TEDxPhnom Penh

Speakers

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

• Anita Raymond Grey

  Design Innovator, Sustainability Advocate, Educator

  Anita Grey is an educator, sustainability advocate, and design innovator with over 20 years of experience in sustainable and critical design. She teaches public speaking at a London-based school and has delivered courses on pitching for Skolkovo tech executive MBA graduates and reflectology for Oxbridge students. A TEDx speaker and Tavrida art expert on innovative and sustainable design, Anita is also a member of the Green Design Force (China) and global networks such as BioLadies, Women of Wearable Technologies, and Fashion Revolution. Having worked across 12 countries, including on major events like the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Ashgabat 2017 Asian Games, Anita combines cross-cultural insight with creative and technological approaches to sustainability. She holds five Master’s degrees and continues to champion design as a central tool for solving social and ecological challenges.

• Avi Yaron

  Inventor, Neurotechnology Expert, Entrepreneur

  Avi Yaron is a visionary entrepreneur and executive chairman with deep expertise in medical and neurotechnology. After being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, he invented and founded Visionsense, pioneering groundbreaking 3D micro-imaging technology that transformed neurosurgery. An Israeli innovator and former 8200 lieutenant, Avi holds degrees in Electrical Engineering (BScEE) and Management (MSM). Having lived in New Jersey, New York, and California from 2004 to 2013, he brings a global perspective to innovation. Passionate about personalized, predictive, and preventative health solutions, Avi co-founded Joy Ventures (2016), HealthYA Ventures Lab (2020), and Serendipity Ventures (2024), where he invests in and mentors disruptive HealthTech startups addressing significant unmet needs.

• Barak Ekshtein

  Entrepreneur

  Barak is an impact entrepreneur and environmental advocate, and the founder of TONTOTON, a social enterprise addressing non-recyclable plastic waste in coastal Cambodia. His work focuses on creating practical, scalable solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics and developing reusable packaging systems that promote a circular economy. Recognized globally for his innovative approach to sustainability, Barak has been named a Top Innovator by the World Economic Forum and a UNESCO Green Citizen.

• Batham (Sai) Oun

  Artist

  SAI is a Cambodian independent artist, social advocate, farmer, athlete, and founder of Run With Sai (Sai Force), dedicated to inspiring others through creativity, charity, and community.

• Chantevy Khourn

  Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Advocate

  Chantevy holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and serves as a Programme Analyst on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) at UN Women. With nearly 10 years of experience in gender equality, women’s empowerment, and ending violence against women (EVAW), she has contributed significantly to program strategy, implementation, and project management. Her expertise includes advancing the Cambodia National Action Plans and aligning national policies with international women’s rights standards. Chantevy is also skilled in partnership building and stakeholder engagement, working closely with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and development partners. Passionate about creating inclusive and equitable communities, she continues to drive impactful initiatives promoting women’s rights and leadership in Cambodia and beyond.

• Eliav Alaluf

  Entrepreneur, Storyteller

  Eliav Alaluf brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and storytelling, having developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior's complex dynamics. His career features collaborations with tech startups and leading corporations across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, insurance, real estate, and consumer goods, where he has advised over 100 brands globally. His ability to engage diverse audiences has been a key to his success. Eliav is a co-founder of Follow[the]Seed, a venture capital fund valued at $50 million. He has also authored three books that explore market trends, consumer psychology, and the art of storytelling, providing actionable insights for businesses and marketers.

• Gechly Seng

  Author, Content Creator

  Gechly is a dedicated Psychology student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with a strong passion for mental health and education. She is also an author and content creator, focusing on health and educational topics. Over the past four years, Gechly has produced numerous videos and written five books aimed at raising awareness and inspiring positive change. Her future goal is to become a psychological counselor and trainer, while continuing to address mental health issues through her writing, content creation, and workshops, empowering individuals and communities to live healthier, more informed, and meaningful lives.

• Jimmy Meng

  Entrepreneur / Model / MC

  Jimmy is a passionate dream-chaser from Pailin who has turned challenges into opportunities. Having left her hometown to live abroad, she faced and overcame many obstacles along the way. A former cabin crew member, model, and MC, she has now transformed her journey into one of entrepreneurship as the Founder and CEO of Callalilly. Her story reflects resilience, ambition, and the courage to pursue dreams beyond borders.

• Kosal Sin

  Public Speaking Trainer

  Sin Kosal is an experienced public speaking trainer and coach from Cambodia. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in TESOL from the Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh. Formerly a lecturer at Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, he taught Strategies for Oral Communication and spent six years as a member of Toastmasters International. Sin Kosal has conducted public speaking training and workshops for a wide range of institutions and organizations, including PUC-IFL, National University of Cambodia, AmCam Exchange, Factory Phnom Penh, HEINEKEN Cambodia, Prudential Life Insurance, Sathapana Bank, Unilever Cambodia, USAID, UNDP, KAS, WeduGlobal, and JCI Mekong. He has also shared his expertise as a speaker at Ignite Phnom Penh (2016) and TEDx AbdulCarimeSt (2018).

• Martin Aerne

  Architect

  Martin Aerne, a Swiss-born architect, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). After earning his federal diploma and working in New York City, he joined Meili, Peter Architects in Zurich and Munich, contributing to the acclaimed Centre for Global Dialogue for Swiss Re. Since relocating to Cambodia in 2002, Martin has played a key role in education and design. He served as Principal and later National Director at WEC International Vocational Training Centre, where he founded the Entrepreneur & Apprenticeship Programme. As founder of Aerne Architects & Associates (AA&A), he has led innovative, award-winning projects both locally and internationally. Martin has been a professor and thesis advisor at the Royal University of Fine Arts since 2013 and has lectured at Limkokwing University and the Kirirom Institute of Technology, helping shape Cambodia’s next generation of architects with integrity, creativity, and global perspective.

• Mengly J. Quach

  Medical Doctor, Educator, Author, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

  Neak Oknha Dr. Mengly J. Quach, a Cambodian American educationist, medical doctor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the Mengly J. Quach Education, an umbrella for Aii Language Centers (Aii) and American Intercon Schools (AIS), and Study Overseas Go Overseas (SOGO), specializing in education, social and community development. Currently, Dr. Quach is an Advisory Member and Co-Vice Chair of Health Technical Working Group, since 2023 and Education Technical Working Group, 2019 of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Advisor to the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association, Board of Director of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, Board of Advisor of Federation of Education Services in Cambodia, Honorary Founding President of Cambodia Bokator Federation, Supreme Advisor to The Board of Monk Chief Cambodia and Founder and Chairman of the Prasethpheap Finance.

• Monivann Tan

  Entrepreneur

  Dr. Tan Monivann has over 23 years of experience across agriculture, law, economics, construction, real estate, and F&B. He holds multiple academic degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Law, MBA, DBA, DPA, and PhD in Law from institutions in Cambodia and abroad. He currently serves as President of the Cambodia Automotives Industry Federation and the e-Business Association, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and representative of the Cambodia Constructors Association. Since 2001, he has been Vice President of Mong Rethy Group (MRG), Cambodia’s largest agro-industrial firm. Dr. Monivann is committed to legal reform, property development, and business excellence. As a motivator, he encourages young Cambodians to set clear goals, improve skills, and leverage opportunities, emphasizing that self-improvement is key to prosperity. His vision is to leave a lasting impact through his work, leadership, and guidance on the next generation.

• Ra Bie

  Influencer, Digital Creator, MC

  Ra Bie is a passionate communicator and creative professional dedicated to inspiring positive change in society. A valedictorian graduate in International Relations from Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC), he first developed his skills as a debater and public speaker with the PUC Club in 2017. Today, he is a video content creator, professional emcee, and founder of Sonya Studio, where he uses media and storytelling to raise awareness about social and mental health issues. Through his work, Ra Bie strives to motivate and empower communities, offering a helping hand to those in need. Driven by his vision, he dreams of seeing Cambodia grow into a strong, compassionate, and well-educated society.

• Somboon Mongkolsombat

  Entrepreneur

  Dr. Somboon is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in technology, management, and communication. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from Weber State University, an MBA from Brigham Young University (USA), and a Ph.D. from Pannasastra University of Cambodia. As Country Manager of BPC Banking Technology, he leads digital transformation for 25 Cambodian banks. He also lectures at Pannasastra University and Beltei International University, sharing his expertise with future leaders. A passionate communicator, Dr. Somboon founded Toastmasters International in Cambodia, expanding it to four clubs and earning district-level speech awards in the U.S., Thailand, and the Philippines. Outside work, he enjoys walking, swimming, and martial arts. His dedication to innovation, leadership, and lifelong learning continues to make a lasting impact in Cambodia and beyond.

• Sopheak Soung

  Theater Director

  Growing up in a war-torn country, Sopheak overcame many challenges to earn a Certificate of Pedagogy (2003) and a BA in Drama and Directing from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA, 2008). His work highlights the power of theatre and Cambodia’s cultural talent. In 2015, he became a founding member of Khmer Art Action (KAA), supporting young Cambodian artists. Sopheak has gained international recognition, participating in festivals and workshops in Germany, Australia, and the U.S., and hosting the Asian Youth Theatre Festival (2022) with 200 artists from 13 countries. His productions address social issues, including women’s empowerment, drunk driving, and cultural memory, such as The Courageous Turtle, supported by IFA, the EU, and Cambodia’s Ministry of Education. He currently lectures in History and Culture at the University of Puthisastra, and is a leading figure in Cambodian theatre and performance arts.

• Sopheap Kou

  Professor, Monk

  Venerable Vachirbanho Kou Sopheap holds a PhD in Leadership from Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia and completed an exchange program at Troy University (USA) for his Master’s degree. He is a professor at Paññāsāstra University, widely known for sharing practical wisdom and mental health insights through short videos and quotes that have garnered over 4 million followers on Facebook. Venerable Sopheap is also a sought-after public speaker, having delivered talks at ministries, universities, schools, and companies, where he connects Buddhist philosophy with real-life experiences to promote mindfulness and moral growth. His engaging and compassionate approach has inspired many, and in 2019, he was featured as a TEDxRUPP speaker, continuing his mission to uplift minds and foster inner peace in modern society.

• Tifanny Bophadavy Doche

  Fashion Designer

  Tifanny Bophadavy Doche is a Cambodian fashion designer and Global Ambassador and Lead Designer for Re-Made in Cambodia. As the Founder of Revivre Studio, she champions sustainable fashion, cultural identity, and timeless design. Born in France to a Khmer-Chinese family, Tifanny studied at ESMOD Fashion Design and Business School, interned at Viktor & Rolf, and worked as a stylist in Paris before returning to Cambodia in 2020 to pursue her vision for Khmer-inspired design. In 2022, she launched Revivre Studio, a made-to-order and ready-to-wear brand rooted in slow fashion and Cambodian craftsmanship. Her work has been featured in Phnom Penh Designers Week and other showcases. In 2023, she collaborated with Re-Made in Cambodia for the Earth Day Fashion Project, transforming discarded river clothing into new creations. Through her art, Tifanny seeks to elevate Cambodia’s creative voice and promote a sustainable, conscious fashion future.