Past TEDx event
TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth
Seeds for Tomorrow
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Adela Noriega
Student Researcher
A Year 8 student from Spain, Adela is passionate about creativity, connection, and the natural world. In her talk, she explores the impact of deforestation, showing how something as simple as a tree can hold deep personal meaning and connection. Drawing from her own experiences in nature, she highlights the importance of protecting the environment for both present and future generations. Adela enjoys a wide range of activities, including tennis, volleyball, basketball, acting, drawing, dancing, and writing.
Ai Yi
Student Researcher
Yi is a Grade 4 student known for her curiosity, humour, and thoughtful perspective. She is diligent and responsible, consistently putting effort into her learning and personal growth. Yi brings kindness and positivity to those around her, creating meaningful connections with her peers. Always willing to try new ideas, she embraces challenges with confidence and an open mind. Her enthusiasm for learning and her willingness to explore make her a promising young voice ready to share her ideas on the TEDx stage.
Aiden Lau
Student Researcher
Aiden is a student studying in Chongqing, China. He is interested in discovering the functions of AI and creating videos and pictures with it. Honman enjoys using AI to search facts and prefers it rather than using a website. He started using AI when he was seven and through two years of learning he can now proficiently control AI and ask it questions.
Aimee Chen
Student Researcher
Aimee is a Year 3 student in Shanghai. She is passionate about horses and dreams of becoming a professional rider in the future. Aimee is a thoughtful and dedicated learner whose love of reading and learning has helped her recognise the importance of spending time outdoors and enjoying play. English is her favourite subject, and she especially enjoys reading and writing.
Aixa Mosebedi
Student Researcher
Aixa, a bright 7-year-old Grade 1 student from South Africa, speaks three languages: Sepedi, Zulu, and English. Her speech highlights the experience of growing up in a multilingual environment and the unique challenges of switching between languages. Aixa is passionate about learning and encourages everyone to embrace new challenges.
Andy Bai
Student Researcher
Andy is a creative and curious young artist and designer from Chongqing, now studying art and design in Shanghai. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in drawing. Today, Andy is diving into both graphic design and computer programming, blending artistic creativity with technical skills. Beyond the arts, he is also fascinated by physics, always asking questions about how the world works. Known for his thoughtful and driven personality, Andy brings a unique perspective to every project, balancing imagination with logic.
Andy Cui
Student Researcher
A Year 8 student originally from Canada, Andy brings humour and honesty to the topic of procrastination and decision-making. In his talk, he explores how delaying action—something he admits to experiencing himself, especially when it comes to schoolwork—can prevent ideas from becoming reality. Andy encourages others to take small steps forward rather than waiting for the perfect moment. Outside of school, he enjoys skiing, playing the piano, and gaming.
Angel Huang
Student Researcher
Angel, 16, is an art student and aspiring fashion designer. She refuses to use real fur. At her school in Shanghai, she studies ancient texts, delving into botanical dyeing, mortise-and-tenon joinery, and zero-waste cutting. Who says solving climate problems needs technology? She believes the answers are hidden in our ancestors' brooms and clay pots. Using the oldest, simplest ways to create the coolest new designs.
Annika Yang
Student Researcher
Annika Yang is an outspoken and courageous 11‑year‑old in Year 6 in Shanghai Pudong, A passionate reader, writer, and public speaker, Annika believes words have power, and she uses hers boldly.
Avery Hung
Student Researcher
A Year 9 student from the United States, Avery is interested in how people can handle conflict more positively. In his talk, he explores practical ways to repair disagreements and rebuild connection, drawing on the fact that conflict is a normal part of everyday life. He believes that learning how to respond to conflict matters because it affects friendships, families, and communities. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing sports, and listening to music.
Bryce Gao
Student Researcher
Bryce's TED talk on Future Cities showed him how to think big and help others. Through teamwork, resilience, and collaboration, he learned to listen, share ideas, and keep going when challenges arose. He discovered how communities work together to solve problems and design better places to live. This experience helped him to become a stronger student—more confident, kinder, and ready to work with others to make real change.
Bui Yan Bernice Chung
Student Researcher
A keen observer of human behavior, Bernice believes that true growth begins with the courage to explore the unknown. She advocates for a proactive mindset—one that views success as a rewarding bonus and setbacks as essential learning opportunities. By fostering authentic self-discovery and the courage to initiate, she reminds us that the moment you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, you have already taken the bravest step towards growth.
Chace Zhang
Student Researcher
Chace is a Year 3 student in Shanghai. He has a strong passion for Mathematics and enjoys working with numbers, as well as being an enthusiastic reader. At school, he enjoys spending time with his friends, whether visiting the sensory room during recess, or playing and exploring on the playground. He loves art and drew all the pictures on his slides on his own. His interest in understanding himself more deeply.
Clovy Cheong
Student Researcher
Clovy is an 8-year-old student who enjoys learning from everyday experiences and sharing meaningful ideas with others. Inspired by a personal moment of fear and reflection, she began to understand the value of expressing feelings with honesty and courage.
Constance Kwok
Student Reseacher
'Constance Kwok is a year 10 Hong Kong student in Mainland China, Shanghai Puxi. She experiences depression and is a pessimistic person, viewing the world in a different way. Yet, she still tries to be optimistic and is making progress on her journey. On this journey, she knows the struggle to experience depression yet trying to step out of it. Determined with hope and sheer will, she is on a journey to navigate her way through it. She wishes to share the experiences and encourage that life perhaps isn't that bad and you just need to slowly make small adjustments. One step at a time, and overcome it together.
Curtis Jacobson
Student Researcher
Curtis Jacobsen is a Grade 4 students in Tongxiang, China. He is a confident stage performer who take part in various performances throughout the year. He has a strong interest in AI. In his collaborative project, he explored how to use AI to help protect the Earth.
Damon Wang
Student Researcher
Damon Wang is a sixth grader in Yantai, China. He is 11 years old and his best subject at school is Chinese. He is an accomplished Violin player and enjoys doing Chemistry experiments. He has reached level 8 in violin and is preparing to reach level 10. He is an avid member of the school orchestra and a member of the football team. He is a trusted and responsible student, well loved by teachers and classmates alike. Damon dreams of becoming an architect one day.
Devin Guan
Student Researcher
Devin is a student at YWAD with a passion for art, design, and bold experimentation. His mind teems with restless ideas—ancient crafts, linguistics, architecture, philosophy—colliding into unexpected sparks. An architecture enthusiast, he is fascinated by materials, texture, and humanity’s relationship with nature and beauty. At TEDx, he and his team will share a remarkable project that transforms algae from “slime” to “sheer”—a magical alchemy of science and design.
Eason Zhou
Student Researcher
A student in Shanghai and a digital content creator, Eason bridges the gap between mathematical logic and emotional intelligence. By sharing his 3-step “Emotion Detective” framework, he transforms psychological insights into actionable resilience --- empowering peers to navigate internal storms and turn vulnerability into a catalyst for self-driven growth.
Ella Rose Barbin
Student Research
Ella is an IB student with a strong interest in biology, storytelling, and the connection between thought and perception. She is particularly interested in how the brain shapes human experience, influencing emotions, behavior, and self-image. Her TEDx talk, Spoken into Existence, explores how the beliefs people repeat to themselves can shape their experiences and sense of self. Drawing on both scientific research and personal insight, she encourages others to reflect on the narratives they carry and the power those narratives hold.
Ellida Nilsen
Student Researcher
A Year 8 student born in Australia with Australian-Norwegian and Australian-Indian heritage, is passionate about protecting the natural world and creating a better future. In her talk, she explores the urgent issue of deforestation and why it is a global responsibility that affects us all. Having always felt a strong connection to nature, Ellida believes that collective action is essential to preserve it for future generations. Outside of school, she enjoys soccer, volleyball, basketball, and building and programming robots in VEX Robotics. Her best friend would describe her as playful.
Ellie Hao Zheng
Student Researcher
Ellie Zheng is a Year 7 student in Qingdao with a strong passion for communication and performing. She has demonstrated dedication both academically and through her involvement in student leadership and confidence on stage. Outside of school, she is a WSDA public speaking award winner, a choir lead singer and an actress Her enthusiasm for storytelling and sharing ideas has led her to the TEDx stage, where she hopes to inspire others through her voice, creativity, and unique perspective.
Elsa Ou
Student Researcher
Elsa is a Y2 YCIS student who loves reading and sharing ideas through writing and drawing. She also enjoys playing football with her friends and building creative structures with Lego. She loves to inspire others to be curious and thoughtful; and encourages others to use AI as a powerful and safe helper.
Elsa Zhou
Student Researcher
Elsa Zhou is a Chinese student with a strong interest in both performing and visual arts. In her chosen topic, she explored how music reflects the time we live in. She also examined how music can improve our lives. Her presentation clearly shows her love for music and her believe that music can be used for making the world a better place.
Ethan Whiteoak
Student Researcher
Ethan Whiteoak is a student from the UK who is attending school in China with his family. He has a strong interest in debating, singing, drama, and stage performance. He also excels in global issues and has a talent for languages, with English as his home language while also studying French and Chinese. His interest in languages is clearly reflected in his speech.
Gerlyn Yuan
Student Researcher
Gerlyn is a driven and articulate 14‑year‑old Year 10 student in Shanghai Pudong. A Singaporean global citizen, she is passionate about Model United Nations and debating, recently representing our school in the World Scholars Cup Tournament of Champions at Yale.
Haiyi Hannah Liu
Student Researcher
Haiyi Liu (Hannah) is a 16-year-old Year 10 student from Guangzhou, with a strong desire to explore the unknown. Driven by curiosity, she keeps asking questions and exploring actively in daily life and studies. Her interests span fine art, music, literature, mathematics and physics. She enjoys understanding the complexity between rationality and sensibility, and seeks balance between art and science. She always tries her best to explore endless possibilities in the world.
Henry Yu Hin Dai
Student Researcher
Henry (Dai Yuxuan) is a Grade 4 student in Guangzhou. An enthusiastic explorer, he balances academic curiosity in the school library with athletic pursuits including football and competitive golf. From traversing the Alxa desert's pink salt lakes to conquering his fear of heights at Zhangjiajie, Henry thrives on self-challenge. After a memorable setback on the football pitch, he developed his "Fertilizer of Failure" philosophy—the belief that mistakes are essential nutrients for growth. A passionate public speaker and world traveler, Henry is dedicated to transforming every stumble into strength.
Hoek Freyja
Student Researcher
Freyja co-founded a Medical Society in her school in Shanghai Puxi. Coming from South Africa, Freyja has seen that health is never only a scientific issue, but also one of access, inequality, and exclusion. In leading this CCA for a year, she has learned that science does not have all the answers; it teaches us to ask better questions. Through exploring stem cell research, especially cancer stem cells, they have discovered how one question can reshape medicine and open new possibilities. For her, science is personal: who benefits, who is left behind, and who will dare to ask more?
Hoi Kiu Hestia Yeung
Student Researcher
Hestia is a Year 9 student in Hong Kong who is deeply interested in the power of language and the lasting impact that words can have on a person’s confidence and sense of self. She has achieved distinction in ABRSM Grade 6 Harp and is currently preparing for Grade 7. Beyond music, she enjoys acting, dancing, drawing, and exploring a variety of instruments. She is also passionate about sports, particularly badminton, track and field, and volleyball. In this talk, Hestia reflects on how small, everyday comments can shape the way people view themselves, and why kindness and encouragement matter so much.
Hok Sum Chan
Student Researcher
A Year 11 student, Sum is driven by a deep curiosity for the unseen world of particle physics. In his talk, he explores how concepts learned in school connect to real-world scientific discovery, inspired by his experience as part of an inter-school team in the Beamline for Schools competition. Through this, he gained insight into how theoretical knowledge can be applied to experimental research. Outside of school, Sum enjoys playing the guitar, badminton, and studying particle physics.
John Lin
Student Researcher
John is a highly responsible and diligent student who approaches every task with meticulous attention to detail. His curiosity drives him to ask thoughtful questions and explore ideas beyond the surface. Eager to learn, he consistently seeks opportunities to grow and deepen his understanding. John is also known for being supportive and helpful to his peers, contributing positively to any team or classroom environment. His commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit make him a compelling young voice, ready to share his insights on the TEDx stage.
Justin Li
Student Researcher
Justin is a student studying in Chongqing, China. He is passionate about badminton and has won 20 medals through hard work and discipline. Justin used to fear his strict coach, Mr. Zhang, but after a meaningful conversation with his grandmother, he learned to see discipline as a form of care. Now Justin is interested in how communication changes relationships, and he enjoys sharing stories, reading and learning about future technology.
Justin Zhu
Student Researcher
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Shanghai, Justin Zhu is a Year 10 innovator who has grown up in Shanghai. Passionate about robotics, mechatronics, and coding, he loves transforming bold ideas into working machines.
Kitty Fang
Student Researcher
Kitty Fang is a student in Shanghai Lingang. She's currently stressed about her IGCSE exams, but somehow she's still managing to give a TEDx talk. Her favorite English literature teacher, Ms. Amulya, told her to write about her likes and dislikes in her student bio. One thing she cannot stand is arrogance and narcissism in others, though she admits that she might have a little of both herself. She loves discussing social topics and sharing her own interpretations and ideas. Kitty is also a fan of the NYT Cooking channel.
Leo Li Lu
Student Researcher
Ever felt like you’re just going through the motions every day? Saying yes when you mean no, following the crowd even when it doesn’t feel right, and forgetting to ask: Is this what I actually want? In this relatable talk, Leo Li Lu shares what it means to live “by default”—on autopilot, without making our own choices. He explains the quiet dangers of losing our voice, direction, and identity by following everyone else. More importantly, he shows that we don’t need a huge life change to take control—just a "1% shift": a small pause, a quick check-in with ourselves, and one brave little choice each day. By using personal stories, examples of people who changed the world, and simple, actionable ideas, this talk reminds us that our lives are built from tiny, daily decisions. It’s time to stop letting life happen to us—and start choosing the life we actually want. Perfect for people who have ever felt stuck, pressured to fit in, or ready to reclaim control of their lives.
Linda Hung
Student Researcher
Linda co-founded a Medical Society in her school in Shanghai Puxi. Coming from Hong Kong, Linda has seen that health is never only a scientific issue, but also one of access, inequality, and exclusion. In leading this CCA for a year, she has learned that science does not have all the answers; it teaches us to ask better questions. Through exploring stem cell research, especially cancer stem cells, they have discovered how one question can reshape medicine and open new possibilities. For her, science is personal: who benefits, who is left behind, and who will dare to ask more?
Luciana Dianga
Student Researcher
Luciana Dianga is originally from Kenya and is a student inTongxiang in China; both of her parents are teachers. She has a strong love of reading and enjoys exploring topics related to women’s rights and progress. In her chosen topic, she examined how the role and rights of women have developed over time. Her work clearly shows her passion for equality and gender rights.
Michael J Mei
Student Researcher
Michael is a Grade 4 students in Tongxiang, China. He is a confident stage performer who take part in various performances throughout the year. He has a strong interest in AI. In his collaborative project, he explored how to use AI to help protect the Earth.
Olivia Swift
Student Researcher
A Year 10 student from England who has spent most of her life in Asia, Livvy interested in how people navigate and resolve conflict. In her talk, she explores practical ways to manage disagreements calmly and rebuild relationships, drawing from her own experiences with both small and significant conflicts. She believes that learning how to resolve issues without escalating them is an essential life skill. Outside of school, Livvy enjoys reading, volleyball, football, and drawing portraits. A personal milestone she is proud of is living seizure-free for the past five years.
Owen Huang
Student Researcher
Owen is a trendy ten-year-old Year 5 learner. He is obsessed with creative drawing, Naruto and cool science facts. He loves to wander, uncovering the magic of the world through immersive reading and thrilling travel adventures.
Qile Charles Xie
Student Researcher
Qile Xie is an 11th-grade student who once viewed chemistry as his definitive career path. However, as the university application season approached, this "predictable future" prompted a profound re-evaluation. Choosing the creative unknown of music composition over the safety of chemical formulas, Qile Xie embraced a pivotal shift in identity. Through his original string quartet, Qile explores the transformative power of standing at the threshold of change, sharing how letting go of a "perfect" plan can lead to authentic self-discovery and the courage to embrace uncertainty.
Ricky Shu
Student Researcher
Ricky is a seven-year-old student who has lived in both Canada and China. He is a big fan of reading and loves both fiction and nonfiction books. He enjoys history, astronomy and geography. He often reads about ancient civilisations such as the Egyptian Pyramids and Emperor Qin Shi Huang, as well as simple archaeology. He also loves learning about dinosaur fossils and special natural stones. In his spare time, he enjoys logical reasoning novels and comics. Reading allows him to explore the world and broaden his horizons.
Selina Tongsu WU
Student Researcher
Selina is a Y11 student in Hong Kong. She actually does not like every family trip. After spending a whole night curating a perfect post about her messy family trip, she posted it. A friend immediately texted her and asked about her family trip. Then, she tapped out a voice note with the most exciting tone she could ever master. “ That was an absolute blast!” she said. The moment the words left her mouth a profound tiredness and powerlessness washed over her. So, she began to think about the philosophy behind this phenomenon and the solution to it.
Soi Uematsu
Student Researcher
Soi Uematsu is a curious and driven Year 12 student of Japanese and Chinese heritage who currently serves as Head Prefect in his schoool in Shanghai Pudong. As a former Learner Prefect, he helped found the Learner Lab, promoting peer support through cognitive coaching grounded in Socratic questioning and reflection. Passionate about mathematics, science competitions, Model United Nations, and chess, Soi thrives on complexity and strategic thinking. He also plays on the school football team, balancing analytical precision with teamwork and resilience. Soi believes learning isn’t just about finding answers — it’s about asking better questions.
Sophie Yang
Student Researcher
She once thought that a tiny fish bone was stuck in her throat, and the fear of the unknown quickly overwhelmed her. After undergoing a laryngoscope examination, nothing was found, which brought her great relief. From this experience, she learned that life will always throw unexpected “surprises” at us—things that annoy, scare, or make us uncomfortable. However, instead of avoiding these fears, she encourages people to face them bravely and search for the truth, even if the answer turns out to be nothing at all. To her, that is the courage we need to conquer the “fish bones” in our own lives.
Tammy Ji
Student Researcher
A Year 9 student from Beijing, China, Tammy is passionate about the power of conversation and how small interactions can shape meaningful connections. Through her talk, she explores how choosing kindness in everyday conversations can plant seeds that grow into stronger relationships and a more empathetic community. With a life filled with daily interactions, Tammy believes that the way we communicate has a lasting impact on others. Outside of school, she enjoys playing the piano, crocheting, and tennis.
Vincy Qian
Student Researcher
Vincy Qian is a Year 6 student in Shanghai Puxi. This is her second TEDx talk. In this talk, she explains one of her favourite hobbies, debate, and how it can help shape the future. Vincy loves debate. She learned two styles: world school debate, and public form debate.
Xavier Xiang
Student Researcher
Xavier, originally from Melbourne, Australia, moved to China in 2023. His speech discusses his experience of moving to a new country, feeling out of place, and discovering his passion for technology and robotics. He shares his journey of personal growth and learning, realizing that being new is not a weakness but a stepping stone for growth.
Xinyi Peggy Li
Student Researcher
Peggy is a Year 9 student in Hong Kong who is passionate about storytelling, communication, and the influence of everyday language. She has participated in many swimming meets since the age of five and has developed strong interests in human geography and baking. She is also Grade 6 in the Chinese instrument pipa, and enjoys public speaking and debate. In this talk, Peggy explores how encouraging words can help people grow, feel valued, and see themselves in a more positive light. She believes that even small moments can leave a lasting impression.
Yat Shun Jasmine Lo
Student Researcher
Jasmine Lo is a Year 9 student in Hong Kong. Jasmine has a passion for science and learning in general. In the spirit of the TEDx theme “Seeds of Tomorrow”, she has brought together a discussion of the problems teenagers’ experience.
Yingqi Huo
Student Researcher
A Year 9 student from Beijing, China, Yingqi is fascinated by the connection between art and science. In her talk, she explores how these two fields, often seen as opposites, have historically inspired and shaped one another. Driven by a curiosity to find art in everyday life, she brings an analytical and creative perspective to the world around her. Outside of school, Yingqi enjoys playing the piano, exploring biochemistry, gardening, reading, and engaging with art in its many forms. She also enjoys collecting both objects and knowledge related to her interests.
Zhaoyi Katelyn Li
Student Researcher
Katelyn is a Year 9 student in Hong Kong. Katelyn has a passion for science and learning in general. In the spirit of the TEDx theme “Seeds of Tomorrow”, she has brought together a discussion of the problems teenagers’ experience.
