TEDxKL

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Apurva Sanghi

  Apurva Sanghi is the World Bank Lead Economist for Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. He was previously based in Moscow and Nairobi holding similar roles for the Russian Federation, and the four East African countries of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Eritrea. Prior, Apurva led the World Bank’s Global Economic Growth Cluster in Washington DC. A macro-economist with environmental expertise, Apurva is also a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He has worked on development topics ranging from infrastructure & climate change to microfinance & agriculture. Apurva has worked in the private sector (USA); think-tanks (Thailand Development Research Institute--TDRI) and academia -- teaching & research positions at MGIMO (Russia), Thammasat University (Bangkok), University of Chicago, and Yale (USA). Apurva is a selective commentator with views expressed in the pages of major international media outlets such as the Financial Times; the Economist; Mint & Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Project Syndicate. He has also contributed to on-air commentary to outlets including Al-Jazeera, CNBC, Channel News Asia (CNA), and RT. Apurva was recognized by Forbes Magazine as a “leader and disruptor” trying to fix broken GDP. He has also given a first-ever TEDx talk, broadcast live from the Kakuma refugee camp in Northern Kenya. Apurva holds college degrees in physics & economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He earned his PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.

• Daniel Mahadzir

  Dr Daniel Mahadzir is an advocate for sustainable food systems and planetary health. He explores nutrition-focused longevity and aims to improve access to balanced nutrition through advocacy, research, and sciencepreneurship.

• Hannah Maran

  Hannah Maran is a philanthropy advisor and humanitarian professional whose work bridges frontline humanitarian response and private sector partnerships. She has worked globally with the United Nations and the Red Cross, mobilizing resources in support of communities affected by war and crisis.

• Harleen Rai Kaur

  Harleen Rai Kaur is an environmentalist with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Tropical Environmental Biology from Monash University. She is currently a Programme Officer with Friends of Bukit Kiara, a civil society organization dedicated to conserving and protecting Bukit Kiara’s natural landscape. Passionate about nature and wildlife, Harleen is committed to promoting environmental awareness and education as well as fostering community connection to nature.

• Peter Yong

  Malaysia’s leading personal finance storyteller, Peter shares life lessons and practical tips from his extensive interviews, empowering audiences to make smarter choices and thrive.

• Song Jie Chang

  Born in Kuantan, Song Jie is Malaysia’s first internationally awarded female luthier. Her innovative and masterfully crafted violins and violas are celebrated for blending heritage, musical artistry, and modern craftsmanship.