The Interwoven Histories of Malay Cuisine | Khir Johari | TEDxSingapore
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
More from TED
- 21:25One Minute of Courage: How to Find Your Voice and Own It | Kyla Kingsu | TEDxXavierSchoolPassionate about sports media, Kyla uses her platform to inspire confidence and connection through presence and voice. In her talk, she shares how one minute of courage can be enough to step up, speak out, and fully own your space. Kyla Kingsu is a Filipino content creator and sports broadcaster who served as the UAAP Season 85 courtside correspondent for De La Salle University (DLSU) and currently reports for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). She also creates lifestyle and travel content on YouTube, bringing storytelling to new audiences. 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
- 33:18Why Being an Environmentalist Should Be Second Nature | Angela Ibay | TEDxXavierSchoolWith over two decades of experience in environmental advocacy, she has served as the first Climate Change Attaché of the British Embassy Manila and chaired the National Renewable Energy Board’s PR and IEC Sub-committee. Trained at UC Berkeley and the Renewables Academy in Germany, Angela is a strong voice for renewable energy and sustainable policy. In her talk, she explains why environmentalism should no longer be a choice but a way of life—something embedded in how we live, consume, and act. Angela Ibay is the Head of the Climate Change and Energy Program at WWF-Philippines and the National Director of Earth Hour Philippines. 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
- 20:17The Power of Food to Connect | Jonas Ng | TEDxXavierSchoolFormerly the executive chef at Mango Tree, he specializes in Thai cuisine and is a vocal advocate for local sourcing, supportingFilipino farmers and fishers. Active on social media and in the culinary education space, Jonas uses his platform to share knowledge on food science and cooking techniques. His talk dives into how food is more than just a meal—it is a medium for human connection, a carrier of culture, and a spark for community empowerment. Chef Jonas Ng is the head chef and owner of James & Daughters in Pasig City and host of Chef Next Door on the Lifestyle Network. 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
- 19:09One Million Lights | Sabino Yao-Bate | TEDxXavierSchoolOML PH has distributed over 13,000 solar lamps, benefiting more than 70,000 Filipinos across 33 provinces. Since its founding by three high school students in 2010, the organization has grown into a national movement with over 200 volunteers. In his talk, Sabino highlights how young people can lead sustainable, high-impact solutions—proving that even the smallest spark can light up entire communities. Sabino Yao-Bate is the President of the International School Manila (ISM) Chapter of One Million Lights Philippines (OML PH), a youth-led organization providing solar-powered lights to off-grid and disaster-affected communities. 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
- 23:10Fire Up Through Football | Hali Long | TEDxXavierSchoolA key player since her debut in 2016, she played a vital role in the team’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinal finish and was part of the starting lineup in the Philippines’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut. A former collegiate athlete at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Hali has channeled her heritage, discipline, and leadership into building a legacy for Philippine women’s football. Her talk reflects on how football has shaped her identity, fueled her leadership, and continues to ignite her drive to uplift others through sport. Hali Long is a Filipino-American footballer and team captain who plays center-back for Kaya–Iloilo and the Philippines women’s national team. 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
- 18:02Audacity Is Currency: Owning Brilliance in a World That Fears Courage | Masood Abdul-Haqq | TEDxUCOMasood Abdul-Haqq is a dynamic speaker and advocate for youth empowerment, drawing from his journey of resilience and success. As a Black American Muslim man from Atlanta, Masood overcame significant challenges during his adolescence, including navigating a tumultuous school experience. Through determination and hard work, he transformed his life, eventually co-founding R. World Shirt Company, where he honed his marketing and public relations skills. Now a published author of The Giants in My Midst, Masood shares powerful stories highlighting universal success principles, inspiring young audiences to believe in their potential. As the co-owner of Peace of Mind Pediatrics, he combines his passion for healthcare with his commitment to community service and actively engages in it. Masood serves as the chair of the Board for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma and is the secretary of the Board for the OKC Black Chamber of Commerce. With a focus on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, Masood is dedicated to empowering the next generation to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. His engaging presentations motivate youth to harness their strengths and embrace their unique journeys. Masood Abdul-Haqq is not just a speaker; he is a beacon of hope, a living testament to the power of perseverance, and an inspiration to all who hear his story Masood Abdul-Haqq is a dynamic speaker and advocate for youth empowerment, drawing from his journey of resilience and success. As a Black American Muslim man from Atlanta, Masood overcame significant challenges during his adolescence, including navigating a tumultuous school experience. Through determination and hard work, he transformed his life, eventually co-founding R. World Shirt Company, where he honed his marketing and public relations skills.Now a published author of The Giants in My Midst, Masood shares powerful stories highlighting universal success principles, inspiring young audiences to believe in their potential. As the co-owner of Peace of Mind Pediatrics, he combines his passion for healthcare with his commitment to community service and actively engages in it. Masood serves as the chair of the Board for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma and is the secretary of the Board for the OKC Black Chamber of Commerce. 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
