Menu
Extended for a Limited Time!
In an increasingly polarised society of clashing ideas and rising tensions, we find ourselves at a noisy, fragmented crossroad. International Think Big Summit 2024 aims to cut through the chaos, exploring the power of Middle Ground to bridge understanding within oneself and among others.
What is a crossroad without its differently headed roads coinciding at one place? What is Malaysia without its medley of vibrant colours jam-packed in a single nation? Yet “Malaysia, Truly Asia” appears to be only a facade, masking the persistent calls for justice and belonging.
When a nation trespasses on another’s territory, war erupts. This fight over and for borders—to establish a home—has been the centrepiece of many battles, including the endless Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The systematically-drawn roadlines dictate which traffic area belongs to who. Once you challenge them, people can get angry and retaliate. Similarly, when a nation trespasses on another’s territory, war erupts. This fight over and for borders—to establish a home—has been the centrepiece of many battles, including the endless Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Amid a rush of information (and misinformation), thanks to technology and power interests, it is becoming exasperatingly challenging to discern which narratives are manufactured and which are true. We are left paralysed at the crossroads, wondering where to pursue the elusive truth.
Art is often said to transcend time and space: the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic gaze holds as much mystery today as it did in the 16th century. But can the same be said of the “Surprised Pikachu” meme, or perhaps Uncle Roger’s signature ‘Haiyaa!’ in his parody-style TikTok videos?
Art is often said to transcend time and space: the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic gaze holds as much mystery today as it did in the 16th century. But can the same be said of the “Surprised Pikachu” meme, or perhaps Uncle Roger’s signature ‘Haiyaa!’ in his parody-style TikTok videos? In a world where we race through crossroads of hurried existence, we would like to take a moment and explore:
The light turns green. Dozens of pedestrians passing by. Shoulders brushing against each other. But no one stops, and no words are exchanged. Despite living in the pinnacle of hyper-individualization and hyperconnectivity, Generation Z (and arguably all other generations) is commonly dubbed the “Loneliest Generation”.
Limited Early Bird tickets available.
Join us in a real-life human spectrogram during the Think Big Hour to explore diverse perspectives and truly experience the power of building bridges and better answer the question of “who you are” in an increasingly polarised nation.
Participate in a philosophical art exhibit where deep reflection and aesthetic experience come together as one. Immerse yourself in guided philosophical questions behind a wide range of art from traditional art to contemporary pop art.
Engage with a diversity of impactful organizations championing various social causes including think tanks, NGOs and changemakers. Whether your passion lies in democratic reform, peace building, or art advocacy, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect, share ideas and take action.
A political activist and a marhaen writer. Anti-propaganda, misinformation and troll. Liyana served the Minister of International Trade and Industry as a Special Officer.
Executive Assistant Director at Centre for Postnormal Policies and Future Studies (CPPFS), Deputy Editor at Critical Muslim.
Managing Director at LeapEd Services, member of the global “HP Futures Council on Tomorrow’s Schools”, awardee of Lifetime Achievement Award for Education Excellence from KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.
Stay tuned for more.
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Former Member of Parliament, Political Activist
Prof. Emeritus Osman Bakar
Holder of AI-Ghazali Chair of Epistemology and Civilizational Studies and Renewal at ISTAC-IIUM
Dr. Alan Lightman
Physicist and Professor of the Practice of the Humanities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Prof. Syed Farid al-Attas
Professor in the Department of Sociology at the National University of Singapore
Shahril Hamdan
Ex-Information Chief of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
YB Lim Yi Wei
Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) of Kampung Tunku
Nick Khaw
Economist and Head of Research at Khazanah National
Nisha Ayub
Malaysian transgender rights activist, co-founder of SEED Foundation
Chan Soon Seng
CEO of Teach for Malaysia
Ex-Information Chief of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
Economist and Head of Research at Khazanah National
Malaysian transgender rights activist, co-founder of SEED Foundation
CEO of Teach for Malaysia (TFM)
*Group discount available at checkout.
*Alternative Payment Method: Bank in to the Malaysian Philosophy Society at 101070019878, Affin Bank Berhad and share your receipt to hello@myphilsoc.com, with email titled “ITBS 2024 Bank Transfer – Name”.
International Think Big Summit (ITBS) is a summit that involves leading luminaries and changemakers across the world. This year we are exploring the theme "Crossroads: Where Diverging Minds Converge in Rojak Malaysia", where diverse and distinct perspective come together to find middle ground.
The Summit is scheduled to take place on the 7th of December, 2024, from 9 am to 6.30pm. Venue is located in Klang Valley/Kuala Lumpur - it is to be announced. Online streaming will also be available for participants located outside of KL/Klang Valley.
The Summit features a mix of talks, panel discussions, discussions, interactive activities, pop-up booths and even a philosophical art exhibit. We will cover a wide range of topics from self-help, identity, diversity, truth, art, war and more. Participants can engage in talks with renowned speakers, network with participants from diverse backgrounds, and explore booths with advocacy groups and organizations championing various social causes.
The Summit is open to everyone from diverse backgrounds, identities, professions, and age groups.
Yes, you can. The event is a hybrid event where certain talks will be livestreamed to allow participants outside of the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur to participate online.
Yes you can. However, a flat ticket fee is charged. And we highly encourage participants to stay for the whole day to allow the learnings of the Summit to take full effect in your everyday life and interactions.
You can register directly on our website at (scroll down for the sign up button) or over at Eventbrite (insert link). Walk-in registration on event day is also available at a different rate. However, registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis based on the venue’s capacity. Hence, we recommend you to register before the event day to secure your spot.
The admission to the Summit is RM 20 for Early Birds (before October 15, 2024) and RM 30 for Regular Admission. Group and student discounts are also available.
There won't be any food or refreshments provided at the Summit. However, there will be pop-up booths selling food and drinks at the Summit where you can choose based on your preferences. Additionally, nearby cafés and restaurants will be available for those who prefer a wider selection of meals.
Yes, we welcome volunteers to be a part of the Summit. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to hello@myphilsoc.com for more information.
We welcome organizations/speakers that align with our Summit theme this year to become our partners. Please reach out to us at hello@myphilsoc.com with a brief partnership/speaker proposal to discuss collaboration opportunities. The deadline for speaker proposal submission is October 31, 2024, and the deadline for partnership proposal submission is November 22, 2024.
You do not need a PayPal account to register. You can select "check out as guest by selecting "Pay with a Bank Account or Credit Card". Alternatively, you can bank in to the Malaysian Philosophy Society at 101070019878, Affin Bank Berhad and share your receipt to hello@myphilsoc.com with the email title "ITBS 2024 Bank Transfer - Name".
HERE IS A QUICK SUMMARY IF YOU SCROLLED THROUGH EVERYTHING ABOVE:
International Think Big Summit (ITBS) 2024 presents perspectives traditionally viewed as occupying opposite ends of various spectrums meeting at a noisy crossroad.
It will be a full-day of diverse mind-stretching talks, panel discussions, philosophical art exhibit, a real-life human spectrogram and booths involving changemaking organizations on December 7th (Sat), from 9am to 6.30pm!
Whether you are a left-leaning advocate, right-leaning conservative, existentialist, pragmatist, art enthuasiast, nationalist, multiculturalist, pacifist, or simply someone who wants to learn more, ITBS 2024 invites you to find your way forward amidst the chaos and differences in the world we live in.
Extended for a Limited Time!