TEDxKL 2025 Celebrates the Spirit of KL - Story-Worthy Moments

TEDxKL 2025 Celebrates
the Spirit of KL

SOFIA SHAMSUNAHAR | 4 November 2025

A SENSE of new energy can be felt at a confluence – that space where two rivers meet, their waters merging into a greater, more powerful flow. You could say the same vigour will ripple through this year’s TEDxKL, returning to REXKL on Nov 15 with the theme “Confluence.”

The event’s tagline – “Where ideas, people and possibilities flow into one powerful current of change” – mirrors the very heart of Kuala Lumpur itself. After all, the city was born at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, a meeting that symbolised connection, growth and transformation.

Organised under a renewed vision to champion ideas that can change the world, TEDxKL 2025 will once again bring together innovators, changemakers and thought leaders for a full day of talks, workshops and networking. The spirit of the event is one of collaboration – of creative collisions that inspire new ways of thinking and living.

A Meeting Point of Heritage and Innovation

Just a short walk from KL’s literal confluence, REXKL stands as a fitting venue. Once known as Rex Theatre, one of Malaysia’s earliest cinemas built in 1947, the building has been reborn as a creative and community hub. Its transformation – from screening silverscreen classics to hosting forward-thinking conversations – perfectly embodies the confluence of old and new that defines downtown Kuala Lumpur today.

“REXKL has been a cultural hub and a supportive force for new narratives,” says Melissa Tan, one of this year’s speakers. “From the original intent of retrofitting the old Rex cinema for contemporary use instead of demolishing and rebuilding, they’ve followed through by engaging grassroots communities and artists – honouring where we came from and how we can dream bigger for our city and its people.”

Tan, an environmental advocate and media personality, will speak about sustainability and the power of collective action. Her talk, titled “We Are Co-Creators,” explores how every individual can shape the society they want to live in.

Environmental advocate and media personality Melissa Tan will take the TEDxKL stage with her talk 'We Are Co-Creators', exploring how collective action can shape the society we want to live in.

“Initiative goes a long way,” she says. “It’s the bias to action that creates new, beautiful things amidst a society conditioned to be passive consumers. Just like the theme ‘Confluence’, no man is an island. The things we want to see in our society are not made by individuals acting alone, but with each other.”

Tan, who also serves as Fashion Revolution Malaysia’s country coordinator, previously collaborated with REXKL to host Fashion Revolution Week 2022, where her installation The Big Waste (pic below) exposed the impact of fashion waste beyond the donation bin.

Crafting a Malaysian Identity

Another featured speaker is Chang Song Jie, Malaysia’s award-winning violin maker. Her work exemplifies the TEDxKL spirit – bridging heritage and innovation.

“Violin making is something that comes from Europe,” she says, “but here in Malaysia, I make violins using the classic Italian method – and name them after local delicacies like Laksa, Rendang and Asam. To me, that’s confluence – where two worlds meet to create something uniquely ours.”

Chang Song Jie, an award-winning luthier, exemplifies the TEDxKL spirit – bridging heritage and innovation.

Every violin, she explains, is a lesson in patience and discovery. “Each piece of wood behaves differently. As makers, we’re constantly learning and experimenting – blending heritage and innovation to find the perfect balance between beauty and sound.”

Chang hopes her story will inspire Malaysians to see artistry as something that can flourish anywhere. “Art knows no borders. If something as old and European as violin making can find new life here in Malaysia, then there’s no limit to what Malaysians can create – in art, in music, or in any field we choose.”

A Day of Ideas Worth Spreading

Other speakers include Mariani “Bam” Ramli of the Gibbon Foundation, Dr Daniel Mahazhir from the Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, mental health advocate Dr Selina Chew, urban green spaces champion Harleen Rai Kaur, and comedian Shamaine Othman – each offering a unique perspective on change, connection and creativity.

Some of the speakers you'll get to here this year at TEDxKL are (clockwise from left): Wildlife conservationist Mariani 'Bam' Ramli, Finance educator Peter "Mr Money" Yong, Storyteller Hannah Maran, Sciencepreneur Dr Daniel Mahazhir, Physician and entrepreneur Dr Selina Chew and Edtech innovator Fatien Atiqa Mohd Jamal. – Photos: TEDxKL

For attendees, TEDxKL 2025 promises more than just inspiring talks. It’s a chance to join Malaysia’s leading community of thinkers and doers, connect with fellow dreamers, and participate in workshops and activities designed to spark collaboration.

“Attending TEDxKL,” Tan says, “is a declaration to yourself – to lead with open-mindedness to new ideas, and to be part of the renaissance.”

Join the flow at TEDxKL 2025: Confluence – where heritage meets innovation, stories meet possibilities, and Kuala Lumpur itself reminds us what can happen when worlds collide in harmony.

NOTE: It’s a full house at the moment but if you’d like to be on the waiting list for the talks sign up here.

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