Being bicultural comes with unique challenges and remarkable benefits. In this talk, the speaker explores the complexities of navigating two cultural identities—balancing traditions, languages, and expectations. While bicultural individuals may face struggles with belonging and identity, they also gain valuable skills like adaptability, empathy, and a broadened worldview. Research shows that biculturalism can enhance problem-solving abilities and creativity, making it a strength rather than a limitation. This talk sheds light on the beauty of embracing multiple cultural influences and how they shape personal and professional growth. Whether you identify as bicultural or simply want to understand the experience better, this discussion offers powerful insights. Advaith Busa, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, delves into the complexities of biculturalism and identity, offering a unique perspective on navigating two distinct cultural worlds. Growing up as a child of Indian immigrants, he explores how the pull of tradition clashes with the push for modernity. Through personal anecdotes and research, he highlights how biculturalism fosters adaptability, creative problem-solving, and empathy—qualities that empower individuals to thrive in any environment. Advaith hopes his audience walks away with a deeper appreciation for the richness of duality and the understanding that identity is not a binary choice but a blend of values, experiences, and perspectives that can shape a more open and connected world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

อะไรทำให้ “ฝ้าย ใช้เท้าแต่งหน้า” ไม่ใช่แค่ครีเอเตอร์ธรรมดา แต่กลายเป็นแรงบันดาลใจให้คนทั่วประเทศ? ค้นพบแนวคิดสำคัญที่ทำให้เธอเปลี่ยนข้อจำกัดเป็นพลัง สร้างคอนเทนต์ที่เข้าถึงใจผู้คน และก้าวสู่การเป็นครีเอเตอร์ชื่อดัง พร้อมกลยุทธ์และกฎเหล็กสำคัญที่คุณสามารถนำไปใช้ เพื่อสร้างคอนเทนต์ที่มีความหมายและทะลุล้านวิวได้จริง! Fai Buntida Chinnawong (ฝ้าย ใช้เท้าแต่งหน้า) is a beauty content creator who defies limits with confidence and creativity. Born without arms and only one leg, she has overcome major health challenges, recently graduating Communication Arts. Her resilience and positivity inspire thousands, proving that true strength comes from within. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Emma talks about her experience as she conquers the challenge of changing schools in various different countries, and how her own cultural background has affected her perspective on grades, academics, and school in general. Hi I’m Emma. I am grateful to have joined the last “FIB generation” of UWCSEA Dover. I am very pleased to share a real-life story which I have been going through while I was first transferring from a totally German domestic school in Shanghai to an international school in Shanghai. The different life experiences and beliefs people had gave me a hard time to "structure” my values and boundaries. As a half White half-Asian person, invisible boundaries appeared in my life were making me struggle quite a bit in my first few years of middle school (G5-G6). However, I overcame this with support from my parents and friends, funny and happy moments are still lying in my memory. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Julia Piorko Bermig explores how the history of her own culture has changed how she perceives various issues. Julia Piórko Bermig is a Grade 11 student from Poland, Germany, and Belgium. Her speech is based on her experience volunteering at the KZ/KL Stutthof Museum, a former Nazi concentration camp located in Sztutowo, Poland - her grandparents' hometown. She will focus on our power to overcome cyclical narratives of history striving toward ameliorative governance—one that refracts history, rather than repeating it. Outside of this, she is passionate about writing, photography, and collecting old books and records. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Nicola Pak delves into how social media affects what we read and how we perceive the world around us. Nicola Pak is a G12 student from Singapore. As a published author, National Library workshop facilitator and two-time New York Times finalist, she’ll explore the role of literature in presenting a refracted version of reality, and the impact of media curation on the dominant narratives being presented. How do social media algorithms, publishing houses and the Western Canon determine the books we read, and by extension, the thoughts we think? Why is conscious consumption important, and how can we regain agency over it? When she’s not asking rhetorical questions, Nicola also enjoys cooking, chemistry and learning Asian languages. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

At 11 years old, Ștefan watched The Dark Knight and knew—he wanted to be the Joker. But dreams don’t always unfold the way we expect. As he approaches 28, the age Heath Ledger was when he filmed his iconic role, he wrestles with ambition, self-doubt, and the reality of making it as an actor. Comparing himself to Hollywood stars, battling frustration, and learning hard truths about fairness, he discovers that success isn’t measured by age but by perseverance. A chance encounter with Cillian Murphy leaves him with a powerful lesson: Be fearless. Because in life, just like in film, you don’t need to own every moment—just the right ones. Ștefan Iancu, born on December 26, 1997, in Bucharest, began acting at the age of four. He appeared alongside Oscar Isaac in PU-239 and Abraham F. Murray in The Day of the Siege 1683. His career includes roles in notable Romanian and international productions, such as Amintiri din Epoca de Aur, Nașa, and Kira Kiralina. Ștefan made his theatre debut at Metropolis Theatre before finishing high school and later studied at the National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale.” In 2018, he won the Gopo Award for Best Young Hope for his performance in Un Pas în Urma Serafimilor. He captivated audiences for four seasons in the ProTV series Vlad and gained international recognition as Felix in Killing Eve, earning the Best Newcomer award at Subtitle Talent Festival. Currently a full-time actor at Toma Caragiu Theatre, he starred in Libertate (2023) and will appear in the much-anticipated movie Hoții de Subiecte (The Subject Thieves), directed by Tudor Petremarin. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx