[Singapore, 20 September 2013 (Friday)] – Embracing the Singapore Management University’s (SMU) culture of ‘Want Something, Do Something’ and its philosophy of being “A Different U”, the inaugural TEDxSingaporeManagementUniversity Conference will be launched today to share and celebrate ideas and experiences that are unconventional and worth spreading.

As the first TEDx event to be organized by SMU, the Conference boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, and aims to attract some 100 SMU students, faculty and staff. Aptly themed ‘Defying Logic’, the Conference serves to showcase ideas from remarkable individuals who have defied all odds to achieve success in life, and/or have embarked on paths less travelled.

Said Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President of SMU, “The TEDx Conference at SMU is very much in line with our goal of delivering a holistic and broad-based education, and creating a stimulating and dynamic learning environment through dialogue and exchange of ideas. It is a good platform for speakers and audience alike, who hail from diverse backgrounds, to come together and share, discuss and debate ideas that are worth spreading. Besides broadening one’s mind and offering fresh insights into a myriad of issues, such interactions might germinate even more ideas that could inspire and motivate. The theme of this inaugural Conference also reflects our determination to break new frontiers and scale new heights in our constant pursuit of excellence.”

The speakers include filmmaker Anthony Chen who recently won the Camera d’Or for Best Film at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, urban farmers Bjorn Low and Calvin Soh, motivational speaker Chatri Sityodtong, life coach David King Thorairajan (an SMU alumni), three-time Paralympian Gregory Burns, handcraft maker Pamela Yeo whose products are made from materials in war-ravaged countries, Singapore’s award-winning countertenor Phua Ee Kia, as well as SMU student writer and publisher Luke Robert. The topics of their speeches range from philosophy, art, music and filmmaking, to martial arts, science, technology and animation.

Rohini Chopra, a third-year student at SMU School of Economics, and one of the three SMU international students who conceived the idea of TEDxSingaporeManagementUniversity while on a business and cultural study trip to India in end 2012, said “We chose ‘Defying Logic’ as our theme since it resonates with SMU’s spirit of celebrating those who dare to be different and unconventional and choose to deviate from the norm. We hope that all participants leave the event feeling inspired and empowered to take on a world of endless possibilities.”

For more information, please contact

Teo Chang Ching (Mr)

Assistant Director, Corporate Communications

Office of Corporate Communications & Marketing

DID: 6828 5238

Fax: 6828 0456

Email: ccteo [at] smu.edu.sg