CedarBough Saeji is an assistant professor at Pusan National University, where she researches contemporary culture in media and performance contexts. She co-edited Invented Traditions in North and South Korea and has contributed to over 15 articles on the topics of South Korean culture, K-pop, and Korean music and entertainment.

Many Ameri is the co-founder of Yadastar, an independent consultancy with more than 20 years of experience in building creative communities around the globe. His partner, Torsten Schmidt, and Many are best known for developing the Red Bull Music Academy. Since launching it in 1998, they have grown the Academy into a worldwide culture programme with workshops, festivals, creative hubs, and events in 60 countries. Many is a member of such prestigious organizations as BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders, NEXUS - Next Generation Philanthropy, and Leaders For Climate Action, and is committed to building an institution and global community for those who have the potential to shape the future of their fields.

Jay-Ann Lopez is the founder of Black Girl Gamers, an online safe space and platform that heightens the visibility of Black Women in Gaming and advocates for diversity and inclusion. Lopez is also a co-founder of Curlture, a platform boasting over 50,000 followers that empowers women to embrace their natural hair and culture via beauty, lifestyle, and travel content. In addition to winning awards as an influencer, Lopez co-authored KINK – a collection of poetry and photography to empower Black women against colourism and texture discrimination.

Therese is Canvas8’s lead editor in the APAC region. She works with experts, journalists, and analysts to understand trends and make sense of them for clients across industries. She was previously editor of VICE Asia, where she led the team in winning a Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) award for Excellence in Arts & Culture Reporting. As a reporter, she covered current events, K-pop, global pop culture, life, and mental health. She’s spent time in Hong Kong but is now based in the Philippines, splitting her time between busy Manila and the mountain city Baguio.