TEDxSingapore 2025: Technologist Li Hongyi Joins 8 Local Voices in the Running for TED 2026

Singapore has been selected as one of just nine global stops for TED’s highly anticipated 2025 Global Idea Search, positioning us as a crucial hub for surfacing world-changing concepts. This major milestone for the local community will culminate in TEDxSingapore: Dreaming City, an exclusive evening showcasing a total of twelve inspiring local speakers and featured voices.

The event, which is a search across six continents to find the best ideas and speakers, places Singapore alongside a handful of major cities worldwide chosen to host this significant preliminary search.

The evening’s focus is on eight key speakers who will each share a six-minute idea that could potentially land them on the main TED 2026 stage in Vancouver. A noteworthy speaker to watch would be Li Hongyi, the grandson of Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister, the late Mr. Kee Kuan Yew and current Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November 2025 (tomorrow), the Dreaming City event will take place from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM (doors open 6:30 PM) at the iconic Capitol Theatre, 17 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178907.

The theme, Dreaming City, is a celebration of ideas that shape who Singaporeans are and who they can become, exploring the possibilities that are yet to be imagined, from the dreams of our past to the realities we have built today.

Spotlight on the Eight Global Idea Search Speakers

The diverse line-up represents various sectors and fields, with these eight changemakers vying for a spot on the TED mainstage:

• Li Hongyi, Technologist: Director of Open Government Products, focused on building digital tools for public good to make everyday life simpler and smarter for citizens.
• Angjolie Mei, Funeral Director: Founder of The Life Celebrant, a second-generation funeral director redefining farewells through compassion, innovation, and dignity.
• Dr. Hortense Le Ferrand, Researcher: Leads research in creating sustainable materials inspired by nature, exploring how engineering and design can shape a more regenerative future.
• Mohamed Faizal, Malay Guzheng Artist: Blends traditional Chinese strings with global rhythms, showcasing how music can bridge cultures and stories.
• Shanice Stanislaus, Performer: A theatrical clown who uses humour and play to explore themes of vulnerability, courage, and embracing imperfection.
• Alecia Neo, Artist: Her participatory work explores themes of care, connection, and community, reimagining empathy as a collective creation.
• Andrew Ong, Social Advocate: Co-founder of Break the Cycle, he advocates for second chances and helps ex-offenders rebuild their lives through cycling and mentorship.
• Leon Boey, Marine Conservationist: He leads the Livingseas Foundation, bringing people together to restore coral reefs and rebuild ocean ecosystems.

These eight changemakers will be joined by other local voices, including:

• Yung Raja, Rapper: Known for his bilingual Tamil and English rap, he celebrates Southeast Asian identity and inspires pride in cultural roots through music.
• Nikki Tan, Conservation Filmmaker: She uses film to tell stories about the ocean and climate, collaborating with NGOs to inspire action and strengthen environmental storytelling.
• Foo Say Ming, Music Director: The director of re:mix, an ensemble that reimagines classical music through bold collaborations and inventive performances.
• Dakota Dreams, Community Bookstore: A not-for-profit bookstore founded by five retirees in the Dakota Crescent community, celebrating local stories and bringing neighbours together.

Do save the date and be a part of this global search for ideas that will awaken, challenge, and inspire our collective imagination.

Tickets for the event are available now online.