Theme: Why Not?

Often when we face an opportunity, our first response to it is “Why?”
Now, let’s start thinking, “Why not?”
Let’s start celebrating the beauty of uncertainty, the art of not knowing, and the transformational power of saying “yes” to a challenge. Extend the limitations of possibility, and prove that “Why Not?” isn't just a question, it's a powerful “Why, Yes!” in disguise.
“Why not?” is not just about asking questions, it’s about answering them through new discoveries, breaking boundaries and challenging norms. It’s about taking the leap to answering the question, even if it leads us down uncharted paths.

Raffles World Academy
Al Marcup Street Umm Suqeim 3 formerly - 7th St - Jumeirah 3 - Dubai
Multipurpose Hall
Dubai, Dubayy, 00000
United Arab Emirates

Alonzo Rodrigo

Student

Alonzo Joaquin Gamo Rodrigo was the Primary School Head Boy of Raffles World Academy in the UAE. His ebullient love for writing and public speaking empowered him to participate as a Proudly Filipino speaker in this TEDx event, with a fiery passion to motivate whoever watches his speech into 'making a change'. He will discuss the fundamental topic of change, highlighting its importance in daily life. In his talk, he will keep you on the edge of your seat with touching anecdotes, impactful life lessons and crucially actionable pointers for the future and motivate you to accept change into your life. When he's not busy competing, prepping his next talk, or developing educational megaprojects, you can find him devouring books, battling it out with LEGO Minifigures, (occasionally) besting his adversaries in video games, or singing his heart out. Prepare yourselves for this stunning speech by Alonzo Rodrigo!

Arya Singh

Student

"The world is changing much more rapidly than most people realize”, says Arya Singh, 11 year old LAMDA certified public speaker and an advocate of environmental protection. She is a hiking enthusiast, an accomplished Guitarist from Trinity College London and strongly believes in the theory of 'Less is More'. Committed to embracing Minimalism for environmental sustainability, her passion to preserve mother nature started at the age of 6 when she started to clean up hiking trails and beaches with her tiny hands. She loves to travel, and a recent real life experience in Iceland has further strengthened her belief of an immediate action with humanity to preserve mother nature before it's too late. She will be at the TEDx stage with her inspiring perspective to be a 'Minimalist'. She aims to inspire the audience to be a 'Mindful Consumer' to help safeguard Mother Earth for generations to come. Join her for this delightful talk that will inspire you to act.

Ayaana Shariff

Student

Ayaana Shariff, who was the Head Girl of RWA Primary School, is a dynamic and passionate speaker, fueled by a profound love for reading, music, and football. She is on a mission to transform the adverse narrative around peer pressure, urging us to challenge preconceived notions about it. With a fervent belief in the power of positive influence, Ayaana will share her insights on how peer pressure can be harnessed for good, inspiring her school community to cultivate a culture of support and empowerment. Her vision as a leader is dedicated towards extending the impact of her message beyond the walls of her school. With a resolute determination to empower her peers and communities at large, she aims to shatter the confines of traditional peer pressure norms, encouraging individuals to forge their own paths. Get ready to be inspired by Ayaana’s journey towards liberation and self-discovery, as she talks about challenging perceptions and igniting positive change.

Flo Akinbiyi

Communication Coach

Flo Akinbiyi is a versatile presenter, dynamic keynote speaker and dedicated communication coach. Based in the vibrant city of Dubai, he has roots in Germany and Nigeria. His career has led him to collaborate with over 200 of the world's most successful brands, delivered numerous impactful events both on and off the stage, all while providing guidance to more than 2500 professionals, enhancing their communication skills. He has had the privelege of sharing the stage with renowned celebrities like Michal J. Fox and Michelle Obama. From these experiences, he has curated a range of programs, offering group trainings, online courses, and one-on-one coaching, all designed to empower individuals to reach their full speaking potential. Get ready for an unforgettable TEDx talk with Flo, where inspiration meets a touch of fun!

Jeana Mehta

Student

Jeana Mehta, a courageous and curious 11-year-old, is dedicated to making a difference to her community with her passion for environmental conservation and the sciences. She demonstrates learning agility and perseverance via her accomplishments in various Robotics, Coding and Hackathon competitions. She is also an integral member of the Raffles World Academy Eco Team. She utilizes her skills and creativity to serve as a strong and impactful leader, especially through her deep engagement with the student council. In her leisure time, she loves to listen to music, scrapbook with her friends, and read books. Jeana's commitment and active participation in the school community demonstrate that age is merely a number.

Mikhail Wasan

Student

Mikhail Wasan, a dedicated and curious student, aspires to redefine and enhance our contemporary understanding of artificial intelligence. His passion for law and a keen interest in the intricate nuances of the world fuel his curiosity and critical thinking, which he channels through his engagement with political and current events. Driven by a commitment to spreading information and pursuing truth with impartiality and armed with his profound love for history and reading and the lessons derived from the subject, Mikhail seeks to harness his expertise in artificial intelligence to foster positive societal change and liberate us from the constraints that often bind us.

Mishaal Saeed

Student

Mishaal Saeed, a 10-year-old student at RWA, is dedicated to inspiring youth to embrace fearlessness and risk-taking. His passion for Robotics and Lego building fuels his mission to empower others to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. Currently serving on the learning council, Mishaal aspires to become a motivational leader, guiding fellow young people towards their goals. His open-mindedness is evident in his love for travel and exploration, while his interests in comic books, football, and swimming highlight his diverse pursuits. Through his efforts, Mishaal aims to foster a positive societal impact by encouraging others to unlock their potential and strive for excellence, guided by his motto, "question everything," reflecting his curiosity and thirst for discovery.

Riaan Mehta

Student

Riaan is an adventurous and fun-loving 9 year old who is driven by his inquisitiveness to try new things and experiences. He is always active and shows a keen interest in traveling to new countries (and helping his parents plan the trips), learning new skills from dancing to adventures to sports, and engaging in activities such as hosting school talent shows, participating in math olympiads and World Scholar’s Cup, to name a few. This persona of Riaan helps him imbibe different cultures and perspectives and provides him with a vibrant and caring personality. Riaan has a deep interest in reading books and has a collection of more than 200+ novels which he has read many times over. Riaan finds excitement in the genres of adventure, fantasy and mystery, and is often inspired by imagination and creativity, which reflects in his way of living. In his free time, Riaan loves to swim, play cricket and enjoy time in outdoor activities.

Shashva Dedhia

Student

Shashva Dedhia is a passionate student of Grade 9 at RWA. He enjoys learning and is always looking for opportunities to meet new people. He is a budding photographer, as well as being an avid reader and also working on paper-craft, namely quilling. He values his academics and his extra-curricular, which is why he practices badminton and cricket. His favorite subject areas include math, science, and history. He is quite competitive and likes to succeed at what he does.

Shreyasi Saxena

Student

Shreyasi is a 14 year old with a profound passion for both mathematics and the arts. When she's not neck deep exploring mathematical concepts, she can be found painting her soul or losing herself in the melodies of the piano. Her artistic pursuits balance her mathematical interests by allowing her to think creatively and express her ideas in unique ways, while her love for math challenges her to think critically and analytically. Her keen interest in both these seemingly unrelated fields allows her to excel at tasks that require a blend of logical thinking and creative problem solving. She is passionate about expressing her numerous ideas, whether through artworks, music, or simply, speech. Her dedication to both her academics and her passions reflects her commitment to personal growth and contributing positively to a wider community.

Vidur Arun

Student

Vidur Arun, a 15 year-old student, harbors an extraordinary passion for Rubik's cubes. His enthusiasm for the puzzle goes beyond the boundaries of school hours, as he can be seen timing his solves both inside and outside of class. To Vidur, Rubik's cubes are more than just a hobby–they represent a gateway to a world of experiences and self-discovery. He believes that pursuing one's passions, no matter how niche, can lead to remarkable personal growth and fulfillment. His dedication to solving these puzzles across the years exemplify the joy and satisfaction that come from engaging in activities that ignite one's enthusiasm.