Theme: Masquerade: Unmasking the Hidden Truths

Everything in the world naturally tries to put forth its best on display. Unfortunately, we are often blindsided by this façade; the picturesqueness of it all conceals what really goes on behind the scenes. This façade steers us away from the truth, and what really lurks underneath. Henceforth, it is our solemn duty to piece through this veil of deceit. As there are two sides to a coin, there are also two sides to every story. Along these lines, what if we took the time to carefully unravel these deceitful veils – unravel the other side of the tale – and expose the truth for what it is? There is a simplistic beauty in truth, and it may very well deliver a contrasting beauty of its own. We believe the masquerade ball is over, and it’s time to unmask the hidden truths!

"This year, TEDxUTM2023 brings you MASQUERADE, whereby not everything is as it seems. The world is a stage, and we’re each playing our own characters. In line with our theme, we are stripping away the veneer of untruths and uncovering the hidden truths that would otherwise never see the light of day."

Dewan Seminar Kejora
Blok N28a
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Skudai, Johor, 80990
Malaysia

Adam Fahmi

First-year Computer Network & Security Undergraduate Student at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Adam Fahmi Bin Mohd Adnan is a first-year Computer Network & Security student. For starters, he is also a novice philosopher. He enjoys indulging in philosophy content, albeit books, podcasts, or videos. He has written numerous blogs that cover topics such as emotional education, psychology, and self-help content. Adam Fahmi is in the process of publishing his second book, which revolves around the niche of ‘Life Philosophy’. He believes that we can make philosophy the forefront subject in our modern era, as they have always been in the past. A kinder and gentler philosophy that applies equally to everyone.

Dato' Dr Ken Yeang

Architect and Ecologist pioneering ecology-based architecture

Dato' Dr Ken Yeang is an architect and ecologist who has been pioneering ecology-based architecture since 1972. He is known for using greenery to create "constructed ecosystems" that enhance biodiversity in his designs. Yeang has authored over 12 books on ecology-based architecture and won awards such as the Aga Khan Award and the Prinz Claus Award. His doctorate at Cambridge University on ecological design was published as ‘Designing With Nature’ (McGraw-Hill, 1985). The Guardian named him one of the 50 people who could save the planet for his dedicated 50 years of research, built experiments, innovations, and writings. He trained at the Architectural Association in London and earned his doctorate in ecological design from Cambridge University.

Duaa Saleem

Final Year Student majoring in Business Management at University of Southampton Malaysia

Duaa Saleem is a final-year Business Management student at the University of Southampton Malaysia. As a budding entrepreneur, she is passionate about creating a positive impact in the world through her business ideas and ventures. Duaa possesses a multitude of organisational experience working with people from different parts of the world and her most notable leadership abilities are reflected through her 2-year long tenure in the University of Southampton Malaysia Student Association, first as Treasurer and then as President. She is a firm believer that passion and happiness are the key ingredients that determine success and hopes to contribute her utmost towards a better future for the world.

Firdaus Khalid

Virtual Reality Artist & Programme Coordinator for Animation, VFX, Web Development, and Games Programming Departments at SAE Institute, United Kingdom.

With more than 25 years of experience in the creative content industry, Firdaus started off at Gempak Comic before jumping into the game industry with Storm Riders MMORPG. Today, Firdaus is the Programme Coordinator for Animation, VFX, Web Development, and Games Programming Departments at SAE Institute, United Kingdom. He also volunteered in the toys industry and worked on collaborative projects within cybersecurity, the Metaverse, NFTs, and AIs. As an established Virtual Reality Artist with his artworks showcased in many art exhibitions worldwide, today Firdaus has given talks at renowned international conferences like SIGGRAPH and multiple TEDx Talks around the world.

Lim Siow Wei

Content Creator & Director of BlueGates Digital PLT

Siow Wei is a content creator with 2.7m followers on TikTok and 850k subscribers on Youtube. It all started during COVID when Siow Wei finished her Masters at the Australian National University (ANU) but was stuck in Sabah, unable to go for job interviews. She eventually decided to step out and try something totally new and never looked back ever since. Today she has a presence across different social media including TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, XiaoHongShu and DouYin. She also has a production house and her own apparel brand named after her slogan - YAEY!

Raymond Phoon

CEO & Founder of the PowerUp Success Group, Author, International Keynote Speaker, Global Sales Coach & Business Transformation Expert

Raymond Phoon is an Author, International Keynote Speaker & Global Business Coach with more than 32 years of solid management, marketing and selling experience in various positions of Leadership, Consulting & People Development capacities with leading brands globally. He is the Past President of The Malaysian Association of Professional Speakers, a multiple business award winner, much sought-after Talent Development expert, and is recognized as among the top 20% accredited speakers in the world. As a regular feature at business conventions, world class forums, and industry publications, Raymond is highly passionate about sharing practical ideas that Transform Lives and Empower Businesses.

Reza Razali

Founder of Terato Tech and custodian of KitaJaga.co, an award winning humanitarian relief platform

Reza is a geek at heart; he began coding at the age of 7 and started his first tech company at 17. During the peak of COVID in 2021, Reza's team at Terato Tech launched KitaJaga.co, and he was appointed as its custodian. KitaJaga has assisted over 100,000 people in Malaysia in various ways, including flood relief, back-to-school support, and the White Flag campaigns. He is also a lifelong Chelsea supporter and is content with the belief that Chelsea will remain a mid-table team for years to come.

Sarina Sundara Rajah

Rhythmic Gymnastics Gold Medallist and Coach, Founder of SRGC & Founder of Safe Sport Malaysia

Sarina Sundara Rajah was a national rhythmic gymnast and a gold medalist at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and 2001 SEA Games. Sarina knows sports are essential to every young girl’s life stage and is resolved to keep them playing. She helps to facilitate access to and promote sports practice and leadership through Sarina Rhythmic Gymnastics Club from grassroots to elite. She is also committed to the safety and well-being of athletes through Safe Sport Malaysia. In addition, she believes that collectively, we can make a positive difference by sharing our stories and amplifying the voices of others who do.

Tony Lim Sen Tian

Entrepreneur, Founder and Director of WCT Worldwide Training & Author

Tony Lim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Property Management from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and certification of an advance certified trainer in Singapore and Malaysia (ACTA) as well as possessing several real estate qualifications from Singapore and Malaysia. Since 2009, Tony has received several awards and honours in his real estate career. In 2011, he discovered his stock analysis formulas applicable to the stock market in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States of America. Then, he decided to share his knowledge, skills, and experience with more people, leading them to financial freedom. In 2012, he published his first best-seller, “The Powerful Value Investing Formula”, “How to Build My Own Cash Machine Through Stock Investment” in 2016, and “The Key, Charting Your Path To True Success” in 2019. He has received several business and leadership awards such as LICTA, Golden Bull, Britishpedia, Asia Pacific Business Nobel Record & International Honesty Enterprise Award.

Yee Yin Sinn

IT Project Transformation Lead, Fitness/Wellness Trainer (Co-founder of O-Zone Fitness), Content Creator & Freelance Emcee

As a multitalented young entrepreneur, Yin Sinn is the cofounder of O Zone Fitness, one of the first obstacles and calisthenics gym in Malaysia while also having a full-time job as an IT transformation manager. After completing her MBA at age 25, Yin Sinn continued to achieve different certifications such as PMP, NLP Practitioner and NASM Fitness Trainer. Working through a male-dominated IT and Fitness industry, she saw it as a platform to shine as a female in terms of perspective, thought process, etc. She is conducting a series of women's wellness and leadership programs to inspire more females to be confident regardless of their dreams and the industries they wish to pursue.