Arnaud shares how a diagnosis of lymphoma cancer at the height of his academic career forced him to confront the most chaotic moment of his life. Rather than offering easy answers, he explores how embracing uncertainty, accepting death, and choosing purpose over fear helped him move forward. Through vulnerability and insight, Arnaud invites us to see chaos not as the enemy of order but as its companion and challenges us to ask: how can we transform our own moments of chaos into meaning? Arnaud Stiepen is a physicist, science communicator, and educator dedicated to making complex scientific ideas accessible to all. As a scientific expert for NASA, Arnaud contributes to groundbreaking space exploration projects including the Mars MAVEN mission. Beyond academia, Arnaud is a seasoned science communicator in the media where he is a TV anchor for Epkids, a television show that introduces children to the wonders of science through playful hands-on experiments, and Episteme, a program for adults that demystifies complex scientific topics with clarity and storytelling. Alongside his commitment to public engagement, Arnaud also hosts the PULSE podcast and is a writer for The Conversation bringing clarity to topics ranging from innovation to astrophysics. Across all platforms, Arnaud bridges the gap between research and society with clarity, empathy, and imagination. 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

Fashion creates beauty, but it also creates waste. In this TEDx talk, Dato’ Lewré Lew explores how sustainable design can transform an industry built on consumption into one driven by purpose, innovation, and impact. Green Fashion is not just about style—it’s about rethinking the future we want to wear. Dato’ Lewré Lew is a Malaysian-based luxury footwear designer and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry. He founded the Lewré brand in 1997, following a successful early career that began in 1987 and was later propelled to international markets with support from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. In addition to his work in luxury design, Dato’ Lew is deeply committed to sustainability and has collaborated with Weng Meng Greentech to create eco-conscious footwear using palm oil trunks. His brand, Lewré Bespoke, has a presence in over 40 countries and has earned multiple accolades, including the Putra Brand Award and World Branding Forum recognition. Dato’ Lew continues to advocate for Malaysian talent and encourages young designers to pursue global aspirations in fashion and design. 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 all say Carpe diem — but few of us live it. In this TEDx talk, Ayu Shahirah challenges the fears, distractions, and perfectionism that hold us back, showing how one small step can spark life-changing momentum. Ms. Ayu Shahirah Salem is an Experience Designer at bp, where she leads initiatives across digital experience design, operational resilience, and AI adoption — all while balancing a part-time PhD pursuit in Information Technology. With expertise spanning UI/UX development, digital innovation, and enterprise technology, she brings a human-centered approach to every project she undertakes. Her project experience includes leading software design and testing initiatives, developing small-scale distributed systems, and applying machine learning models for practical applications such as material strength prediction. A passionate mentor and advocate for community development, Ayu actively supports fresh graduates and young professionals by sharing career insights and fostering growth within the tech ecosystem. 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

How one doctor’s bold choices led from medicine to a global career — and why asking “what if it goes right?” changes everything. Dr. Azhar Ahmad is a medical doctor with nearly 20 years of global experience in the pharmaceutical industry, currently serving as Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim, leading teams across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. A graduate of Newcastle University and holder of a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine from Cardiff University, Dr. Azhar has held senior roles in Europe, the US, and Asia, contributing to major advancements in cardiovascular and anticoagulation therapies. Ranked #8 LinkedIn content creator in Malaysia, he shares daily insights on career growth and life, with over 27,000 followers. He is also the creator of The Career Autobahn, a platform and newsletter helping professionals accelerate their careers. 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

Huey Ching explores how personal branding goes beyond social media trends, shaping identity, visibility, and opportunities in today’s competitive world. Drawing from her own journey of starting with zero audience to building an agency and stepping onto international stages, she shares what it truly means to be seen with purpose. An expert in influencer marketing, social media strategy, and brand growth. With a proven track record in leading KOL campaigns and digital marketing strategies, she delivers data-driven, impactful results across industries. Her expertise spans content strategy, digital advertising, and social media growth, helping businesses stay ahead in a dynamic digital landscape. 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

Could rethinking what and how we buy be the most powerful act of resistance? In this compelling talk, Rolena Richardson reveals how slow and empathetic consumerism can challenge the woes of mass-market capitalism and foster a sustainable, ethical world. Through storytelling, eye-opening data, and a critique of our current economic system, she demonstrates how mindful choices and human connection can revitalize our future and resist overconsumption. Rolena Richardson (she/her) is an artist, designer, and nature advocate originally from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, now residing in the Finger Lakes region of New York, on Haudenosaunee land. Since 2020, she has been exploring and practicing intentional circular living while advocating for slow and empathetic consumerism—a philosophy that prioritizes sustainability, quality, and human connection over low cost and convenience. Her dedication to these principles earned her a place in the Start.coop Business Incubator for Rural Entrepreneurs, where she deepened her focus on cooperative business models that foster economic empowerment, sustainability, and shared ownership. She is currently developing two cooperatives: Rolena is the Founder of Rooted Native Goods, a cooperative that empowers Indigenous artisans in the U.S. to achieve entrepreneurial success in the digital economy through market access, business education, and community-driven support; and she is also the Co-Founder of a cooperative consultancy powered by the Bard GPS community advancing net-positive business practices through affordable, high-quality services for mission-driven businesses. Rolena holds a BS in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and an MBA in Sustainability from Bard College. She is a dedicated volunteer for the Ganondagan White Corn Project, contributing to food sovereignty efforts for Indigenous communities in Western New York, and currently serves as a committee chair on the Bard MBA Alumni Board. 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