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).

The Music Box
535 Clementi Road
Block 73 Level 3
Singapore, South West, 599489
Singapore

David Hoe

Council Member, National Youth Council & Ex-MOE Educator

In his PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination), David Hoe scored 110 and went into the Normal (Technical) stream. He grew up in challenging family circumstances and fell into bad company, but soon turned over a new leaf at the right time to beat overwhelming odds to be one of the top scorers in the GCE N-Levels. David, who was once considered a “failure” in terms of societal norms, went on to top his cohort despite challenging circumstances. Now, his academic rags-to-riches story stands out as a heartland rebel student who beat the odds to become a teacher.

Dru Chen

Musical Artist, Creative Educator

Dru Chen was a little Chinese-looking boy who grew up in a foreign land, Australia. He developed an early musical prowess and independent streak as a psychological defence mechanism for not fitting in. Growing up, he was fiercely determined to make his impact as a music producer, writer, and performer. However, Dru reached a multitude of roadblocks and blows to his self-confidence, ultimately resorting to a breakdown and realisation that he had to open up emotionally and connect with people if he was to create meaningful work. Eventually he found happiness and salvation in education and in guiding future generations. This talk aims to share his experiences of life as a creative educator who hopes to bring compassion and depth to our sonic landscape in Singapore.

Japnit Ahuja

Co-Founder, The Girl Code

Japnit Kaur Ahuja is the Co-Founder of The Girl Code, a non-profit that aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech community. She hopes to inspire young girls to learn programming by hosting free workshops at schools and local universities. Since 2017, she has impacted over 2,000 students in the US, India and Singapore through workshops and engagements. She hopes that her journey in tech as a woman in the countries she has lived in, combined with her idea of helping young girls find their passion in tech, will help inspire many globally.

Josephus Tan

Criminal Defense Lawyer, Invictus Law Corporation

Josephus Tan grew up in a difficult environment, where he was surrounded by fights and drug addicts. As such, he became a gangster and delinquent during his formative years, with drinking problems that often led to fights. He did badly in his PSLE, GCE Ordinary Level, and failed to complete his GCE Advanced Level. Later on in life, he found a job as a computer salesman. However, he felt aimless and turned to alcohol, which led to anger issues and depression. He later became physically abusive towards his loved ones. However, after realizing how much he has hurt his loved ones, he turned over a new leaf, quit alcohol, and took up an external diploma in law, taking his degree in the UK. He then completed his pupilage under the late criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan to embark on his legal journey.

Wei Soong Toh

Singapore Paralympic Swimmer

Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at the age of 2, a condition that causes the inflammation of the spinal cord and affects his lower nervous system, Wei Soong took up swimming as part of his rehabilitation. Currently an undergraduate in NUS, he did not let his condition affect him, and he attended school normally alongside able-bodied peers. He previously clinched two gold medals at the 2018 Asian Para Games, in the men’s 50m Freestyle S7 and the 100m Freestyle S7, and won a bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle S7 at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. More recently, in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, he set a national record and finished 4th in the men's S7 50m butterfly finals. He believes that things will always get better and that it is important to turn your struggle into something positive. Let it be your drive to turn your dreams into reality.