The Cost of Playing it Safe | Mr. Matthijs Geert Jan Van Leeuwen | TEDxSunway University
explore how avoiding risk can limit growth, stifle creativity, and keep us from opportunities that might change our lives. By rethinking fear, uncertainty, and discomfort, we uncover why the greatest risk may actually be never taking one at all. Matthijs (Matt) is a dynamic innovation leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience driving impactful ventures at the intersection of technology, education, and sustainability. He currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Sunway Group and CEO of Sunway iLabs, where he leads ecosystem-building efforts across startups, corporate innovation, and academia. In addition, Matt plays a key role in advancing agri-tech as Director of Sunway XFarms and digital talent development as Director of 42 Kuala Lumpur. With a strong background in venture capital and business development, supported by academic credentials from the University of Cambridge and Utrecht University, Matt is deeply committed to nurturing Malaysia’s innovation landscape, including through his long-standing involvement with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) 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
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