Out with the old and obsolete
Odile Tjongarero (second from left) of Rand Merchant Bank with the UNAM students who organised the inaugural TEDx speaker podium where students are challenged to re-assess their own views. RMB Namibia sponsored the event with N$50,000.
“Changing your View” was the challenging theme with every presenter trying to rock the boat, forcing the young university minds to look for opinions and solutions outside the box. Presenters essentially challenged every student to change his or her view.
The TEDx event was organised by a dynamic group of 15 students on a voluntary basis, with guidance and mentoring from an experienced TEDx enthusiast.
Theo-Ben Kandetu, a 6th year medical student who is currently doing his internship between the Katutura and Central State Hospitals in Windhoek offered many of his thought-provoking and inspirational ideas. Vusi Thembekwayo, a global business speaker and Private Equity partner forced the young minds to view life differently. Using his experience as a dragon on the international TV show, the Dragon’s Den, he is passionate about changing perceptions and casting out obsolete ideas.
Six other speakers discussed topics to broaden the students’ outlook on business, science, research and even the fashion industry.
Seeing the opportunity to engage young thinkers, investment bank, RMB Namibia sponsored the first UNAM TEDx event with N$50,000.
Ray Auala, Chairman of the RMB Namibia CSI Committee said “RMB is proud to have supported the TedX “Changing Your View” session at the University of Namibia. It is aligned to RMB Namibia’s CSI investment pillar of supporting Community Development and Environmental Guardianship.”
“The TedX programme supports RMB’s mantra, ‘Traditional Values – Innovative Thinking’ as well as its entrepreneurial approach to business. Speakers addressed thought-provoking themes ranging from Renewable Energy to the Next Industrial Revolution to the Importance of Academic Research.
RMB associates fully with thought leaders in society and likes to develop partnerships with like-minded institutions and programmes for the sake of creating a better world. “We are excited about the emerging generation of young leaders we see coming into business and the public sector. RMB Namibia does not have a restrictive view on profitability alone, but a vision that goes beyond banking and profits to play a strong role within the community” he said.
