ZafigoX 2025 is almost here. Happening on 11–12 October, this year’s theme—Acceleration—speaks to the urgency of our times. Around the world, women are moving faster, pushing harder, and redefining what’s possible. ZafigoX is where we gather to share that drive, celebrate it, and carry it forward together.

Across two days (early-bird tickets are currently on sale!), you’ll hear from women who are breaking moulds and reclaiming space. Day 1: Breaking Boundaries, invites us to question what’s expected and step into new territory—whether that’s telling untold stories, reclaiming our voices, or building safe spaces online. Day 2: Reclaiming Space, is about taking back our narratives, reconnecting with culture, and reshaping the world around us.

Here’s a look at the women who’ll be taking the stage on Day 2:

Amanda Nell Eu
Filmmaker

For those who’ve seen Amanda Nell Eu’s debut feature film, Tiger Stripes, you’ll know it’s good stuff. But we don’t have to vouch for her, because her film was the Grand Prize winner of Semaine de la Critique at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

As a Kuala Lumpur-based filmmaker, this made Tiger Stripes the first female-directed Malaysian film to premiere at Cannes, and the first Malaysian film to win a top prize at the film festival. It was also Malaysia’s official submission for the 2023 Academy Awards.

Amanda’s work is a great example of reclaiming space through storytelling. Come listen to her speak and hone your storytelling bone.

Dr Elaine Pratley
Founder of Peace Kitchen & Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator

As Malaysians, we understand the power of food and how it connects us as a nation. Dr Elaine Pratley uses food, dialogue, and education to foster peace and belonging through two Australian initiatives, Peace Kitchen and Peace Inc. Her work as the founder of both organisations helps build bridges across cultural and societal divides.

Through her session, Surprised by Peace: Food Stories in a Divided World, Elaine will be sharing stories from across cultures that reveal the unexpected power of food to bridge divides.

Shenelle Rodrigo
Storyteller, Changemaker & Impact Creator

Shenelle Rodrigo’s act of reclaiming space started with allowing her voice to be heard in her own backyard, Sri Lanka. Now, she is the leading voice in showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich culture, landscapes, and resilience to a global audience. Shenelle’s work fuels not only tourism—she also allows space for grassroots charities and humanitarian causes by spotlighting them.

In her session, Reclaiming the Narrative, Shenelle will share how social media can dismantle entrenched narratives, preserve heritage, and empower local voices to redefine a nation—on their own terms. For the modern storytellers and digital creators, you won’t want to miss this.

Yee I-Lann
Contemporary Artist, Storyteller & Collaborator

As a contemporary artist based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Yee I-Lann’s photomedia-based practice delves into the evolving intersection of power, colonialism, and neo-colonialism in Southeast Asia. Centring counter-narratives or ‘histories from below’, she recently began collaborative work with sea-based and land-based communities, as well as indigenous mediums in Sabah.

I-Lann will speak and reflect on how art can be both vessel and journey; a way to walk together, create together, and imagine futures that cannot be shaped alone.

Day 2 of ZafigoX 2025 promises to be a day of collective reclaiming. Reconnecting with ourselves and rewriting our narratives to reshape the bigger picture. Our speakers will guide the way, whether it’s through food, art, storytelling, or their personal stories.

And don’t forget—early-bird tickets are available from now until 31 August 2025 at only RM280 for the full 2-day experience, or at RM160 for a single-day pass. Get yours here, and join us this October at Menara KEN TTDI, Kuala Lumpur.

(Note: Surprise! Early-Bird Tickets have been extended until 12 September. Don’t miss this extension and grab your passes NOW. )

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

For the full ZafigoX 2025: Acceleration programme and to see who else is on the lineup, visit zafigo.com/zafigox.