Theme: Metamorphosis

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Recital Hall
University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88400
Malaysia

Avery Fos

Avery Fos, named after the word “light” in Greek, is a Bornean music duo made up of singer songwriter Phoebe Tsen and producer Elisha Tiga. In the beginning of 2017, they decided to come together to write and record upon the discovery that they had both been on a search for like- minded music collaborators. Little did they know, one week into the writing process, they've recorded an entire EP and thus born Avery Fos. Influenced by the likes of M83, Shura and Wet, Avery Fos crafts mellow, ambient, soundtrack-like music triggered by midi keyboards and drums machines, forming an alternative ambient pop vibe. The upcoming duo released their debut self-titled EP in August 2017. Their latest single, “Y”, has been aired on local radio station KK12FM, as well as being featured on an episode of web documentary “Songs & Stories”. Most recently, the duo was made a SKOWT VIMA Global Music Awards 2018 Best New Acts Nominee. They’re also actively doing soundtrack projects for local short films. When not working together as Avery Fos, Elisha sessions as a bassist and guitarist as well as working as a composer and producer. Phoebe is a solo singer- songwriter, an award nominated actress and sound designer, working closely with Pitapat Theatre.

Ivy Nallammah Josiah

For 15 years, Ivy Josiah has been the Executive Director of Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) – A non-profit organisation in Malaysia that fights for women’s rights, specifically against violence against women. She has developed, promoted and implemented WAO’s shelter services, and led the advocacy work on the issue of violence against women and women’s rights in Malaysia. Her effort to fight for the rights of women was not only in Malaysia, even on international platforms such as Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP).

Jamal Raslan

A truly humble artist with his signature flat cap on his head, our next speaker, Mr. Jamal Raslan is one of Malaysia's most prolific poets and writers. Coincidently, he stumbled into the poetry scene on a journey he was on while trying to find his unique voice. He first started out as an audience at poetry slams, until later when he finally found his voice and rightful place behind a microphone. He addresses a myriad of issues, most of which are delivered on the backdrop of the socio-political- economical state of the country, with an undertone on identity and coming to terms with one's self. He believes that the word is alive and all we need to do is just listen. Around since 2010, he organizes international slams such as The Straits and the CEX Slam besides running workshops with Poets Passport Malaysia. He also runs English camps for youths with Englishjer. He's published in 'Malchin Testament - Malaysian Poems' in 2016 and 'Tukang Puisi - Antologi Puisi 55 Penyair Muda Malaysia." in 2018.

Jared Abdul Rahman

A multifaceted individual who fearlessly and consistently pursued his passions in life, he is both an educator and filmmaker with a core for storytelling. He is living proof that one can achieve anything as long as one puts his/her heart into it. Mr. Jared Abdul Rahman strives to address socioenviropolitical issues on a global level, by engaging communities through film and other awareness tools with a purpose to spark discussion as he believes this is the necessary starting point for positive change. Having spent the last 13 years living and working overseas, he has finally decided to return to his beloved homeland here in Sabah. Currently with his own film and media business, he dedicates himself to community projects aimed at raising awareness, to kickstart discussions, and by using his skills as a scientist and teacher, to achieve positive change. One of the masterminds behind the "Pillars of Sabah", Jared is the very definition of someone who is continuously building and opening new windows of learning opportunities in order to create a better world.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine Tea is a dedicated partner from Chumbaka Kota Kinabalu, in which the purpose of the organization is to develop children’s life skills through technology. Having been exposed to the corporate and commercial business environment, Jasmine chose to follow her calling to be with children. She discovered that her passion lies in making a difference in the lives of children; believing in self-paced and self-discovery learning. She also completed a 2-year stint with Teach For Malaysia. She is invited to speak at TEDxUMSKK about her hands-on experience of teaching children through a technological approach and how this could very much likely set the pace for an educational transformation.

Juanita Joseph

Dr. Juanita Joseph, a turtle expert who is also an Associate Professor from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, has been an active advocate for marine life, especially sea turtles and have also done many intensive research regarding the marine creatures. She is also the advisor for Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The program focuses on creating awareness on the conservation value of sea turtles and undertaking research projects with the goal of better understanding the life cycle of sea turtles.

Melvin Poh

Melvin Poh founded The Asian Entrepreneur, 7 years ago while he was studying at Harvard University. With other co-founders from Harvard; his work has exposed him to countless of interesting experiences in the startup community and exciting personal stories of entrepreneurs going through transformative journeys, realising their bold (and sometimes unconventional) visions and impacting society in the face of adversity and challenge through courage, persistence, creativity and technology. Essentially, he believes that entrepreneurship has fundamentally transformed in every aspect in the last decade and has done extensive research on the evolution of entrepreneurship.

Rose Patsy Tibok

Rosy Patsy Tibok has conducted many studies, published a few academic papers concerning the outreaches that has been done, and happening all over Sabah for undocumented and stateless children. Mostly of Indonesian or Philippines origin, they are the children of refugees that migrated to Sabah. The children of the refugees mostly do not receive citizenship (birth certificate) due to the lack of documents and can’t even get access to basic human right like education. She also made studies and evaluations about the alternative education provided to these undocumented and stateless children.

Sivakumar Kumaresan

Dr. Sivakumar is an American Board of NLP (ABNLP) Certified NLP Trainer. He has been a practitioner of NLP since he took his NLP Practitioner certification in Manchester, United Kingdom, in 1996. He has also obtained his NLP Master Practitioner and NLP Master Coach certification under the American Board of NLP (ABNLP). He is passionate about uplifting and healing others to have a healthy body, peace of mind, and meaningful relationships. He believes that people can enhance their lives through better communication and leadership with themselves and those they care about. He has been teaching and training university students and professionals in the areas of NLP, health, communication and accelerated learning since 1998. TEDxUMSKK has invited Dr. Siva to discuss about mental health issues, especially to enlighten our audiences about the silent killer among people- depression.