In a world that often labels sensitivity as a weakness, Ekta Bhanushali chose to see it as her greatest power. Once overwhelmed by emotions and self-doubt, she transformed her heightened sensitivity into a tool for understanding human behavior leading her to become a psychologist who helps others embrace their authentic selves.In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, Ekta shares her journey of defying odds, learning to listen to her emotions rather than suppress them, and turning her vulnerability into a force of empathy and connection. Through her story, she reminds us that our greatest challenges can become the very foundation of our strength if we dare to see them differently. Ekta Bhanushali is a dynamic psychologist, relationship coach, and educator whose mission is to simplify the most complex human emotion—connection. With her warm, empathetic approach and research-backed methods, she has helped countless individuals and couples strengthen bonds, nurture self-awareness, and embrace authenticity in every sphere of life. Her work blends psychology with practical life tools, making emotional well-being accessible, relatable, and transformative. Ekta has also been featured as a guest on The Ranveer Show (TRS), one of India’s most influential podcasts, where she shared her expertise on relationships, mental health, and human behavior with a global audience. Her appearance resonated widely, earning her recognition as a fresh, insightful voice who isn’t afraid to challenge stereotypes and start bold conversations. At TEDxMAIMS, Ekta will bring this unique blend of academic depth and real-world wisdom to the stage. 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

International students frequently arrive in the United States carrying big dreams but also big fears—language barriers, cultural differences, and financial pressures that make their voices quiet, hesitant, or even invisible. My talk unmutes this journey by showing students how to find their voice, speak their truth, and step into opportunities that once felt out of reach. To be unmuted means to stop whispering your worth and start declaring your vision. He holds four engineering degrees, including a PHD. in Chemical Engineering, and brings over 20 years of teaching experience in higher education along with a decade in corporate engineering. Beyond academia, he has conducted research in immunology and has served as a peer reviewer in neurology for the past seven years. He is now transitioning into Medical Affairs as a Medical Science Liaison, with a vision to also coach and mentor aspiring MSLs. In addition, he leads an educational business that empowers students and communities through tutoring, coaching, and speaking engagements. 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

The speaker homes in on self-awareness as a much-needed paradigm shift in our thought process for redefining success and leading a happy life. A London School of Economics alumna and a Valedictorian who has led in both corporate and non profit sectors as a Youth ambassador for Asia-Pacific Red Cross . 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

Sing Foong stepped in to remind us that it’s okay to pivot. In fact, it’s necessary. His talk dismantled the myth of the straight path and honoured the beauty of redirection. He spoke about leaving behind old definitions of success, and embracing change not as a setback, but as a recalibration of purpose. He reminded us that the past does not define us, and that choosing a new direction isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. With vulnerability and conviction, he encouraged us to trust the unknown, and to leap, even when the path isn’t clear. Sing Foong leads the Equity & Commodity Derivatives (ECD) division at Maybank Investment Banking Group, Malaysia’s top issuer of structured warrants and equity-linked solutions. With 16 years of experience in equity derivatives and wealth management, he delivers advanced financial solutions to high net-worth, institutional, and corporate clients.He oversees the ECD business across Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, backed by award-winning products and a strong regional presence.Though he began with a background in Chemical Engineering, Sing Foong later earned a Master’s in International Business from the University of Nottingham, UK, and made a bold career pivot into finance.At TEDxUKM, he will speak on “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward,” offering insights into how changing paths isn’t failure, but a strategic leap toward meaningful growth. 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

Yao Hua, with the fire and fierce clarity of a seasoned science communicator. He took the stage with a grounded, urgent message: that the future of journalism, especially environmental journalism, hangs in the balance. He challenged us to consider what it takes to sustain truth-telling in a time of noise and distraction. Journalism, he reminded us, doesn’t just exist; it survives because people believe in it enough to support it. His call was clear: if we want a future where power is held accountable and nature has a voice, we have to invest in the storytellers who make that future possible. Law Yao Hua is an environment and science journalist based in Kuala Lumpur and co-founder of Macaranga, an independent newsroom covering the Malaysian environment. Trained as an insect ecologist with a Ph.D. in Entomology, he was formerly a senior lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia before transitioning into journalism in 2014. His work has appeared in Science, Nature, The Atlantic, Science News, and BFM89.9.Yao Hua has earned multiple accolades, including the Sigma Award (2023), MPI Environmental Reporting Award (2022), Said Zahari Award (2022), and One World Media Award (2020). As a fellow with the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Investigations Network, he exposed systemic flaws and fraud behind forest loss in Peninsular Malaysia, helping halt illegal projects and empower Indigenous legal action.At TEDxUKM, Yao Hua shares an idea to safeguard Malaysia’s environmental future—for a more just and sustainable society. 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

Arissa unpacked health in a way that was both disarming and revolutionary. She challenged the shallow narratives of wellness often tied to gym routines and food trends, and instead turned our attention to the systems, environments, and policies that truly shape our well-being. Her message was clear: health is not just personal, it’s political. It’s not about individual willpower; it’s about collective care. She called on all of us, from grassroots to government, to take responsibility in shaping healthier communities. Her talk was a wake-up call, reminding us that to care for ourselves, we must also care for each other. Arissa Jemaima Ikram is the Founder and Executive Director of Doctors on Ground (DnG), a grassroots humanitarian organisation transforming healthcare access in underserved communities. Since 2020, DnG has supported over 6,000 families through direct medical aid, community capacity-building, and long-term health systems development.With over five years of experience in public health leadership and humanitarian project management, Arissa is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health and is passionate about strengthening health systems across the Global South.At TEDxUKM 2025 Wandering Web, Arissa will speak on “Healthy Living as a Collective Responsibility,” revealing how health is shaped not just by personal choices, but by the systems and environments we create together—from policy to the grassroots. 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