WHAT IS TEDx

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

WHAT IS TEDxYangon

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized event bringing people together to share a TED-like experience. The Myanmar event is called TEDxYangon where x = independently organized TED event under license from TED. At TEDxYangon, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark conversation, connection and community.

Our Speakers

Htein Lin

Artist, Writer, Comic Actor
Htein Lin

Htein Lin

Artist, Writer, Comic Actor

Talk Title – Turning Adversity Into Opportunity and Beauty

Htein Lin is an artist, writer and former comic actor. Having spent almost seven years in jail, he has developed artistic practices using available materials at hand. The inspiration for his work includes Buddhism and human rights.

To reveal his story about being in the jail, he created the installation “A Show Hands”. He has also highlighted discriminatory attitudes towards Burmese women through his work titled “Skirting the Issue”.

In 2018, he curated a significant exhibition of Burmese artists. In 2019, his installation ‘Recently Departed’ was involved in the conceptual art show of a major exhibition touring Southeast Asia.
 

Htet Arkar

Traditional Musician, Entrepreneur
Htet Arkar

Htet Arkar

Traditional Musician, Entrepreneur

Talk Title - Youth & Myanmar Traditional Music

Htet Arkar grew up in a fine arts environment with a family of musicians. During the 2000s, he competed in a national competition, the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Arts and Performances, where he was awarded 21 gold medals.

He is a Master of Arts, specialising in music candidate at the Yangon National University of Arts and Culture (NUAC). He has participated and performed in international and ASEAN festivals. He currently manages music events as a Music Director and promotes Myanmar music in collaboration with local and international musicians. 

He also delivers lectures on Myanmar music and Myanmar Hsaing Waing as a music instructor in Thailand and China Universities and lecturer at ILBC and Music for One (INGO). He is trying to promote Myanmar’s traditional music to the world. 
 

Inda Aung Soe

Soil Warrior
Inda Aung Soe

Inda Aung Soe

Soil Warrior

Talk Title - Organic Waste is Not Trash!

Inda is one of the three co-founders of Bokashi Myanmar which promotes the message that organic waste is not trash. 

He conducts training and educational sessions for students, gardeners, hotels, schools, NGOs and companies to highlight the importance of soil and food waste recycling. 

He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Buddhism  Studies, and attended further studies in Nature and Farming and Effective Microorganisms (EM) Technology organized by Asia Pacific Natural Agriculture Network.

Khin Su Sandi Myint

Online Community Builder
Khin Su Sandi Myint

Khin Su Sandi Myint

Online Community Builder

Talk Title - Updating the Definition of a "Good Girl"

hin Su Sandi Myint (Sarah) graduated with a Bachelor Degree in English, and has attended further studies in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Parami Institute.

A self-motivated Burmese Indian raised in Aunglan Township, she found that there were many barriers for girls to achieve their dreams while she was finding her own road map.  She is an active supporter of gender equality and has participated in events such as the Vagina Monologues 2019. She is passionate to unlock the layers of social taboos towards girls in order to bring a change. She is now working as the online community builder at Myanmar Youth Empowerment Opportunities (MYEO).

Khin-Sandi Lwin

Leadership Facilitator
Khin-Sandi Lwin

Khin-Sandi Lwin

Leadership Facilitator

Talk Title – “What about the Men? Shedding the yoke of traditional leadership in Myanmar”

After 35 years with the United Nations working in over 10 countries with 3 assignments as Representative, KhinSandi Lwin is pursuing her passion for fostering gender equality. She applies a gendered leadership development approach for women and men drawn from experience as a senior manager and from management and leadership trainings she received. She has conducted leadership retreats since 2004.

She is a national of Myanmar with a MSc in International Development from Johns Hopkins University (1983) and a BSc in International Politics from Georgetown University (1979), Washington DC, USA.

Naing Lin Kyaw

Gamer, Game Designer, History Buff
Naing Lin Kyaw

Naing Lin Kyaw

Gamer, Game Designer, History Buff

Talk Title - Why Alternate History Matters

Naing Lin Kyaw is an intellectually curious gamer as well as a game designer. He graduated from the Myanmar Maritime University specializing in Marine Engineering. He looks up to figures such as John Green & Neil deGrasse Tyson who have inspired him to love art, science, math and history.

He co-founded a board game publishing company, Burmah Games, and is currently making a card game set in the alternate history timeline of Yangon. He is using a combination of history, science, engineering, and philosophy to bring unique gaming experiences to everyone.

Su Zar Mon

Counselling Psychologist
Su Zar Mon

Su Zar Mon

Counselling Psychologist

Talk Title - Selfcare to Family Care: Developing a Healthy Journey of Parents

Su Zar Mon is Co-founder of Reach Out Myanmar psychological and consultancy services that aims to provide affordable and accessible quality mental health services in Myanmar.

Driven by her passion to serve humanity, she took the first step to become a counselling psychologist in (2009). With the training that she received from internationally recognized institutes in Thailand and the US, Su has devoted over a decade of her life to promoting the psychosocial well-being of Myanmar people.

Su worked as a counselor, freelance consultant, facilitator and trainer for a variety of International and local NGOs, UN agencies, and companies in Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia. She also puts a lot of energy in educating communities about mental health via different media channels.

 

Wilson John Barbon

Ruralist
Wilson John Barbon

Wilson John Barbon

Ruralist

Talk Title - Rurality as a Future of Myanmar

Wilson has more than 20 years of experience in rural development. He is passionate about people-centered, locally-managed and transformative approaches to addressing issues of rural people. He is currently the Country Director of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) in Myanmar. He is Filipino but has been working in Myanmar since 2014.

He grew up in a southern city of Davao in the Philippines. After graduating with a Biology degree, he went on to work for a local non-profit in southern Philippines for 10 years working with farmers, fishers and rural women, organizing and building their capacities to engage government and businesses. He also worked with small-scale fishers in the islands of Bohol, central Philippines to develop and implement programs for sustainable fisheries and habitat protection.

Nyunt Nyunt Ho

Engineer, Writer, Changemaker
Nyunt Nyunt Ho

Nyunt Nyunt Ho

Engineer, Writer, Changemaker

Talk Title - An Hour a Day

Nyunt Nyunt Ho is an engineer, writer, former schoolteacher, and changemaker. She was born and raised in Myanmar and graduated from the University of Yangon with B.S. Chemistry and later earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She has been working at Seagate Technology since 1997 in the US, and is a R&D engineer and a brand ambassador.

She spends her free time writing educational articles for women and girls in Myanmar. She has published three self-care books for young women and girls in the Myanmar language. She is also a regular writer for Dr. Ziwaka Magazine.

Nyunt is very interested in other cultures, loves traveling around the world, and taking wildlife photography.

Phyo Phyo Aung

Social Influencer
Phyo Phyo Aung

Phyo Phyo Aung

Social Influencer

Talk Title - The Untold Truth about being Famous on Social Media

Phyo Phyo Aung is an established social influencer with a strong following of her Facebook page named ‘Food For your Brain’, where she shares content about her two passions of business and psychology.

A successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, Phyo has spoken at public events about topics such as self-awareness, mental health and women’s empowerment. She founded Chance Myanmar which is an online education platform to provide the best online soft skill training in Myanmar. She is currently the Head Instructor of Chance Myanmar Online Training Series and spearheads its operations in Myanmar.

 

Thiri Thant Mon

Polymath
Thiri Thant Mon

Thiri Thant Mon

Polymath

Talk Title - The ‘Us’ in ‘Them’ - How Each of Us Can Impact Our World

Having grown up in isolationist Myanmar, Thiri Thant Mon is a keen observer of Myanmar’s opening to the world and is passionate about education, empowerment and the transition of Myanmar into a vibrant member of the global community.

An investment banker by profession, she is the Founding Managing Partner of Sandanila Capital and was previously with Morgan Stanley, Capital One and Yoma Strategic Holdings.  She also supports a number of initiatives including Turquoise Mountain, the Yangon Heritage Trust and the British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar as a volunteer board member.  Thiri is also proud to be the organiser and lead curator of TEDxYangon.

Dr Nyein Chan Aung

Industrial Designer, Design Researcher and Artist
Dr Nyein Chan Aung

Dr Nyein Chan Aung

Industrial Designer, Design Researcher and Artist

Talk Title - The Song that Disarmed an Army

Nyein Chan Aung has been designing products professionally since 2005 and has won over 12 major design awards for products in aerospace, healthcare and camping. In 2018, Nyein completed his PhD in Industrial Design. His work looked into improving the in-flight sleep of economy class passengers through the design of the aircraft cabin.

Nyein is currently a Senior Design Researcher at Monash University's Design Health Collab, where he oversees the design of high-impact healthcare services and products. Nyein has a particular interest in the relationship between creative professionals, created things, and the world.

Alakesh Chetia

Silicon Valley Refugee, Entrepreneur & Meditator
Alakesh Chetia

Alakesh Chetia

Silicon Valley Refugee, Entrepreneur & Meditator

Talk Title - Choosing our Own Path, Daring to Set our Own Example

Alakesh Chetia is an engineer turned entrepreneur and Vipassana meditator. After building successful businesses in Silicon Valley, California over a span of 25 years and getting fired twice from companies that valued profit over people, Alakesh came to Myanmar to build a business that will serve the unserved.

His fondness for Myanmar began when he learned Vipassana meditation as taught in Myanmar. After his first visit to the country in 2015 and learning that 70% of the country’s population had no access to electricity, he decided to do something about it. He is passionate about poverty alleviation and women empowerment.

In his talk, he will illustrate why Myanmar must choose its own path and not follow the West blindly, seizing the opportunity to leapfrog into the future in the electricity sector.

Mike Phone Myint

Digital Transformation Enthusiast
Mike Phone Myint

Mike Phone Myint

Digital Transformation Enthusiast

Talk Title - Why Digital Transformation is all about the People

Mike Phone Myint has been obsessed with computers and technology since young and learned his first programming language in his early teens. He is known to be the “fixer” by his peers and friends; he loves to solve problems of various sizes, from printer jams to digital loan application’s customer experience journey.

Mike has the idealistic goal of transforming Myanmar to be a better country – using digital and technology. He’s always seen passionately talking about good governance, project management, cybersecurity, digital strategy and leadership – whether be it at a conference or networking sessions by British Chambers of Commerce Myanmar, where he is the volunteer as a board director.

Sai Zom Pha & Aung Kyaw Win

Overland Adventurers
Sai Zom Pha & Aung Kyaw Win

Sai Zom Pha & Aung Kyaw Win

Overland Adventurers

Talk Title - Motourlogue Returns

Sai Zom Pha (Zom)

Born in Taunggyi, Shan State, Myanmar, Sai Zom Pha is a media and design practitioner specializing in TV broadcasting and digital media design. During his free time, he helps run his family café in Taunggyi, takes care of his cats, and customizes his motorbikes. Zom was the Host and Organiser of the first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Taunggyi in 2017 and the 2nd event in Bagan, Myanmar.

Aung Kyaw Win (Ozz)

Born in Yangon, Myanmar, Aung Kyaw Win is a designer and entrepreneur by profession but a sailor, boxer and a dog dad during his free time. Ozz is an avid rare motorbike collector and was the co-organiser of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Bagan, Myanmar 2018, a worldwide motorcycle event raising awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health.

 

Workshops and Activities
NoTopic

Brief Description

FacilitatorSessions
1

The Delphi Method

Take part in the communication process known as the Delphi Method, which helps leaders make the best of group contribution without being swayed by biases.

Graeme Anning

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:10
Session 2: 14:20 - 15:30

2

No Resources and No Authority? No Problem: Using Design Thinking in Inflexible Work Cultures

Learn to pioneer creative problem-solving and a culture of innovation in organizations that don't naturally support creativity, through a combination of case studies, discussion, and participatory exercises.

David Klaus

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

3

Know yourself: Exploring how language & identity interplay

Participants will explore and gain awareness of how their identity and language shapes everyday perceptions & behaviors - and why this matters in a multi-cultural context like Myanmar. Through experiential learning and informative facilitated discussions, participants will learn about the potential for challenges of miscommunication and misunderstanding when multiple identities, languages, and cultures interplay.

Search for Common Ground

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

4

Wellness in Your Workspace

Join Imogen for a 45 minute yoga quickie. This breakout session will introduce you to a short yoga sequence that can be done in your office or workspace.

Imogen North

Session 1: 12:00 - 12:45
Session 2: 14:00 - 14:45

5

Food and Mood: Can you eat your way to happiness?

In this workshop, we’ll examine the link between the foods we eat and how they may impact mood and mental health. You’ll leave empowered with strategies to make informed food choices that can positively impact wellbeing.

 Breanna Baildon

Session 1: 12:45 - 13:30
Session 2: 14:45 - 15:30

6

Design-Your-City Charrette for Yangon

Collaborate with your fellow attendees to build a dream city that is fun, inclusive and livable while guided by an experienced architect who is passionate about public engagement in conserving public heritage.

Zaw Lin Myat

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

7

Creating Great Public Spaces for People

By attending this workshop, you will: Understand what makes great public places that contribute to a city’s liveability, sustainability and inclusivity. -Understand why a people-centered and participatory design approach is essential in making great public places.  -Experience how to identify what is working in a public space and those aspects that could be improved upon.

Emilie Röell

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

8

How to be a TED translator: The flow of TED translation

Learn to become an effective translator from a master translator who has subtitled over 1,000 TED talksTranslation is a craft and without the right approaches and strategies communications breaks down.

U Sann Tint

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:10
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:40

9

The Power of Voice: Vocal Freedom Techniques

Using techniques known to singers, learn to fully activate your unique vocal superpower to communicate with clarity and impact, and improve health and wellbeing. No previous vocal experience necessary - everyone is welcome.

Joanne Lauterjung

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:00
Session 2: 14:30 - 15:30

10

Cybersecurity in the 21st Century Global Cyberspace

By attending this workshop, the participant will  realize how important it is for all social media users and professionals from all sectors to understand cybersecurity. 

Sonia Lim

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:10
Session 2: 14:20 - 15:30

11

Protecting Children and Young Persons

Learn how to protect children from child abuse and neglect by understanding risk factors, and developing prevention strategies.  Become aware of roles and responsibilities of the public in prevention of child abuse and neglect. 

April Khin

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

12

Introduction to Electronic Fashion

The workshop is to let participants explore how the innovative technologies can be integrated into fashion, which we wear everyday. The participants will learn how to sew basic circuits to light up LEDs, control them with buttons and switches and even experiment with a pre-programmed LilyMini circuit that reacts to ambient light levels.

Aung Naing Oo

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:15 Session 2: 14:15 - 15:30

13

Applying Design Thinking to the Challenge of Financial Connectivity

Thinkers, challengers, entrepreneurs and designers will have the opportunity to explore the world of finance and financial connectivity through  the basics of design thinking.

Brought together by KBZPay

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

14

Exploratory and Visionary Art

After a lively discussion meant to parse out some of the unique signatures of Eastern and Western approaches to art and how that informs the relationships among modernity, tradition, and impermanence here in Myanmar, those who come to this workshop will work on a collaborative “mural” which joins together individual visions of a future downtown Yangon.

Gregory Nichols

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

15

Think BIG, start small: how to achieve impact and scale the lean way

By attending this workshop, the participants will learn how to start small with little resources. Understand basic lean methodologies and lean canvas. 

Phandeeyar

Session 1: 12:00 - 13:20
Session 2: 14:10 - 15:30

16

“Back to Senses” by KUKA - a r o m a t e q u e

An introductory experience to create a personalized fragrance for your own self or for a special loved one. Smells can invoke the deepest of the feelings and cause deep seated memories to come to surface in a matter of seconds, this is the reason why it is important to become more aware of scents and the art of perfumery

Ana Cecilia Cervigni

Session 1: 13:00 - 15:00

Sponsors

We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support of TEDxYangon.

Prestige Sponsors

Inspire Sponsor

Empower Sponsors

Connect Sponsors

Supporting Partners