media release: Think Geek Media × Arcc Spaces Spark Cultural Dialogue with “Is Beauty the New Cultural Currency?”
In a powerful convergence of culture, identity, and modern discourse, Think Geek Media in collaboration with Arcc Spaces successfully hosted Being, Human KL: Is Beauty the New Cultural Currency? — a thought-provoking conversation that brought together leading voices across aesthetics, media, and identity.
Held at Arcc Spaces, Gardens North Tower, the session drew an engaged audience of creatives, professionals, and cultural thinkers, all navigating the increasingly complex intersections of beauty, visibility, and social value in a hyper-connected world.
Moderated by Ethel Da Costa, Founder of Think Geek Media, the panel featured:
Eleen Yong — redefining confidence and self-expression
Dr Hew Yin Keat — offering insights from the frontlines of aesthetic medicine
Sanjna Suri — unpacking visibility and authenticity in digital culture
➤ A Conversation Beyond Aesthetics
Moving beyond surface-level definitions, the dialogue explored how beauty today operates not merely as appearance, but as a form of currency — shaping perception, influence, and identity.
From the performative nature of confidence to the psychological drivers behind aesthetic enhancement, the session challenged conventional narratives and invited audiences to reflect on the deeper implications of being seen in today’s world.
➤ Voices from the Conversation
Ethel Da Costa, Founder, Think Geek Media, shared: “We’re living in a time where beauty is no longer passive — it’s constructed, performed, and constantly negotiated. This conversation wasn’t about defining beauty, but about understanding the systems that give it value — and how we participate in them, often without realising it.”
Sanjna Suri (Miss Supranational Malaysia 2018, Actor) reflected on the realities of visibility: “In a hyper-visible world, the pressure isn’t just to be seen — it’s to be seen in a way that is acceptable, aspirational, and engaging. The challenge is holding onto authenticity when the lines between real and curated are increasingly blurred.”
Dr Hew Yin Keat (Founder, Medical Director the M∙A∙C∙ Clinic) offered a clinical and cultural perspective: “When patients say they want to ‘look better,’ what they’re often expressing goes far beyond aesthetics. It reflects deeper layers of self-perception shaped by societal standards and constant comparison.”
Eleen Yong (National Director Miss Universe Malaysia 2024, Principal, Elpis Models Academy) spoke on confidence and self-definition: “Confidence today is often misunderstood as something external. For me, it’s about self-awareness — understanding who you are beyond how the world chooses to see you.”
➤ Shaping Cultural Conversations
Being, Human KL by Arcc Spaces continues to position itself as a platform for meaningful, contemporary dialogue, addressing the evolving dynamics of identity, culture, and human behaviour. "Malaysia has no shortage of sharp minds. "Being, Human" our signature fireside chat series exists to bring them into the same room and let the real conversation begin.
Delighted that Ethel, Dr Hew, Eleen and Sanjna were part of this latest edition. In an age of AI, what people are searching for in the workplace isn't necessarily more information. It's better thinking, real creativity, and spaces that make the commute worth it,” shared Nim Sivakumaran - Head of Strategic Partnerships, Arcc Spaces.
The success of 'Is Beauty the New Cultural Currency' edition reaffirmed Think Geek Media’s role as a cultural convener and narrative architect, creating dialogue where complex, often unspoken conversations can unfold with depth and nuance.
As conversations around beauty, identity, and visibility continue to evolve, Think Geek Media with the support of collaborators remains committed to fostering platforms that encourage reflection, dialogue, and cultural awareness.
*photos courtesy of Arcc Spaces Gardens North Tower
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