TEDxAPU 2025: Odyssey

Written by: CHERID Azel Thara & Kayla Adella Utama

Edited by: Mir Mustaufiq Rahman

Over the years, TEDxAPU has established itself as a reputable cooperative with numerous student-organized TED events. This particular event, themed adventurously after the concept of one’s ‘Odyssey’, was a celebration marking a great milestone for their past few years as an organization. Congratulations are in order, as it seems that they have yet again proved capable of hosting only the most impeccable speakers, curating a perfectly fitting set of stories that align with the event’s intentions to emphasize the potency of long, winding journeys—by letting them enjoy the limelight rather than be overshadowed by stories of instant feats. 

This event was the highlight of the organization’s year, kicking off for the following one, whilst teaming up with world-renowned learning centre, KUMON — in tandem with their English Immersion activities, as well as the APU Connection Hub. The event was preceded by their SSL (Student Speaker League) event held in December, providing a platform for student talents to take centre stage with a chance to be selected for the larger scale event. Amongst the many brilliant speakers, the SSL narrowed down three of the most striking: Cattleya Avery Eunice Javian Daub, Watanabe Yuhi, and Sunny Perida. Alongside these student speakers, three highly anticipated guest speakers were invited: 'Taiyo no Ie' chairman Tatsuo Yamashita, Ritsumeikan APU president Hiroshi Yoneyama, and lifestyle influencer Kantaro Inagaki. Additionally, a performer was invited as a closing act: singer songwriter Xeva Al Gazel. The event was meticulously planned in amazing efforts to maximize the comfort of those taking stage. The first three speakers were the SSL winners, each speech pontificated with steady clarity and ready posture, taking on all shades of relatable and incredibly touching journeys. 

The first speaker, Cattleya Avery Eunice Javian Daub presented a title that rang vulnerable and perplexing, hooking in all ears present in that room: ‘Why I Refuse to Unfriend My Dead Mom’. Her speech bravely explored the strange intimacy of mourning in the digital age, and the way in which our relationship with the words we share on social media or otherwise may make sense of life, and also of loss. Her speech was captivating—setting the tone for the rest to follow suit. She was clear-spoken and melodical, gracing the audience to open their minds and touch into their feelings in an era where everything has been digitized. 

The next speaker, Watanabe Yuhi, delivered her speech in Japanese. She explored what it means to be yourself, and asked the simple, but often overlooked question: ‘Do you like yourself?’ Her speech delved into the deliberate journey of finding peace within yourself regardless of the world’s biases, and the overshadowing presence of self-doubt. There is no need to change all the things about yourself that make you unique. Taking the first step before the big leap that is true happiness, is to truly know yourself. Her speech was mellow, yet powerful. 

Sunny Perida’s speech challenged the conventions of humour as a merriment that accompanies happiness— presenting his own experiences using a smile and laughter to connect to the situations that arise around him, and how it helped him navigate them. The courage in the speech he gave came from an utterly honest place, exploring what happiness really means, and how people utilize at their lowest points without even realizing it. His speech itself was assembled alongside a few punchlines, making it all the more enjoyable to the audience all the while keeping a sincere, vulnerable tone. A devastatingly real, and relatable sentiment that gave the audience the air to reflect, yet still paired with fits of giggles that perfectly complemented the variety within his journey. 

Tatsuo Yamashita, the chairman of a Japanese social welfare company specializing in employment for people with disabilities, ‘Taiyo-no Ie’, was the first out of the three guest speakers to give a speech. His speech centered around his journey that consisted of unexpected grievances, and gifted him with invaluable passion. In an interview with Yamashita, he left on a truly inspiring note: “Don’t just say you can’t. Keep finding that you can.” (translated into English by on-site staff). Furthermore, he shared that even when you are working towards a goal in a world that is working against you, “Don’t be afraid of new challenges or difficulties”. His path was never an easy one, but he realized after being in Beppu that the city adapted to its people— not the other way around. If the whole world understood each other in such a way, nothing is impossible.

The next to speak was Ritsumeikan APU President Hiroshi Yoneyama. “I never regretted my decision to come here—It has been my dream university.” Yoneyama prepared an impeccable speech on his personal odyssey that led him to an unlikely career. All his life, he felt closely connected to the label of an ‘introvert’. In an interview with APU Times, when asked about what he wished students knew more about him, he simply stated: “I’m a shy person, I don’t have many wishes about people knowing me, but I want you students to know that I work hard.” His speech emphasized that even after facing the harsh realities of teaching and the toll it may take on a reserved personality, Yoneyama did not let down. Although he scarcely believed in his ability to flourish a job that relied on so much networking and social strong suits, he proved that building your abilities brick by brick towards a cause that you believe in will never be instant—but it will also never be beyond grasp. 

Kantaro Inagaki has become an internet sensation for his on-foot travels across Japan. His contribution to this TEDx event did not go unnoticed, with many excitable at his being there. Inagaki was interviewed by a member of the APU Times before his speech, where he shared some insight on his journey. Inagaki’s TED talk was an eye-opener, enlightening the audience on the connection we’ve come to lose with our surroundings for the sake of convenience. Inagaki encourages us to stop and smell the flowers— and even assigns us a task: “The next time you have to go somewhere, walk.” The feeling of the ground below you and the sky above your head is an indispensable one, a quiet luxury that we miss so often thanks to our increasingly digitized life. Inagaki’s message is clear: Life is out there for those who seek it.

The closing act was an outstanding performance by singer songwriter Xeva Al Gazel, from movie piano classic “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme”, and Sinatra’s golden “My Way”, all the way to showcasing his original song “Just a Dream”, it was no short of an impressive display of his wide range of talent. This was the perfect conclusion to the event— leaving audience members in awe. 

TEDxAPU 2025’s ‘Odyssey’ lived up to all the great events that came before it. It gave a truly immersive audience experience, whilst leaving a memorable impression from all the stories told. ‘Odyssey’ was undoubtedly successful in its endeavour to provide the stage, making room for the speakers to shine from the beginning of their stories, up until the very end—It left a message like no other on those lucky enough to witness it, putting it out there that our stories could live to be just as remarkable, and that our journeys have only just begun.