The newly established APU TEDx Club made a memorable debut with its first TED Talk event, TEDxAPU 2024, on 12th November 2024. Held at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), the event brought together four engaging speakers from within the APU community, each offering insightful perspectives on innovation and education. The audience filled a packed auditorium, eager to explore fresh ideas and broaden their horizons.

Organised by a dedicated team of club members, the event emphasised TEDx’s mission to promote “ideas worth spreading”. The passionate organising committee, comprised of club members committed to fostering intellectual dialogue and impactful storytelling, skillfully coordinated the event. Their efforts were rewarded with an enthusiastic turnout, including students, faculty, and notable guests such as representatives from the High Commission of The People’s Republic of Zambia, and leaders from LuxTag Sdn. Bhd. and Robomy Sdn. Bhd.

Associate Professor Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, affectionately known as "Dr Ike" and Head of APU's School of Computing (SoC), opened the talks with his presentation, "Maslow Meets Mario: Understanding the Educational Potential of Video Games". In an engaging and humorous talk, Dr Ike explained how video games can foster skills like engagement and community building, connecting these benefits to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. His talk highlighted how games can meet human needs for growth and social connection, thereby enriching educational experiences.

Next, Ms Davina Farhana Dave Irwan Shah, lecturer at APU’s School of Architecture (SoA), presented "Creative Confidence: Design Thinking Across Disciplines". Drawing from her experiences across architecture, fashion, and even dairy farming, she illustrated that creativity transcends disciplines, emphasising how design thinking encourages flexibility and innovation. Ms Davina’s presentation inspired the audience to view creativity as a versatile skill applicable to various fields.

The third speaker, Ms Farah Hanim Mohmmed Ismail, lecturer in international relations at the School of Business (SoB), discussed "Embracing Innovation in International Relations". Ms Farah shared her approach to teaching through real-world applications, enabling students to engage practically in diplomacy and cross-cultural exchanges. She underscored the importance of mentorship and collaboration, sharing how supportive mentors had influenced her journey.

Rounding out the lineup, Dr Seyedmostafa Safavi, senior lecturer from the School of Technology (SoT), discussed "The Role of AI in Personalised Learning". Dr Safavi explained how AI could tailor education to individual student needs, creating opportunities for educators to focus more on motivation and emotional support. He painted an encouraging picture of AI’s potential to build a supportive and adaptive learning environment.

The speakers were thoughtfully chosen to reflect the event's theme, "Innovation in Education and Beyond", aligning with TED’s goal of sharing transformative ideas. As Ms Nurizzah Hanim Mohammed Ismail, the emcee and a lecturer at SoB, highlighted, “Innovation has made learning more accessible and adaptable, putting knowledge at our fingertips.” Positive feedback from attendees underscored the event’s impact, with many expressing excitement and inspiration that continued in conversations well after the talks concluded.

Reflecting on the event’s purpose, club advisor Ts Umapathy Eaganathan, who is also a lecturer from APU’s School of Technology, shared, “The primary intention behind organising TEDxAPU 2024 was to spark innovation and inspire students to think beyond conventional boundaries. We wanted to create a platform where students and professionals could share ideas that resonate and drive change.”

The APU TEDx Club was founded to inspire creativity and foster a culture of open dialogue, offering members hands-on experience in event planning, public speaking, and teamwork. Club president Rafa Islam Diba shared her experience, saying, “The event was a huge success, especially as my first organising experience at APU. The team was incredibly dedicated, and we coordinated well. We did our best, and I’m looking forward to even greater things in the future.”

Concluding on a hopeful note, Ts Umapathy Eaganathan remarked, “I envision the APU TEDx Club becoming a prominent part of our campus culture—a platform where innovative ideas are celebrated, and students are empowered to share their unique perspectives. I hope it will continue to inspire, challenge, and engage students, encouraging them to think critically and strive for excellence.”

TEDxAPU 2024 set a remarkable precedent for future events, fostering a community of thinkers and creators at APU.