What is ITBS?
International Think Big Summit is a biennial gathering of leading luminaries, thought leaders and changemakers across the world to discuss BIG philosophical ideas and questions surrounding life, society and the nation.

The Theme This Year: Why Crossroads?
In an increasingly polarized society and nation, where contrasting ideas are pitted against each other, resulting in conflicts, tension and even war, we stand at a noisy and cluttered crossroad, fragmented and paralysed.
This Summit brings together diverse, distinct and seemingly irreconciliable perspectives under the same roof to meet in the middle, and have true conversations with each other, promoting the seeming distant idea of "unity within diversity" in the current polarized society.
Whether you are a left-leaning advocate, right-leaning conservative, existentialist, tech advocate, pragmatist, art enthuasiast, nationalist, multiculturalist, or pacifist, join us to challenge assumptions, explore diverse perspectives, find common ground, and discover new ways to bridge divides in our ever-evolving Rojak Malaysia.

Event Details
Date and Time: December 15, 2024 (Sunday), 9am - 7pm
Venue: HELP University Subang Bestari Campus (Getting there) + Online
Tickets: Thanks to our event sponsor, TalentCorp! LIMITED FREE SPONSORED TICKETS ARE NOW UP FOR GRABS!!
✅ Register Here: https://www.myphilsoc.com/itbs-2024-ticket2u 

Conversations at Crossroads: Featured Topics

Crossroad #1 [Diversity x Unity]: 67 Years Later: Can Diversity Finally Enhance the National Unity that Malaysia Envisions?
Questions Explored:
Less be honest, is "unity within diversity" really possible in Malaysia?
Does national unity necessarily imply a great degree of homogeneity, and its accompanying by-product of inequity?
What does being Bangsa Malaysia truly mean?

Crossroad #2 [Just War x Pacifism]: Just War or Just Wrong: Plotting our Moral Compass in the Palestine-Israel Struggle
Questions Explored:
How should Malaysians shape our moral stance in the Gaza conflict?
To what extent can a country's self-defence and need for independence justify atrocious violence?
In a world where the primal need for a sovereign haven rules, is pacifism just be a naive dream?

Crossroad #3 [ Truths x Manufactured Truths]: The Fault in Our Narratives: Seeking Truth(s) in a World of Mass Produced Lies
Questions Explored:
How do the powers that be control public narratives? How does the media play a part in perpetuating harmful narratives?
How can we seek reality and truth among the confusion of conflicting narratives in the current society?
Who do we trust in a rapidly changing world?

Crossroad #4 [Traditional Art x Social Media]: From Museums to Memes: How Digitalisation is Changing Art Forever
Questions Explored:
What is art in a culture of infinite scroll?
What defines Malaysian art?
Do memes and social media content provide a superior aesthetic experience compared to traditional art?
[Special: This segment will be accompanied by an expressive philosophical art session & thought-provoking art exhibit.]

Crossroad #5 [Loneliness x Hyperconnectivity]: Hyperconnected Yet Loneliest Generation Ever: Or Secretly the Truest-to-Self?
Questions Explored:
Why do we still feel lonely in a hyperconnected and hyperindividualized society?
How do we deal with loneliness?
Is loneliness necessarily a bad thing?

Summit Speakers

• Shahril Hamdan, co-host of podcast Keluar Sekejap (KS), Former Economic Director at the Prime Minister's Office
• YBrs. Encik Mohamad Sobri Bin Mat Daud, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Unity Malaysia
• Syed Farid Al-Attas, prominent Malaysian sociologist and writer, professor in the Department of Sociology at the National University of Singapore
• Scott Jordan: Executive Assistant Director at Centre for Postnormal Policies and Future Studies (CPPFS), Deputy Editor at Critical Muslim.
• Nina Adlan Disney: 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.
• Dr. Andrew Fiala: Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Ethics Center at Fresno State, past President of Concerned Philosophers for Peace, an internationally respected expert on the philosophy of peace, nonviolence, and pacifism.
• Ruhan Shahrir: Academic Researcher and Author on topics on race-based, identity politics, Malaysian identity, culture and religion.
• Loh Sit Fong: Clinical Psychologist, Family Therapist, Founder of Silver Lining Psychologist Specialist.
• Dr. Muhammed Abdul Khalid: Ex-Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2018-2020, consultant for various prominent organizations including World Bank and the UN Development Program.
• Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor: Expert Researcher at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Human Ecology at UPM
• Hajah Mahuran Saro Dato' Haji Sariki: Vice President, Group Research, Development & Policy, and Malaysian Professional Talent, TalentCorp
  
  
  Summit Specials
• Human Spectogram - 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.
• Crossing Canvasses Art Exhibit - Participate in a philosophical art exhibit where deep reflection and aesthetic experience come together as one. Immerse yourself in philosophical questions behind a wide range of art from traditional art to pop art and contemporary social media content.
• Think Big Lane - Engage with a diversity of impactful organizations championing various advocacies and social causes including think tanks, NGOs and changemakers at the Summit. Whether your passion lies in human rights, democratic reform, peace building, or art advocacy, the Think Big Lane offers a unique opportunity to connect, share ideas, and learn how you can be part of a larger movement for change.
• CrossPaths Networking - Experience our one-of-a-kind networking by participating in meaningful dialogues with those who hold distinct and opposite viewpoints from you, and truly experience the power of finding Middle Ground.
  
  Think Big Lane Booths

And more to come!

Seriously, Why Bother?

• Unlock a Better You!: Dive into conversations with people who do not necessarily share your viewpoints that push you to rethink your values and beliefs, helping you better understand who you truly are.
• Dare to Challenge Yourself: Shake up your core convictions on identity, morality, and culture by diving headfirst into diverse perspectives and revolutionary ideas, a true cornerstone of critical thinkers.
• Strengthen Your Relationships: Learn how to navigate difficult conversations with care, improving your connections with family, friends, and colleagues—even if they don’t always agree with you.
• Boost Your People Skills: Sharpen your empathy and emotional intelligence, and be better at managing conflicts by engaging in dialogues on sensitive and polarized issues.
• Increase Your Influence: Improve your ability to influence and persuade others, and strengthen your social and professional networks by mastering the art of connecting across divides.
• Forge Meaningful Connections: Meet a diverse mix of visionary thinkers and like-minded people from Malaysia and beyond, and build relationships that could open new doors in unexpected ways.
• Be a Change-Maker: Be the spark for real change by joining dynamic conversations on controversial issues with local and international visionaries, professionals, and leaders.
  
  What are you waiting for? Join us to explore how diverse and polarized ideas #MeetInTheMiddle at #Crossroads #ITBS2024.
  ✅ Register Here: https://www.myphilsoc.com/itbs-2024-ticket2u