picture this: AI harmonizing bamboo flutes, classrooms as quests, theory as boss battles. What if music’s future isn’t in sterile exams… but in the glorious mess of creation?My guitar’s tuned. Let’s rewrite the score. Raise up in a small but musical town in Austria called Mödling where Beethoven lived before. Then, he volunteer to teach music in rural schools that lack music teachers. Now, living in China, Alan noticed that music education here is overly focused on theory, while neglecting the musical genes that flow through us. In this small music town, his heartbeats synced with the music. In Yaoshan, they weren’t perfect, but they turned notes into stories. In China, he opposes theoretical music teaching and seeks the essence of music. 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

“I am proud of its rich and varied heritage”- as the national pledge of India goes and as it is recited every morning in the school assemblies, Ms. Bina Tharakan emphasises on these lines, she gives an entirely different perspective to “Excellence beyond notice”. She paves a new path through history that invites us to go beyond the great cities of India that proudly showcases its heritage and instead explore spaces not merely known for their architecture or fame, but to discover the brilliance that history forgot. To know the unsung heroes, visionaries and quiet revolutions that shaped our culture and community. This walk that unites people of diverse backgrounds journeys through those overlooked pages of history, because not all greatness makes the history books. Dr Bina Thomas Tharakan is an Archaeologist and a Heritage Consultant. Based in Trivandrum since the past 10 years, she is the Founder Coordinator of the Heritage Walk Trivandrum voluntary initiative, started in 2013. Previously, she was the Special Officer for the Government of Kerala’s UNESCO World Heritage Listing Project. She holds a PhD from the Deccan College, University of Pune, in Archaeology. She has taught and has been part of several public awareness and outreach programs on History and Heritage in her previous home-base cities in India and abroad. She has maintained columns in print media, and is a published author for young adults. 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

Unlock the power of financial technology and artificial intelligence to drive growth, innovation, and impact. Nivin Abu Snaineh reveals how individuals and organizations can harness these tools to take control of their financial future, spark change, and lead in a digital world. The future of finance isn’t coming, it’s already here, and it starts with you. With over a decade of experience, Nivin specializes in fintech, blockchain, and AI, empowering individuals and organizations through mentoring, public speaking, and training while linking fintech to personal finance. 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

What does drag have to do with a 93 year old grandmother and an old sewing machine? For drag artist Opera Tang, it is everything. In this moving talk, Opera shares how the unlikeliest ally - her Catholic, Teochew speaking, 93 year old Grandma- became her fiercest supporter and creative partner. Woven through fabric, language and love, this is a story of intergenerational bond, self discovery and chosen authenticity. It is not always a solo journey and sometimes the deepest support comes from home. Opera Tang is a rising star in Singapore’s drag scene, captivating audiences with performances that blend creativity, self-expression, and tradition. Her 93-year-old grandmother, a cherished presence in her journey, symbolises the deep intergenerational bond that Opera celebrates through her art. Through her work, Opera inspires audiences to embrace their true selves while honouring the connections that shape and enrich our lives. 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

In a world of fast-paced messaging and digital filters, authentic communication has become a rare yet powerful force. Hicham Jadaoun unpacks how genuine, empathetic dialogue can build trust, deepen relationships, and foster stronger collaboration—whether in professional settings or personal life. This session invites attendees to rediscover the value of human connection in shaping impactful careers and communities. A certified trainer and facilitator, an experienced researcher and a Design, Monitoring and Evaluation expert with extended professional experience. Hicham is an accredited trainer on Leadership, Design Thinking, Mental Toughness and Social and Behavioral Change. Holding an advanced degree in public health, I have worked with governments, NGOs and the ICRC and have an extensive experience working across sectors including leadership, education, gender, community development, public health, livelihoods, social entrepreneurship, social cohesion, child protection, juvenile justice, play-based approaches, peace building, active citizenship, good governance, and women’s empowerment. I have a strong track record in qualitative and quantitative participatory research design and methodologies and stakeholders’ engagement for strategy development. I have led on the design, capacity building, facilitation, implementation, analysis and reporting of research projects, assessments, trainings and evaluations in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, KSA, UAE, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Mauritania, Niger, Syria, Turkey, DRC, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 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

If you’ve ever wondered what your food says about you, this talk will open your eyes to the deeper meanings behind every bite. Food is more than what we eat - there is a story of identity, history and connection which far often we tend to oversee. Khir Johari speaks on the lost history of time and geography where centuries of trade, culture and migration have shaped the foods that define a region. From ancient inscriptions to colonial spice routes, Khir takes us on a journey through the Malay Archipelago’s rich culinary heritage. He explores how food connects communities and shares a story of belonging. Khir Johari is a food historian, author, and cultural archivist devoted to preserving the culinary heritage of the Malay world. Raised in Singapore’s storied Kampong Gelam district, Khir grew up surrounded by the aromas, rituals, and rhythms of traditional Malay cooking. He left his teaching career to dedicate himself to preserving Malay culinary heritage throughout Southeast Asia.His award-winning book, The Food of Singapore Malays, is both a scholarly achievement and a love letter to heritage. Through his extensive research and storytelling, Khir highlights rich, interwoven histories behind Southeast Asia’s food traditions. Khir invites us to see food not just as sustenance, but as living history, passed from one hand to another. 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