In a world that feels more connected yet more isolated than ever, Jodi Sta. Maria shares her experiences and reflections on how our connections with one another can be the most powerful remedy. Through connections, we heal, empower, and transform. Jodi Sta. Maria is a renowned Filipina actress and mental health advocate, celebrated for her extensive work in film and television. She received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress at the 44th International Emmy Awards and has won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards. Beyond acting in iconic works like Be Careful With My Heart and Pangako sa ‘Yo, she also holds a degree in Psychology with honors. Jodi continues to inspire many with her captivating performances and steadfast commitment to mental health research and advocacy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In a world where information travels faster than ever, technology has become an inseparable aspect of our lives. William Yu uncovers how the flow of data is more than what we simply view it as — it’s stories, relationships, and identities. As we navigate through the digital world, this talk raises significant questions about our perception on technology like AI. William Emmanuel Yu is a tech visionary passionate about technology advocacy and volunteerism. His knowledge and skills encompass technology solutions and operations, internet governance, and information security, while being active as a Computer Science professor and researcher. He holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Computer Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Ateneo de Manila University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does it really mean to make a difference? From small acts of kindness to bold stands for justice, this talk is a call to action to be intentional, courageous, and above all, a force for good. Join Danielle del Rosario as she shares the transformative impact of goodness and kindness. Danielle del Rosario is a corporate trailblazer committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos in need. A food security and sustainability advocate, she has also made an impact through her work in finance, philanthropy, energy, and the industrial sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines Diliman and a Master of Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Time's relentless march has shaped our world, but it was humanity's emergence that gave birth to what we call "history" - a narrative preserved through text, imagery, and countless other mediums. In this chronicle of our past, human experience takes center stage, weaving together the rise and fall of empires, the transformation of civilizations, and the evolution of individual lives, all deeply intertwined with culture itself.Yet beyond our earthly narratives lies a greater mystery - the cosmic origins and ultimate fate of life. These profound questions touch upon our deepest existential inquiries: Where do we come from? Where are we going? How do we define our place in the universe?In this thought-provoking talk, philosophy scholar Professor Zheng Yujian bridges literature, science, and philosophy to challenge our understanding of cosmic evolution and our role within this grand narrative. Join us as we explore the philosophical dimensions of our existence and the connections between human history and the universal story of life. Zheng Yujian, Professor of Philosophy Zheng Yujian is the founding member of the Department of Philosophy at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, and a Distinguished Professor at the Department of Philosophy of Shenzhen University. His research areas involve normative issues under naturalism, as well as evolutionary theory, rational choice theory, causal modes, and the integration/comparison of Chinese philosophy, European philosophy, and analytic philosophy. He has published nearly 60 academic works in both Chinese and English. Notable contributions include: • His 2001 paper "On Dynamic Choice" in Philosophical Studies (an internationally renowned philosophy journal); • The 2016 article "The Swampman Puzzle: [Subtitle]" in Philosophical Research (China's premier philosophy journal); • The 2017 Journal of Rationality Studies Best Paper Award-winning work "Resolving the Paradox of Irrationality"; • The 2019 monograph Normativeness: A Framework for Practical Reasoning (Renmin University Press); • The Chinese translation of European Awakening (The Commercial Press, 2019; original German edition 1990). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Beyond the human world lies a vast and interconnected community—animals. They are both a testament to the wonders of life and a treasure trove for scientific discovery. Yet, every day, countless animals face a silent but deadly threat: roadkill. At TEDxShenzhen 2024, we are honored to welcome Professor Zhongqiu Li from Nanjing University to shed light on this pressing issue. From soaring birds to galloping Père David’s deer and Tibetan antelopes, Professor Li has dedicated his career to studying the lives that share our planet, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and conservation action. With keen insight and deep compassion, he explores the intricate ways in which animals adapt to human-altered landscapes. Through scientific rigor and practical research, he seeks to foster a world where humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony. Join us as we engage with Professor Li, an esteemed expert in animal behavior and conservation science, to uncover the ecological crisis unfolding on our roads and the hidden threats within urban ecosystems. Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University; PhD advisor; Member of the Crane Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Wetlands International; Vice President of the Animal Behavior Branch of the China Zoological Society; Director of the Nanjing University-Hongshan Joint Laboratory for Animal Behavior and Cognition. Professor Li has long been dedicated to the study of behavioral ecology, comparative cognition, and conservation biology, with a focus on China’s endangered ungulates and avian species. He has led over 40 national and provincial research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and has published more than 100 academic papers. Through his research on wildlife behavior patterns and adaptive strategies, he strives to advance scientific conservation and promote sustainable coexistence, making significant contributions to biodiversity preservation and ecological management. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In her inspiring TEDxShenzhen talk, Su Min shared her extraordinary journey of breaking free and finding herself. At an age of 50+, when most people settle into routine, this courageous woman in her fifties left behind a stifling marriage to embark on a life-changing solo adventure. With raw honesty, she recounted both the struggles - from financial constraints to safety concerns - and the unexpected kindness of strangers that marked her path to freedom. More than just a travelogue, Su Min's story became a powerful manifesto for self-discovery, challenging societal norms and proving that traditional women, too, can claim their right to freedom and self-love. Her heartfelt message resonated deeply: she urged younger generations to support their mothers' dreams, while inspiring everyone to embrace life's possibilities and author their own extraordinary stories. Su Min is a travel vlogger and the real-life muse behind the film "Like a Rolling Stone."She is the creator of the social media channel "Auntie's Road Trip at 50," which has garnered six million followers across multiple platforms. Over the past four years, Su Min has traversed more than 400 cities in over 20 provinces throughout China.Prior to her journey, Su Min was a typical Chinese homemaker with a modest income. Her life was centered around her family, and she rarely had hobbies of her own. In September 2020, she made a bold decision to leave her home in Zhengzhou, Henan, and embark on a solo road trip in her white Volkswagen Polo.Her inspiring journey caught the attention of The New York Times in April 2021, where she was celebrated as the "Fearless Road Traveler." By September 2024, her story had been adapted into the film "Like a Rolling Stone," which captures the spirit of seeking and building a new life on the road. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx