Theme: Unlocking Opportunities in a Globalized World

International University of Japan (国際大学/IUJ) is a private university located in Minamiuonuma city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

With over 400 students from over 70 countries, IUJ is truly international. TEDxIUJ intends to showcase the stories of these students from all over the world.

This year the Graduate Student Organization with Student Councils of both the Graduate School of International Management and Graduate School of International Relations have collaborated to organize the official TEDx event in IUJ under the theme "Unlocking Opportunities in a Globalized World"

Matsushita Library & Information Center Hall
International University of Japan
777 Kokusai-cho
Minami Uonuma, Niigata, 949-7277
Japan

Ankush Soni

Pharmacist

Ankush Soni is a pharmacist turned marketer currently pursuing an MBA at the International University of Japan. With hands on experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a deep passion for global business strategy, Ankush Soni bridges the gap between healthcare and marketing with a unique cross cultural perspective. Drawing from experiences in India and Japan, he explores how mindset shifts can empower individuals to think beyond borders and unlock global opportunities. In his TEDx talk, Ankush Soni shares a personal journey of transformation, resilience, and reimagining purpose in a connected world.

Antoinette Marie Mangonon Baltazar

Entrepreneur, Innovation and Sustainability Advocate

Antoinette Baltazar is an entrepreneur with experience in food startups, real estate development, and international tech collaborations. She started her career with Ayala Land Malls, Inc., working on key real estate projects, including some of the country’s most iconic malls. After three years in real estate, Antoinette shifted to IT and innovation, leading cross-border tech projects to bring innovative solutions to the Philippines. Simultaneously, she also launched a food startup, growing it from the ground up. Now an MBA candidate at the International University of Japan, Antoinette focuses on IT and sustainability, with research on how entrepreneurs and SMEs can create sustainable cities in the Philippines. Her work and passions are shaped by her experiences overcoming failure and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Ilyosbek Rakhimov

Graduate Student

Ilyosbek Rakhimov is a graduate student from Uzbekistan, driven by a strong belief in education and resilience. Raised in a small farming village, he overcame language barriers, financial hardship, and social pressure to earn double bachelor’s degrees in South Korea. He now pursues his Master’s in Japan while continuing to support others through leadership and mentorship. Ilyosbek has served as the leader of a 2,000-student high school and later as President of the international student community in Korea. He recently founded an online academy aimed at helping students from rural backgrounds access global education opportunities. Through his journey, he hopes to empower the next generation to pursue their dreams—no matter where they begin.

Pham Phuong Nguyen

Human Resource Manager

Nguyen is passionate about supporting others and businesses to navigate and develop in the dynamic environment. She is a human resource manager, a language teacher, and a lifelong learner. She previously worked in a multinational company in Japan, where she acted as a bridge connecting people of different languages, cultures, and beliefs. She pursues further education to gain more knowledge in international management, and to broaden her perspectives. Seek improvement, make progress, and enjoy your life.

Pramodhya Dissanayake

Entrepreneur, strategic marketer, researcher, innovation catalyst

Pramodhya Dissanayake is a dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneur with a passion for challenging the status quo. With a strong background in international management and business strategy, he combines academic excellence with practical experience. He earned his Bachelor's degree in International Business Management from the University of Plymouth, UK, and went on to complete his MBA at the International University of Japan (IUJ), where he was honored as the Valedictorian of his graduating class. Additionally, Pramodhya is a proud member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, as well as has hold key positions in student communities. As a marketing and strategic management specialist, Pramodhya has provided business consultancy services to a wide range of multinational corporations both in Sri Lanka and Japan. Currently, Pramodhya serves as the Head of Marketing and Strategy at NIMI International, a company he co-founded with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Rachman Rohendi

Electrical Industry Generalist

Rachman has worked for one of Southeast Asia's biggest electricity utility companies for over 15 years. During his career in the company, he gained experience in power generation, transmission, distribution, and retail; he also has experience in business development, focusing on energy transition. He also has been involved in various energy transition projects in Indonesia, including solar PV and hydrogen projects. He is pursuing an MBA focusing on green transformation at the International University of Japan.

Rovin James Fabillo Canja

Public Servant

James is a dedicated young public servant focused on empowering youth development and amplifying the roles of learners in shaping education systems. He began his government career at the Department of Education in the Philippines, where he is working to create meaningful impact through policy formulation and project management, ensuring that education models align with the needs and experiences of young people. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, he believes that learners are not just passive recipients of information but active agents of change. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy at the International University of Japan.

Yuka Ishihara

Social entrepreneur, product designer and educator

Yuca is a social entrepreneur and product designer who believes that entrepreneurs with wisdom and courage are the ones who can solve various social problems in the current global situation. After working as a product designer for a cosmetics company in Tokyo, she joined the JICA volunteer program as a design expert, questioning the unequal business model of mass production led by developed countries. From that moment, she started her career contributing to international cooperation by utilizing her knowledge and working experience. Currently, she is majoring in International Social Entrepreneurship Program at International University of Japan. While seeking ethical product development as a social entrepreneur, she is also working to improve issues related to education around the world as a fellow and alumni of Teach for Japan, based on her experience working at a university in the Philippines as a JICA volunteer.

Zhongyan Tang (Rachel)

Enthusiastic explorer

Born in a small town in Chongqing, China, when I was young, going abroad seemed like a far-fetched dream to me. But now I have been to 12 countries, and have lived and studied in 4 countries. My journey from Chongqing, China, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Jakarta, Indonesia, to Niigata, Japan, witnessed my growth from a little lost girl, to a proactive department head in student council, to a self-challenging international sales specialist, to a growth-oriented MBA student. My story is about a transformation from a little, shy, insecure town girl who dreamt about going abroad to explore the bigger world to a brave and determined woman who made the little girl’s dream come true. I am grateful that every place that I have been to has nurtured and shaped me into my current self, not perfect but on the way to thrive.

Zunita Ramli

Entrepreneur, Brand Storyteller, and Ethical Beauty Advocate

Zunita Ramli is the founder of Tokyo Organic, a premium skincare brand made in Japan that champions natural, vegan, and Muslim-friendly formulations. Originally from Malaysia and now based in Japan, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to ethical beauty, blending Japanese craftsmanship with global inclusivity. Zunita holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has over a decade of experience in branding, marketing, and international business. Her passion lies in building purpose-driven brands that empower women, support sustainability, and redefine beauty standards. In 2022, she was named one of the 10 ASEAN Fantastic Women Who Are Following Their Dreams in Japan, in recognition of her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. She is currently leading the expansion of Tokyo Organic into global markets, while advocating for inclusive, conscious business as a force for social good.