In a world of rapidly evolving technology, the best ideas still start with people. It takes a special type of creative fire to choose curiosity over fear in the face of change and these talents continue to rise above in pursuit of their next best idea, constantly evolving with the times and the tech that comes along with it.

We spoke to creators who accelerated their dreams into reality with pure passion, determination and a hunger to keep pushing creative limits, asking them for their advice to aspiring creators and their take on AI’s place in creativity.

Marisa Chentakul – Creative technologist and content creator

A designer at heart, Marisa found new ways of creating after a spine injury forced her to pivot from her fashion dreams. Her work sits at the intersection of design, AI, software and emotional storytelling, and the digital designer now creates content about her process on social platforms as @meshtimes, documenting her design-led vibe coding process to empower others.

On AI’s place in creativity: “The hard part is no longer, ‘How do I build this?’ or ‘Can I build this?’ The question now is more, ‘Why should I build this?’ or ‘Why does it matter?’”

Eka Gustiwana – Producer and digital music innovator

One of Indonesia’s most recognisable music producers, Eka’s journey wasn’t a straightforward one. He first picked up music production as a child, playing wedding gigs to afford his first keyboard to becoming part of the music group Weird Genius whose breakout hit “Lathi” won several awards. Not content with collecting personal accolades, his latest project Introvrt is a singer-songwriter collective designed to be a space to empower musicians who may not naturally thrive in the spotlight.

For aspiring creators: “One word: adapt. The creative industry is always changing, and innovation is how we keep moving forward.“

Eddie Putera – Visual artist

The self-taught diorama artist picked up modelling as a hobby in his retirement before it took off into a viable career, proving it’s never too late to start something new. He first began with a car, then created a village around it, documenting his process along the way. His creations garnered attention after he was commissioned to build a diorama for a major TV commercial. At age 58, he continues to challenge himself with new formats and techniques for his incredibly detailed craft.

For aspiring creators: “When you start learning, you already succeeded. Learning and going through things is what you do as a human being.”

Trung Bảo – Media artist and creative technologist

Trung Bảo started out as a beatboxer, putting Vietnam on the international stage at the age of 18. His fascination with sound as a medium led to the co-creation of art project Voice Gems, which has been exhibited at V&A Museum and World Economic Forum. He continues to explore different worlds and experimenting with translating the abstract into the the tangible through new forms of expression

For aspiring creators: “To be a multidisciplinary artist is to be open to the diversity within you, and do not box yourself into any mould.”

Jasmine Sokko – Music producer and technologist

Since releasing her first song “1057” while she was still in school, the self-taught music producer has won Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, opened for The Chainsmokers and Coldplay, and even toured with JJ Lin. In a state of what she describes as constantly becoming, the tech-forward artist also 3D prints elements of her stage outfits, and most recently, has taken to exploring music modulation through motion.

On AI’s space in creativity: “Taste is one of the most human things we have. Technology can accelerate execution, but it can't replace curiosity, lived experiences or the courage to make unusual choices.”