Theme: Embracing Diversity

n 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 Grand Multi-Purpose Hall, GIIS PUNGGOL SMART CAMPUS
27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649
Punggol, Singapore, North East, 828649
Singapore

Atithy Senthilkumar

Meet Atithy Senthilkumar a IB YR2 Student who lives with a speech impediment that manifests as a stutter, but she sees this as a unique part of her journey. This impediment has shaped Atithy's perspective on communication and her connection to it. As someone who used to be very reserved and still is to a certain level, she loves challenging herself and going out of her comfort zone, which plays a part in her reasons for speaking at TEDx GIIS Youth. Atithy believes that our differences-whether they are how we speak, our religion, interests-are what make us stronger as a community. This belief drives her dedication to building connections that bridge gaps between different perspectives. Despite her stutter, she loves engaging in conversations about topics that help deepen her understanding. Speaking on this stage is a testament to her belief that everyone has a unique voice that needs to be heard. This is also one of the few quotes she lives by and is one of her motivators to challenge herself. From a young age, she used to watch TED Talks to understand why she has certain differences and she used this exploration to build herself and her persona. This journey of discovery taught her to embrace diversity, making her excited to share her talk on this stage.

Ching Chia

Ching has been involved in civil society and community building work for more than a decade. Her work in activism includes being an organising committee member at Pink Dot for the past 11 years handling social media, a community builder at Prout running events such as Queer Trivia Night, various panel discussions on LGBTQ issues for the past 6 years, and more recently a founding member of Proud Parents, a queer parents a support group that provides support for fellow queer parents in Singapore In her current day job, Ching is currently an Associate Senior Sales Director at a real estate agency-'selling sunset in Singapore, focusing mainly on residential properties. Her day the job pays for her work in activism, as well as her daughter's wishes. In Ching's past life, she was an urban planner and researcher with a passion for city planning and design for 15 years. She did her undergraduate studies in urban planning and design at the University of Melbourne, and her postgraduate studies in architecture at the National University of Singapore. While she enjoyed lecturing and nurturing young minds during her time as a part-time lecturer in NUS and also a Vice-President andTeam manager of the NUS Muay Thai Fight Team, she is happy with her current career where there is more flexibility for her to spend time with her newly created family. She and her wife are proud mums to a 13-month-old baby girl.

Niranjan Pandian

Niranjan Pandian is a renowned Singaporean flautist and music director, known for his mastery of Indian bamboo flutes, such as the Klui, Suling, and Dizi. As the creative producer of Brahmastra, an arts and production house, Niranjan focuses on cross-cultural collaborations and multi-disciplinary projects. He is a graduate of LASALLE College of the Arts, having earned a BA (Hons) in Music under an Arts Scholarship from Singapore's National Arts Council. Niranjan's early mentorship with Dr Ghanavenothan Retnam, along with continued guidance from celebrated musicians like Grammy nominee Maestro Shashank Subramaniam and Pundit Deepak Ram, h a s shaped his artistic path. In 2022, he was recognised by Britishpedia's "Successful People of Singapore" a n d received the Mandolin U. Shrinivas International Award. With over 400 recorded tracks and numerous international performances, including appearances at the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, Niranjan, has earned global recognition. His work has been honoured by the New York International Film Festival and the Tamizhagam International Film Festival. Beyond performing, he directs music for various ensembles, including Brahmastra, The Vamshika Quintet, and The NP Collective. His community-driven projects, like "7 Wonders of Punggol" and "Tunes of Somerset Belt" promote cultural exchange and youth empowerment. Niranjan actively engages in educational programs and discussions at institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts and the Ministry of Education inspires audiences to explore identity through music.

Shikha Sharma

Shikha Sharma is a distinguished media professional with nearly 15 years of experience in the digital media landscape. Renowned for her credibility and results-driven approach, she has successfully navigated both leading media organisations and innovative startups. Shikha has held key positions at prestigious platforms, including the Times Group, NDTV, Verse Innovation (Dailyhunt), Forbes India, and the Huffington Post. This diverse background has provided her with a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and effective marketing As the founder of ARTAZZLE, an online destination for premium and authentic Indian art, Shikha has embarked on a pivotal journey in 2023. This venture is not merely a passion project; it embodies her Ikigai- —a harmonious blend of her love for art and her expertise in business development. Artazzle is committed to promoting exceptional artistic creations while bridging the gap between art enthusiasts and remarkable masterpieces, with a focus on elevating Indian art on the global stage.