Beyond Awesome

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Are you ready for an eye-opening adventure through Asia and the Pacific? Join us as we travel to Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Fiji and Samoa to meet eight Beyond Awesome changemakers. Each of them saw a big problem when they were young and decided to do something about it – their solutions are now changing the world… literally!
From studying whale poo to save the oceans, to tackling discrimination through comedy, their stories show how anyone can turn their passion into a seriously awesome purpose. Along the way you’ll learn some cool facts, see amazing places and maybe even be inspired to make a difference.
Play Video about EP01_IndonesiasWasteWarrior_Thumbnail

With single-use diapers choking Indonesia’s rivers, Celia Siura found a solution that could turn this major source of plastic pollution around. Now she must convince parents nationwide to support her idea.

Play Video about EP02 PNGs Art Activists

After the death of his sister, Nelson Kokoa sank into a depression. This experience inspired him to start a dynamic youth group, which uses art to spark conversations about often taboo social issues.

Play Video about EP03 Sri Lankas Snake Man 1

A childhood love of snakes allowed Kalana Maduwage to become one of our region’s leading snake experts. Today he is fascinated by the power of snake venom to harm and heal humans.

Play Video about EP04 Fijis Ping Pong Pioneer

Follow one of our region’s top para table tennis champs as he goes through his paces and smashes down barriers that people living with disabilities face.

Play Video about EP05 Indonesias Comedy Campaigner

Take to the stage with Indonesia’s first female Muslim stand-up comedian, Sakdiyah Ma’ruf. She uses humor to dismantle stereotypes and challenge fundamentalism. Off-stage, Sakdiyah helps women to find their voices, changing the world, one joke at a time.

Play Video about EP06 PNGs Mobility Maestro

After losing her leg at age 11, Almah Kuambu became fascinated by how artificial limbs were made. Today, she and her mobility-aid making team are determined to reach everyone in need and dispel stigma along the way.

Play Video about EP07 Samoas Geek Girls

Cybersecurity expert, Tagilima Neemia, is determined to bust the myth that boys are better at science and technology than girls. With the global technology sector booming, she helps Samon girls get tech savvy.

 

Sri Lanka’s Blue Giant Guardian: A giant pile of floating whale poo launched Asha de Vos’s stellar career. As global shipping lanes around Sri Lanka get busier, she is on a mission to protect the unique blue whales that call these waters home.

Play Video about EP08 Sri Lankas Blue Giant Guardian

A giant pile of floating whale poo launched Asha de Vos’s stellar career. As global shipping lanes around Sri Lanka get busier, she is on a mission to protect the unique blue whales that call these waters home.