(India)

Keynote and Plenary Speaker

Dr Madan Kataria  is the founder and originator of the Laughter Yoga movement worldwide. A medical doctor from Mumbai, India is popularly known as the ‘Guru of Giggling’ (London Times), started first laughter club with just 5 people  in 1995, it has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 16000 Laughter Yoga clubs in over 120 countries.

This innovative concept has been widely accepted all over the world and has been written about in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, The New Yorker, National Geographic, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. Laughter clubs were also featured on Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany) NHK (Japan), ABC news (USA) and many more.

Pre-conference Free Public Seminar (24th July 2025): Laughter Yoga for Health and Happiness.

Pre-conference Dinner Talk (24th July 2025): Laughter Yoga in the business world

Plenary (25th July): Living laughter in everyday life.

Laughter workshop with new exercises

Keynote Address (26th July): 30 years of Laughter Yoga movement - Opportunities and Challenges.

Plenary (26th July): Laughter Meditation and Spirituality through Laughter

Morning Bonus: Laughter Meditation and Spirituality through Laughter 

(India)

Madhuri  Kataria is the co- founder of the Laughter Yoga movement worldwide. A Yoga teacher started first laughter club from Mumbai,  it has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 16000 Laughter Yoga clubs in over 120 countries. She is also a  Yoga teacher and has travelled with Dr Kataria and assisted him in training programs Worldwide.

(Australia)

From FREE to FEE. The Business of Laughter.

Merv is a Master Trainer who had successfully owned and operated his own businesses for more than 50 years. His current laughter business has been operating for nearly 17 years. As the CEO of Laughter Yoga Australia he has created a world first training roadmap, been involved in more than 10 research studies, and run 18 consecutive Australian Laughter Conferences.

Merv is Australia’s Leading Laughter Expert and Gelotologist. Last year he co-authored an academic book with Professor Jerome Carson and Dr Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky from Bolton University UK called The Positive Psychology of Laughter and Humour.

Presentation: In Merv’s presentation he will discuss how he survived and thrived through and beyond Covid, and his current work involving 4 international research studies and how to monetise them. He will also provide you with the top 10 tips and hints on how to establish and run a successful laughter business. As Merv says “In these changing times it’s time to change,…and charge”.

Pre-conference Dinner Talk (24th July 2025): In Merv’s presentation he will discuss his past research studies and their findings over the last 15 years, and then updates with his current work in the UK, Africa, and Nepal. He will also discuss the importance of this work and the opportunities that lie ahead with it. There will also be mention of the opportunities with autoethnography that show how we can all become researchers.

(Japan/England)

Laughter Yoga Teacher, Rakugo performer, Storyteller & Balloon Artist

A skilled rakugo performer known for her captivating storytelling style. With a deep appreciation for Japanese traditions, Diane's performances seamlessly blend humor, satire, and vivid narratives. She has gained recognition for her ability to make audiences laugh while conveying insightful observations about human nature. Diane's dedication to preserving and promoting rakugo has earned her a global reputation as a cultural ambassador, bridging cultures through her engaging performances that leave a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of experiencing her art.

Presentation: Rakugo 

(Malaysia)

Sivakumar Thurairajasingam currently serves as the Head of the Clinical School Johor Bahru at Monash University Malaysia, where he is also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry. He is a qualified psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience and holds a visiting consultant position at Columbia Asia Hospital Nusajaya, Johor.

Sivakumar is actively involved in teaching, training, and delivering talks on various topics in psychiatry and psychological medicine. He has formal training and clinical expertise in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which he integrates into his psychiatric practice.

His subspecialty is in Addiction Medicine, where he has extensive experience managing opioid agonist treatment clinics. He serves as a national trainer for Malaysia’s National Drug Substitution Therapy (NDST) Program and regularly conducts workshops on addiction counselling and treatment.

In addition to his academic and clinical work, Sivakumar is the President of Intan Life Zone, a non-governmental organization focused on HIV and harm reduction. The NGO provides critical services to high-risk populations, including intravenous drug users, commercial sex workers, transvestites, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Sivakumar is also engaged in research with a particular interest in Mood Disorders and Co-Occurring Disorders, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and best practices in these complex areas of mental health.

Public Seminar (24th July 2025): Giggle Your Gut: Laughter Yoga for Gut and Mental Health

Plenary Session (27th July 2025): Laughing Your Way to Resilience

(Malaysia)

Dr. Raja Kamariah Raja Mohd Khalid is the Principal Assistant Director at the Psychology Management Division, Public Service Department of Malaysia. A certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and Ambassador, she is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being through laughter, positive psychology, and gerontology. Dr. Raja integrates laughter yoga and therapeutic techniques to reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, and improve overall vitality. As an author and mental health advocate, she actively raises awareness and empowers individuals to live with joy and purpose. Her holistic approach extends to building supportive environments that foster well-being at both individual and community levels. 

Presentation: "Laughter Yoga: The Power of Laughter in the Professional World – How to get 'em laugh?"

It highlights the tools she uses to integrate laughter yoga in formal environments, illustrating its benefits for professionals such as legal experts, attorneys, corporate leaders, and academics to promote stress relief and enhance overall well-being.

Dr. Raja Kamariah will partner with Dr. Norzah for their presentation.

(England/Malaysia)

Bill Lewis is a member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development), a member of the Institute of Training & Occupational Learning (ITOL) and the Association of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (ANLP). He is also a qualified Time Line therapist with The Time Line Therapy™ Association (TLTA) and a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher (CLYT) with Laughter Yoga International.

A man who had spent over 35 years orchestrating learning experiences across the globe—from the US to the UK, the Middle East to Malaysia. He is not just a Corporate Trainer. He’s a maestro of movement, a facilitator of fun and the creator of something truly special: Rhythm & Laff.

At the heart of Bill Lewis’ work is a simple truth—joy lives in motion. Whether we are playing, dancing, singing or laughing, we’re tapping into the four universal languages of happiness. And Bill? He’s fluent in all of them.

He’s brought boomwhackers to boardrooms, laughter to learning, and rhythm to reflection. His sessions are more than workshops—they are experiences. Laughter isn’t just spontaneous—it can be structured, shared, and sensational.

So get ready to move, groove, and giggle. Because when Bill takes the stage, joy becomes contagious.

(India)

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Assistant to Dr. Madan Kataria. 

• Completed Shastri(B.A) from RSVP, Tirupathi.

• M Sc in yoga from SVYASA (Swami Vivekaanda Yoga Anu sandhana Samsthan)

• Opened 60 new free social laughter clubs in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi-NCR and Mdhyapradesh.

• Conducted 120 free public seminars for creating laughter yoga awareness in Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Sangli, Chennai, New Delhi, Indore and Ludhiana.

• Conducted laughter yoga sessions at prisons in Bangalore, Ballari and New Delhi

• Conducted laughter yoga workshop at commando training centre in Bangalore and Indian army in Bangalore 2017-2018

• Conducted Laughter yoga workshops for physically and mentally challenged organisation in Mumbai, Udaipur and Bangalore

• Assisted Dr.Kataria in conducting 60 certified teacher-training courses from the month of March 2013 till date.

'Dusty' Susan Dustin Hattan

(Australia/Thailand)

• Deathwalker: End of Life Doula, Companion, Facilitator, and Lead Trainer with Doulagivers.com

• Certified Grief Educator, Coach and Peer-to-Peer Support with Grief.com

• Global Health Ambassador with Landon Pediatric Foundation: Holistic Inclusive Care Projects for Patients, Parents, and Professionals

• World Laughter and Wellness Ambassador with laughteryoga.org

• Founder, Facilitator, and Trainer with Rhythmaedu (a mixed modality approach to enhancing the lives of adults and children within typical and non-typical populations)

• Raconteur: Story Capturer, Keeper, and Teller

• Published Author with Maverick House Publishers

Presentation: A.L.L.Y. (Adapted Love & Laughter Yoga) – Bridging Gaps in Laughter Practices

ALLY combines laughter, breathwork, and movement to support neurodivergent individuals, trauma survivors, older adults, and those with chronic conditions or physical limitations. It helps regulate the nervous system, builds emotional resilience, and enhances overall well-being in a safe and flexible way.

Unlike traditional Laughter Yoga, which often involves high-energy, full participation activities, trauma-informed ALLY focuses on gentle, choice-based, grounding techniques, ensuring participants feel safe, respected, and in control of their experience.

ALLY is a powerful, accessible tool that fosters self-regulation, connection, and holistic wellness for individuals with diverse needs on their terms.

(Japan)

Michi Morioka Shimowada is a Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Kripalu Yoga Instructor (ERYT-500), Meditation Teacher and

Let Your Yoga Dance Instructor

Michi discovered Laughter Yoga in 2011, just five months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. Amid the grief and uncertainty, she instinctively felt its profound healing power—not only for herself but for many others. Since then, she has been a dedicated advocate, sharing the transformative impact of Laughter Yoga with the world.

Presentation: Laughter Opens Doors - The Japanese Secret to Strength and Happiness

Japan has faced wars, natural disasters, and great challenges—yet we have always found a way to rise again. Our strength lies not in resisting hardships, but in embracing them with wisdom, resilience, and laughter.

In this session, we explore the Japanese way of turning adversity into growth, inspired by Zen, Tao, and ancient mythology. Through interactive exercises, you will experience how both light and shadow play a vital role in transformation. True happiness is not about avoiding negativity, but about discovering the power within it.

Join us in unlocking the doors to strength, joy, and a more connected world—one laugh at a time!

(Tunisia)

Laughter Yoga Teacher

Presentation: Healing Through Laughter, Overcoming Cancer with Courage and Joy.

Karima will share the inspiring tale of her journey through overcoming cancer, highlighting the transformative influence of laughter in my recovery process. She will delve into how the sheer power of laughter not only aided in her healing but also provided her with the resilience needed to confront life's most challenging circumstances.

The session will feature a blend of storytelling and interactive elements, including a series of healing laughter exercises. These exercises are designed to not only engage the audience but also to demonstrate firsthand the profound impact that laughter can have on well-being and mental strength.

Her presentation will not only be a personal account of triumph over illness but also a testament to the universal strength and healing properties of laughter in navigating life's toughest trials.

(Japan)

Junko Kato, from Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan is a Laughter Yoga Teacher, Psychological counselor, Dementia prevention lecturer, Calligraphy instructor, 

Pastel painting instructor, 

Financial planner and Japanese ‘Miso’ making instructor.

She is also a laughter ambassador and a joyful soul who believes in the healing power of play.

Junko leads free online laughter sessions every day, connecting hearts across borders with giggles and grace. Her motto? ‘Keep laughing for health, happiness, and world peace.’ And she lives it—whether she’s guiding corporate programs, senior center sessions, or special needs groups.

Presentation: Japanese Laughter Yoga.

(Bahrain)

Keyem Thomez, is a Laughter Yoga Master Trainer and Corporate Wellness Coach. He is a distinguished Global Laughter Ambassador who has traveled to 24 countries, sharing the positive message of laughter. Founder President of the Laughing Toastmasters, first of its kind in the world

He has served as a keynote speaker and presenter at numerous international laughter conferences since 2014 and is the author of three inspirational books.

Presentation: Unleashing Joy: Becoming a Global Laughter Ambassador and Publishing Your Laughter Yoga Books

Join us for an immersive workshop where you will discover the transformative power of laughter yoga. Learn how to become a global laughter ambassador spreading joy and positivity worldwide. Explore the art of publishing your own books on laughter yoga, sharing your unique insights and experiences with the world. Embrace laughter as a tool for personal growth and global connection. Let's embark on a journey together towards becoming ambassadors of laughter and authors of inspiration.

(Italy)

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, CEO and Co-Founder of Happiness for Future. Embraced Laughter Yoga in 2011 and became a Laughter Yoga Master Trainer in 2015.

She is a Heartmath Certified Trainer since 2018. Had trained hundreds of Laughter Yoga Leaders and Teachers throughout Italy and had contributed to the opening of over 300 laughter clubs in 5 years. 

She had worked with global giants like Microsoft, Hilton and LinkedIn, and she is the founder of Italy’s Istituto Italiano di Yoga della Risata. Her motto is Ridi, Ama, Vivi. — Laugh, Love, Live.

Presentation: "Play, One of the Pillars of Joy: Unlocking Laughter Through Fun & Cooperation"

It is a practical workshop about play, with funny cooperative games and great appreciation.

(Malaysia)

Iskandar Syah Ismail is a Laughter Yoga Leader, Chief Clown Doctor at Red Bubbles. 

Presentation: Ultraman Wei Jie and Eight Golden Rules to Bring Joy and Laughter in the Children Wards.

Dr. Bubbles will share the story of the funny and beautiful encounter with this one particular seriously ill kid. Wei Jie, 5 years old, Leukemia patient at

Hospital UKM, Cheras. 

Wie Jie's story will show how some time laughter and joy in the children ward may takes a little longer and can be achieved by the persistence and generosity by the clowns.

He will share the Eight Hospital Clowning Rules that are really useful for anyone who wants to bring joy to seriously ill children.

       (Malaysia)

Cordelia Lee is a meditation teacher, singer-songwriter & a sound healer for 15 years.  Her focus on vocal toning to release our authentic voices assist to regulate our mental-emotional  wellbeing.  She has extensive experiences in leading wellness retreats in places like Bali, China, & Thailand with her husband, Ket.

She firmly believes in the transformative power of humour & laughter, especially when it comes to overcoming her challenges.

Besides her work as a motivational speaker, sock doll teacher, and singer-songwriter under her stage name, Cordi Li, she provides a unique and multidimensional approach to healing and empowerment.

Cordelia has been gifting thousands of her handmade "Cordi Lovie Dolls" to hospitals from Kuala Lumpur to East Malaysia since 2019. Through activities hosted by NGOs such as Ronald McDonald House Charities & World Vision Malaysia, Cordelia is empowering communities & spreading kindness by sharing her skills.

Presentation: Finding Strength in Laughter: A Mother’s Story. 

(Vietnam)

Phạm Quốc Vinh is a Master Trainer and one of the first Laughter Yoga Ambassadors from Vietnam. A licensed pharmacist at a major hospital, he pioneers the use of Laughter Yoga to ease stress in healthcare settings and has introduced it to patient clubs in leading hospitals—supporting those with cancer, diabetes, dialysis, and COPD through social programs.

Vinh has founded over 10 daily Laughter Yoga Clubs in Hanoi and Ha Long, offering one free hour of Laughter Yoga each morning to serve the community. He enjoys movies and helping people rediscover joy through laughter.

Presentation: “Laughter Yoga in Hospitals: Healing with Humanity and Joy”

• Introduction: A Smile in a Hospital Bed                 Healthcare Challenges in Vietnam

• Laughter Yoga with Patients

• Laughter Yoga for Healthcare Workers

• Outcomes and Testimonials

• Scalable Models & Global Collaboration

• Interactive Laughter Experience

• Conclusion: Laughter as Medicine and Hope

(Malaysia)

Dr. Norzah Abd Ghani is the CEO and Principal Consultant of MindRevolution (Malaysia), bringing over 30 years of experience from the Ministry of Education Malaysia. A passionate Laughter Yoga Teacher and Ambassador with a background in sports psychology and physical education, she integrates performance psychology with laughter practices to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and boost happiness. As a Unity Ambassador 2019 (Duta Perpaduan), she promotes harmony through laughter. Her inspiring work has earned her the MyHero Award 3.0 (2019) and Wira Wonda Meletop Award (2024). She believes laughter is a powerful tool for creating positive personal and professional transformation. 

Presentation: Dr. Norzah will partner with Dr. Raja Kamariah for this presentation.