Many of us grew up hearing the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." The saying, which dates back to the 1800s, was primarily taught to children as a means to defend and respond to inevitable verbal attacks. Fast forward to today, we know two things: 1) Broken bones tend to heal, and 2) words do hurt, diminish, and often influence how certain individuals or groups are perceived.Valois J. Vera, Disabled Poet, Author, and Cultural Worker, shares his vast experience and knowledge on the impact of language; specifically, how language can stamp stigmas and stereotypes on both the individual self as well as the global community of Disabled people.How does language reflect and promote views of ableism? How has the vocabulary of disability evolved? How does language impact access? These primary questions are explored through the vehicles of poetry, personal anecdotes, and professional experiences. Valois J. Vera is an award winning Poet, Author, and Cultural Worker based out of so-called Denton, TX. His work in uplifting and amplifying Disabled culture and community, serving on several prominent boards and commissions, and facilitating workshops, roundtable discussions, and has served as guest lecturer at a variety of colleges and universities. While his journalism work can be found in New Mobility Magazine, Latino Rebels, and Rooted in Rights, his poetry published by Spoonie Press, Mollyhouse, and American Graveyard: Calls to end Gun Violence, Vol.I, and other collections. He is Founder of Thunder and Lightning Poetry Collective, to amplifying and uplifting Disabled BIPOC and Disabled Queer Poets. His impact as a Disabled artivist garnered him the 2023 Art Spark Texas Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award and the 2024 AAPD Paul G Hearne Emerging Leader Award. Valois is a former competitive sailor, youth softball coach, and finalist in the Noble Elementary 3rd grade spelling bee. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

모두가 꿈꾸는 대기업에 입사했지만, 오솔 작가는 과감히 그 길을 멈추고 어린 시절의 꿈이었던 만화가로 전향했습니다. 그의 인생은 ‘멈춤’에서 다시 시작되었고, 이제 그는 인스타툰 작가로서 많은 청년들에게 용기와 위로를 전하고 있습니다. 이 강연은 끊임없이 달려야 한다는 사회의 압박 속에서, ‘멈춤’이라는 선택이 결코 도망이 아님을, 오히려 진짜 나를 찾기 위한 시작점이 될 수 있음을 보여줍니다. 지금 당신에게도 잠깐의 멈춤이 필요한 순간이라면, 이 강연이 당신의 출발점이 될 것입니다. Although he joined a large company that everyone dreamed of, Osol boldly stopped his career and turned into a cartoonist that he dreamed of as a child. His life began again with "Stop," and now he is delivering courage and comfort to many young people as an instatoon writer. This lecture shows that the choice of "stop" is never a flight under the pressure of society to run constantly, but rather a starting point for finding who you really are. Now, if you need a little pause, this lecture will be your starting point. 2023.05~ 오솔스월드(@osolsworld) 인스타툰 연재 2024.10~ 메타코미디 소속 유튜브 크리에이터 작가 카카오톡, 문화체육관광부 등 유명 기업 및 정부와 협업 콘텐츠 협업 진행 YTN, 더피알 등 언론사 인터뷰 진행 MIT 경영 대학, ‘한국문화콘텐츠 산업 관련 연구(가제)’ 협업 진행 중 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Be Comfortable with Failing is a bold reminder that failure is not the end but part of the process. In this TEDx talk, Syafi Halim, an award-winning filmmaker and founder of New Wave Films, shares his journey from making YouTube videos in Brunei to co-directing a National Geographic funded project. His story proves that failure isn’t something to hide, it’s something to embrace.Through honesty and humour, Syafi explains why showing your low points can be just as powerful as highlighting your wins. From missing out on A-level success to creating Brunei’s first zombie series "Kitani" and animated show "Kampung Buah". This talk challenges the fear of judgment and the myth of perfection. If you’ve ever worried about looking “cringe” or failing in front of others, Syafi's message is simple: take the risk, fail forward, and keep creating.The theme of TEDxAnggerek Desa Youth talks, Brave Beginnings and the Space Between celebrates the courage it takes to start something new and the often overlooked but powerful journey that happens in between. Whether it’s launching a business, healing from failure, a pivot in career, or simply daring to take the route less taken, every meaningful change starts with a first step. The beginning is rarely perfect but it is brave. Syafi Halim is an award-winning film director who stands as a creative force, excelling in roles such as a producer, screenwriter and director. As the founder of New Wave Films, his production company has earned acclaim with several prestigious local and international film awards since their beginnings in 2019.Syafi began his career as a Youtuber but now is renowned for his unwavering dedication to the local film industry, where he consistently weaves authentic storylines with innovative cinematic techniques, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking in Brunei. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We’re taught that walking away is weakness—that quitting means failure. But lawyer-turned-author Vasvi Tiwari challenges that myth, revealing how stepping back can be an act of profound alignment. In this honest and uplifting talk, she shares her own leap from a prestigious legal career into the uncertain world of writing, showing how discomfort can be the first whisper of your soul calling you to something truer. With her six-step “compass” for recognizing when restlessness is really awakening, Vasvi invites us to reframe letting go—not as abandoning life, but as finally refusing to abandon ourselves. Sometimes, the bravest move isn’t holding on—it’s daring to step into the unknown. Vasvi Tiwari is a distinguished lawyer and published author with over a decade of experience in the legal field. Known for her sharp legal acumen and eloquent storytelling, she has authored two impactful books that reflect her deep understanding of society and justice. A passionate traveler and lifelong reader, Vasvi’s journey into writing began early, blending her love for words with her dedication to law. She continues to inspire through her voice on justice, gender, and the human experience. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Chasing Joy & Misadventures is an exploration of what it means to find happiness in a world obsessed with success. In this TEDx talk, Bash Harry shares her personal journey from blogging as a teenager to navigating the pressures of university life. She shares how the journey took her to eventually rediscover herself through small, meaningful acts of joy.Through candid storytelling, Bash reveals how asking a simple question, "Will this bring me joy?" changed her perspective. From fashion misadventures to moments of quiet reflection, she reminds us that joy doesn’t always look big or glamorous; sometimes it’s wearing a jacket that makes you smile. This talk invites you to rethink what success means and embrace the beauty in mistakes, and human imperfections.The theme of TEDxAnggerek Desa Youth talks, Brave Beginnings and the Space Between celebrates the courage it takes to start something new and the often overlooked but powerful journey that happens in between. Whether it’s launching a business, healing from failure, a pivot in career, or simply daring to take the route less taken, every meaningful change starts with a first step. The beginning is rarely perfect but it is brave. Bash Harry is a multi-hyphenate creative with nearly a decade of experience crafting authentic, creative, and visually-rich content. Her work combines intentional living, fashion, beauty, travel, and the joy of slow crafting. As one of Brunei’s most established creators, she brings a strategic and soulful approach to content creation and built a loyal, engaged community across Southeast Asia, the UK, and the US. She is the founder of The Harry Knit, a modern knitwear brand built for tropical climates showcasing warm-weather knits and is also the Co-Founder of The Brunei Writers, a literary NGO supporting local writers, and published her debut book in 2021. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When You're Lost, Pursue Yourself is a powerful reminder that uncertainty can be the start of something extraordinary. Khairani Ashry shares her journey of turning doubt into self-discovery. From struggling to find motivation at school to founding Khairani's Closet, a lifestyle brand in Brunei. She reveals the lessons learned about resilience and creating a life that truly aligns with who you want to be.Khairani’s story challenges the traditional definition of success and invites you to listen to your inner voice. She takes us through the pivotal moments from starting as a thrift seller to building a thriving community of nearly 10,000 members. All while proving that the most powerful outfit you can wear is your own story. Khairani Ashry is a Bruneian youth voice and creative storyteller passionate about purposeful living. She weaves her interests in fashion, education, and personal growth into conversations that inspire others to live with intention. From speaking at youth events to initiating community-driven activities, Khairani believes in showing up authentically both online and offline. Her work explores how small, intentional steps can spark meaningful change and how storytelling can be a tool for connection, clarity and courage This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx