TEDxThimphu inspires new wave of ideas

2026-03-21 - 09:11

After a decade-long absence, TEDxThimphu made a strong comeback yesterday. From embracing contentment and community vitality to the journey of self-acceptance, eleven speakers from eight countries shared lessons from their life experiences, inspiring audiences to accept themselves and pursue greater purpose. The event brought together speakers who sparked fresh conversations, leaving around 200 participants eager for more platforms that promote ideas, reflection, and change. Each speaker delivered a ten-minute talk, presenting clear, relatable, and engaging messages. “Bhutan is very close to my heart. I am from Singapore, and I believe that Bhutan and Singapore share many common values. It is truly a pleasure and an honour to be here to give my first TED Talk,” said Kah Shin Leow, an experienced endurance athlete. “To begin with, it has the benefit of exposing Bhutan to the rest of the world, especially given the fact that TEDx has a huge following globally. I think it, by itself, opens up Bhutan to a whole new avenue of thinkers and innovators who follow TED,” said Karma Dendup, a producer who won a National Media Award for Best Documentary. Students said the talks were memorable and thought-provoking. “This is the first TED talk I have ever attended. It was truly amazing and inspiring. The speakers shared a variety of ideas and emotions, and some were also funny and engaging, which I found both interesting and surprising. As a literature student, this experience will help me a lot in my studies,” said Tshering Choeden, a student of Nobuling Rigter College. “It is my first time attending one, so I am grateful for the opportunity. It was quite motivating to hear these stories from people who came here to share such wonderful insights,” said Lhawang Alejandro Betancourt, a student of Pelkhil School. “From today’s talks, I learned that we should have the courage to step out of our comfort zones to acquire new knowledge. I also understood that while money is important, it’s the kind of relationship we have with it that truly matters,” said Chencho Dorji Rinzin, a student of Motithang Higher Secondary School. Encouraged by the positive response, organisers have already begun planning the next event. Organiser Dorji Dhradhul said, “We definitely want to hold the next one. It could take place as early as four months from today, but at the latest, we aim to bring the next TEDx to Thimphu within six months.” He added that all talks will be curated and submitted to TED headquarters, with the hope of being featured on the official TEDx YouTube channel. With ideas flowing across cultures and generations, TEDxThimphu has not only reignited conversations in the capital but also set the stage for a growing community of thinkers, dreamers, and doers ready to shape Bhutan’s future. Kinzang Lhadon