EVENTS | LUMEN
15
The Speakers : Their stories and ideas Our first speaker was Dr Tan Lai Yong . With his passion for helping the needy , Dr Tan offered free medical service in Yunnan , China for 15 years . Despite adversities such as the dire lack of funding and medical facilities , Dr Tan set up a clinic and improved the local residents ' health conditions significantly . After returning to Singapore in 2010 , he continued his life of service . Dr Tan shared about his experience in Yunnan , which benefited the Chinese villagers , and inspired us to do the same .
Ms Lyn Lee was the next speaker who sparked much excitement among many , as she is the founder of Awfully Chocolate – a shop that specialises in chocolate desserts – a creation of her love and passion . Beginning as a mere chocolate lover without any professional knowledge of chocolate production , Ms Lee experimented with a variety of ingredients to produce an impeccable piece of chocolate , which she had always been yearning for . Edda Foo from JC 103 commented , “ Ms Lyn Lee ’ s talk was truly inspirational as she showed us that it is okay not to have a distinct idea of what we want to do in the future as long as we keep all doors opened .”
Our first student speaker was Mohamed Czarmir Ikraam Mohamed Ariff ( JC 115 ). Ever since Czarmir was introduced to the stage in his first year in SJI , he had developed a passion for the performing arts . Czarmir amazed the audience with his poetry performance , reminding us how mere words can be made so powerful . Reflecting on his TEDx debut , Czamir said , “ It was surreal to share something I ’ m so passionate about in front of people who weren ’ t just my family or close friends . This amazing experience will keep that fire in me burning even more .”
We were also humbled by the presence of Mr Chow Yen Lu ,
the founder of Over the Rainbow , an organisation that aims to promote youth mental wellness and raise awareness about anxiety . Over the Rainbow was established after Mr Chow ’ s son , who had suffered periods of severe depression , committed suicide . Mr Chow and his wife devoted their time to Over the Rainbow . Their commitment to the organisation and to youths , helped transform their personal tragedy into something positive . Marcus Foo ( JC 103 ) remarked that Mr Chow ’ s talk “ was inspiring , life changing and impactful . The shadow of his past now serves as a light for his future .” Mr Chow ’ s sharing had moved many .
Ms May Seow , a creative strategist experienced in visual storytelling and design thinking , engaged the audience with her interesting perspective . A forward-looking yet humble professional , she is responsible for creative initiatives on Facebook and Instagram , delivering pragmatic and revolutionary Mobile-First solutions . In her talk , she shifted perspectives , brought new thinking and balanced clarity with emotion .
Our second student speaker was Senthil Kumar Dhanabalan ( JC 110 ). Dhanabalan is an outspoken individual who mingles well with friends . However , few knew that before becoming who he is today , Dhanabalan had undergone a tough time with depression and internal struggles . In his talk , he highlighted the importance of gratitude in nurturing happiness . It was a very personal talk , one that connected the abstract ideas of desolation , optimism and self-fulfilment . Asher Quek ( JC 110 ) observed , “ Dhana is very sincere about being grateful in life . It is rare that a person our age values something often neglected .”
Mr Karl Mak , the co-founder of Hepmil Media Group , a media business that owns and operates renowned content distribution platforms such as MGAG and SGAG was our final speaker . As one of the most successful emerging entrepreneurs in Singapore , Karl was recently listed as Forbes Asia ' s 30 under 30 . In his talk , he humoured his audience with many memes created by his company , recounted the challenges he was confronted with and shared his views of the changing world the future generation has to face .
The organisers of TEDx Youth @ SJI found the entire journey of planning and seeing an idea realised , gratifying despite the numerous obstacles faced along the way . The greatest satisfaction of organising such an event , however , lies in knowing that the team had been instrumental in causing someone in the audience to inquire , be inspired or feel invigorated .
Facing page ( top ): The appreciative audience
Facing page ( centre ): Thinh thanking the audience for their support
Facing page ( bottom ): Ms May Seow sharing a thoughtprovoking idea
This page ( top ): Czamir creating an impression
This page ( 2nd from top ): The chamber ensemble during an interlude
This page ( 2nd from bottom ): Dr Tan emphatically conveying his point
This page ( bottom left ): Interacting with Mr Mak ( far right in black )
This page ( bottom right ): The happy TEDx Youth @ SJI organisers