Past TEDx event

TEDxWuxi DSAS Youth

In Beta

Took placeSeptember 20, 2025
LocationWuxi, Jiangsu, China
FormatYouth
In Beta, originally a term from product development, refers to a testing phase—something incomplete or still evolving. It could be an imperfect project, an underdeveloped plan, or even an idea that hasn’t yet been fully articulated. People often say "all roads lead to Rome," but the essence of being in beta suggests that life isn’t about reaching a destination. It symbolizes openness, a rejection of rigid limitations, and a deep appreciation for ongoing growth. Meaning isn't found in finality—it lies in the pursuit of a better, ever-improving version of ourselves. In a world of rapid change, the coolest mindset isn’t pretending to be perfect—but recognizing that we are all still evolving. In game development, the constant debugging of code builds patience and independent thinking. In sports, falling and rising again is a mark of dedication—to both personal goals and the spirit of the game. In relationships, imagining a shared future is one of life’s most beautiful expressions of hope. We all find ourselves not in perfection, but in the messiness of learning, trying, and sometimes failing. As the old saying goes, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Failure is not the end—it’s the path forward. Every misstep doesn’t mean the end of the road, but a new kind of courage to keep going. Under the theme of “In Beta”, let’s follow the nine speakers to embrace the complexity and uncertainty of life, to show your true self, and explore your future journey!

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Chenxi Zhu

    G11 student in NKCS Upper Secondary

    Tracy is an archaeology enthusiast and adventurous traveler who has challenged societal and gender expectations from an early age. Her experiences range from becoming one of the world’s only 10% of female divers under the age of 18 to exploring the deserts of Kazakhstan and conducting archaeological research. In her TEDx talk, Tracy reflects on resisting conformity, reclaiming individuality, and pursuing passion over predictability, encouraging others to break free from societal molds and embrace what makes us truly human.

  • Dandan Chen

    Chinese teacher at KCIS

    Jennie Chen is a Chinese teacher at KCIS who values quiet reflection, reading, and travel. She constantly challenges herself to grow through new experiences. Her personal journey has taught her that true courage often means consciously stepping back—embracing our “work in progress” state, listening to our inner voice, and choosing paths that align with our deepest values. In her talk, she will share why the bravest step isn’t always forward, but sometimes back.

  • Genyuan Zhang

    Content Creator&MCN Founder

    Genyuan Zhang is a former investment banker turned creator with 5M+ followers across platforms. In his TED Talk, he shares how quitting a high-paying job led him on a journey of trial and error, from zero views to becoming an MCN founder. Through stories behind “1 Yuan Across China” and viral videos, he reflects on embracing the unfinished, or what he calls the “In Beta” state of life.

  • Jiaqi Xu

    An educator/AI co-developer with an IELTS perfect score of 9.0

    Jackie Xu, an educator and AI co-developer with an IELTS perfect score of 9.0, returns to TEDx to ask: Can we stop learning foreign languages in the AI era? Blending sharp insight with real-life stories, she reveals how technology transforms language learning while keeping the human spirit at its core.

  • Keith Seeley

    Humanities Teacher at NKCS Upper Secondary

    Keith Seeley teaches Humanities at NKCS Upper Secondary. He often reflects on how best to prepare students for the wider world. In his view, critical thinking and social awareness are essential for anyone who wishes to engage meaningfully with society. He believes that the study of history provides a valuable path to develop and refine these skills. In his talk, he will demonstrate how source criticism works in practice and how historical narratives shape the social landscape of our time.

  • Leer Zhang

    G11 student in NKCS Upper Secondary

    Jasmine, a sister; being told that she was the protagonist, started to believe that her younger brother was it instead. During the speech, she will share her experience as an eldest daughter, convey her in beta journey of finding herself and being it, rather than being a sister. No matter what character you are currently, a daughter, a son, a mom, a dad or even a grand grand grandma, hopefully at the end of the speech, you could be the character whom you want to be.

  • Longmiao Gao

    a restarted PhD studentc and a campus singer

    Miaomiao is a restarted PhD student and a campus singer. After losing his stage and identity when studying abroad, Miaomiao returned to the music community that shaped him to reclaim his passion. He ultimately discovered passion as a vehicle for identity and connection. His story explores living “in beta” and rebooting in courage. Most importantly, he voices his “forever love” out to reconnect us once again.

  • Raokun Lin

    G12 student in NKCS Upper Secondary

    Kevin believes that spirituality is not confined to religion but is an indispensable component of our everyday lives. In a world that is constantly “In Beta”, he sees spirituality as a quiet but powerful anchor that brings us stability in uncertainty. Since his first encounter with the concept of spirituality in the John Locke essay competition, Kevin has consistently viewed spirituality as something worth exploring by connecting it with personal reflections. In his speech, using his stories, Kevin invites the audience to reconsider spirituality as an evolving practice that can be integrated into their lives.

  • Yinbao Huang

    Representative for China of the Universal Esperanto Association

    Huang Yinbao, a college graduate and small-town civil servant from Gansu, used little-known language Esperanto to reach the world stage. He spoke at UNESCO, led the Esperanto edition of The UNESCO Courier, and served as vice president of the Universal Esperanto Association. Through his own journey, he shows that hard work brings rewards, and that life can always have its own “Beta version.”

Organizing team