TEDxYouth@BISHCMC 2019: Uprising

October marked the third annual TEDx event at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC) and as always it was an experience to be remembered.

Unlike previous events, this year’s TedX was a fully student-led initiative. It aimed to showcase the guest speakers’ diverse interpretations of the theme ‘Uprising’ and the many backstage talents of our student curation and organising team.

The intimate salon-style of the event intended a more casual experience, ensuring that the core principles of TEDx are well-received - that Technology, Education and Design are accessible and open for all. Speakers felt safe and able to share their personal experiences of Uprising with the student body - empathising how we can rise up together. Speaker and teacher at BIS, David Pugh states that it was “a thoroughly enjoyable, yet unexpectedly nerve-wracking opportunity to share some life experiences in a casual environment”.

Our student lead organiser, Sejal Suryawanshi comments that; “as the organiser, I’m proud of our achievement as a team and it was a pleasure to be a part of something like TEDx which gives so many ideas a proper platform where they can be heard”. Organisers, often the unsung heroes of events like these, play a major role in making sure TEDx runs smoothly according to external guidelines and that the ‘feel’ of fun and exploration is not lost on the audience. Our very own Year 13 executive producer, Khoi explains that; “despite being my third event, it was not any less momentous, with the team spirit arguably more evident than its predecessors. It is this factor which makes activities like this so special – the forming of connections, collaborating together to create something we can all be proud of. And I can definitely say I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve together.”