMalta Conference, which will be taking place on Friday 6 April 2018 at 1830hrs.

Valletta Campus Theatre
University of Malta Valletta Campus
Valletta, Valletta, VLT1216
Malta

Abdalla Kablan

Serial Entrepreneur + Fintech Expert

Abdalla is a serial entrepreneur, and Fintech expert. He specialises in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the design of complex financial systems. Throughout his career he founded a number of startups specializing in deep learning, professional match making, and Fintech. Furthermore, Dr. Kablan is an Alumni of Microsoft Ventures, UK and worked on projects which were featured at the World Economic Forum 2017 in Davos. Dr. Kablan is also an academic at the University of Malta where he lectures and researches topics related to computational intelligence, financial engineering, and financial data science. During his PhD studies between 2007-2011 Dr. Kablan researched the cryptographic block algorithms behind bitcoin, and is a renowned expert in the field of distributed ledgers. Dr Kablan advices the Maltese Government on matters related to strategic development and utilisation of technology, Fintech, and Blockchain/DLT technologies.

Lara Dimitrijevic

Lawyer + Women's Rights Activist

Lara graduated as Doctor of Laws in 2008 and has specialized in the field of family law and human rights. Dimitrijevic is founder and director of Women’s Rights Foundation and has been actively advocating for women’s rights. Dimitrijevic is currently a representative on the European Women’s Lobby ‘Observatory of Violence against Women’ on behalf of Malta Confederation of Women Organizations and a member of the Commission of Domestic Violence (Malta).

Ruben Cauchi

Genetic Scientist

Learning his trade in the golden triangle – London, Oxford and Cambridge, Ruben is essentially a gene hunter. You would not find him in gloomy board rooms but in the lab donning low-key jeans and sneakers. Leading a troop of scientists at the University of Malta, Dr. Cauchi is scouting the ensemble of genes that underpin brain function. Helping the Dr. Cauchi Lab’s mission is an army of tiny fruit flies whose DNA is amazingly close to humans. Dr. Cauchi believes that discovering the genes responsible for the fly’s incredible Acrobatic feats, including its remarkable ability to avoid swatting, will one day allow us to treat neurological maladies like ALS.

Sam Debattista

Student + Social Activist

Sam is a 21-year-old student in her final year of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Malta. From a young age Sam wanted to make a difference, be the change everyone spoke about but in a world full of just causes she didn’t know where to start. Years later, she found herself ruminating at a crossroads between life sustaining measures and death, she chose the latter. From then on, she has fought for the legalisation of euthanasia because her biggest fear is that she will outlive life itself. Sam’s philosophy is that life is about the quality of life you live and not the number of years you have and intends to continue voicing the needs of those who cannot fight for their rights till her last breath.

Sean Buhagiar

Creative

Sean is a professional Artistic Director, Creative Producer and Theatre-Maker based in Malta. Sean first read Communication Studies and Theatre Studies at the University of Malta. He holds a Master’s Degree in Performance Creativity from Universities in Rome, Paris and Poland where he researched creativity in performance. He has been active in the local theatre scene for the past 10 years and currently works in theatre, film and largescale festivals. Sean is the current Artistic Director of Notte Bianca Valletta and the Artistic Director of Teatru Malta. In 2015, Sean was presented the Outstanding Young Persons Award for cultural achievement by the Junior Chamber International Malta.