What happens when time moves forward, but your life stands still? In this powerful and deeply personal talk, William and Bessie Elmore explore the emotional and psychological impact of incarceration through the lens of a life frozen in time. This talk challenges the audience to rethink what justice truly looks like and what it means to sentence someone to prison, highlighting how incarceration doesn't just punish—it suspends. Bessie L. Johnson-Elmore is a dedicated motivator with 32+ years of experience as a support group facilitator and counselor in domestic violence, mental health, and advocacy for incarcerated individuals and their families. She was the first Black female president of Bull City Toastmasters, later earning awards from HUD for a homeowner workshop program and from NAMI for contributions to mental health.A former NAMI Durham Board President, Bessie studied at Rutgers and Seton Hall, continuing her education in Human Services at the University of Phoenix. In 2013, she founded Straight Talk Support Group to assist families of incarcerated individuals. She has worked with nonprofits across multiple counties, volunteered with the ACLU, and facilitated classes at Durham County Jail, Butner Federal Prison, and Troy House. In 2018, she expanded her impact by opening Straight Talk Transitional House, a resource center for justice-involved individuals.To whom much is given, much is required. William Elmore embodies this, dedicating himself to serving others. His unexpected release from Orange County Correctional Facility on December 21, 2015, marked the end of 25 years in North Carolina’s prison system.Known as Will or Mecca, he is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, author, peer support specialist, and advocate. He co-owns SWIT (Success While In Transition) with Tommy Green, a reentry life skills program based on 21 principles for transitioning back into society. Will also co-owns Community Based Landscapers, a second-chance employer focused on giving back. Both of his business partners share his lived experience of long-term incarceration.Prison from the Inside Out, co-authored with Susan Simone, details his journey from a life sentence to freedom. Will continues to mentor youth, support incarcerated individuals, and consult faith-based organizations on prison ministries, transitional housing, and reentry programs. 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 shaped by shifting alliances and rising uncertainty, Ashok Kumar Mirpuri brings decades of diplomatic experience to help us make sense of it all. How can a nation stay resilient amid the shifting tides of global change? Ashok reveals insights on Singapore’s place in the world, navigating rapid changes in geopolitics with grace and strength.With the clarity of someone who has navigated the corridors of global power, he offers a grounded perspective on how nations think, what drives geopolitical change, and why timing on the world stage is everything. This talk is a rare opportunity to see the bigger picture, through the eyes of someone who’s lived it. Ashok Kumar Mirpuri is a seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of experience representing Singapore on the global stage. As Singapore's Ambassador to the United States since 2012, Mirpuri has played a key role in strengthening international ties and fostering collaboration between nations. With over 30 years of experience, he has represented Singapore in key international roles, including Ambassador to Indonesia and High Commissioner to Malaysia and Australia.Through his extensive experience, Mirpuri continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, driving dialogue and cooperation across borders. 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 reshaped by lockdowns and digital acceleration, how do we find belonging? In this thought-provoking talk, Elroy Cheo explores how Web3 isn’t just about cryptocurrency or code, it is about culture.From digital cities to merit-based status systems, this talk is for anyone curious about the future of human connection, and how a new generation is quietly rewriting the rules. If you’ve ever wondered what a community looks like when it’s borderless, gamified, and co-created, take a glimpse into the future we’re already living. Elroy Cheo is a Web3 entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of ARC, a platform that blends blockchain technology, NFTs, and culture to build meaningful digital communities. With a vision rooted in access and inclusion, Elroy has grown ARC into a dynamic network of creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators across Asia.At the heart of his work lies a question: how can technology deepen, rather than dilute, human connection? Through ARC, Elroy is exploring what community, status, and belonging could look like in a decentralised future. 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 this deeply personal talk, Dr. Chua Yang shares how photography became her liberation through grief, caregiving and stillness. When illness struck her family, time seemed to pause. Through the lens of her camera, she reclaimed this stillness, documenting grief, love and quiet resilience one frame at a time.Capturing everyday moments led to two national photography projects celebrating women, work and family in Singapore. She turned photography into a vessel of memory and human connection. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in life’s difficult pauses, we can find purpose and presence to make time better. Dr. Chua Yang is a Singaporean obstetrician/gynaecologist, photographer, calligrapher, and advocate for women’s health and well-being. As Director at A Clinic for Women, Global Clinic, and Babes, a charity supporting pregnant teenagers, she merges clinical expertise with deep compassion.Through her lens, Dr. Chua captures intimate stories of strength and resilience. Dr Chua has published two photobooks, Women Inspiring Women – The Home/National Editions, raising over S$300,000 for charities such as SCWO, Babes, and the Singapore Medical Association Charity. For Dr. Chua, photography is more than a way of seeing, it is her way of remembering and of making meaning out of stillness. 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

From the living room to the stage, and from childhood performances to founding a free music programme for children, Heema Izzati shares how music became her companion, her comfort, and eventually, her calling. In a society where arts education isn’t always accessible, she and her sisters created a space where music could belong to anyone, regardless of means. But this isn’t just a talk about growing up with music. It’s about what happens when you decide to give that music back. Heema Izzati is a 17-year-old musician driven by a passion for artistic expression. Raised in a deeply musical family, with a mother who sang professionally and siblings who play jazz- Heema’s life has been shaped by melodies and harmonies. Classically trained in piano and cello from a young age, she grew into her voice as a songwriter. Since the age of 10, Heema has been co-running a free music programme for children from less-privileged backgrounds, empowering young learners through classical 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

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