The speaker talked about how young people are influenced by their peers and transform this influence into a positive social force—volunteer service. During the epidemic, she was infected by her friends and began to provide support to poor families. She gradually combined her skills with volunteer service and founded the "Light Their Rights" organization to promote educational equality and youth volunteerism. Through free courses and exchange programs, the organization allows students from disadvantaged groups to access extracurricular education such as music, debate, and STEM, while also inspiring more young people to join the ranks of volunteers. The speaker emphasized the unique advantages of young people as volunteers: close psychological distance with children, more time to invest, and strong "contagion" to influence and drive others. She hopes to inspire more people to start the road of volunteering and infect more people to act together by sharing her own experience. Clarisse Poon is a Grade 10 student at St. Paul’s Co-educational College in Hong Kong. Recognized as Dr. Anissa Chan Student of the Year for 3 consecutive years and Top 10 HK Outstanding Teen, her accolades include the Grand Student Innovation Award at HKICT Awards, High Distinction in John Locke Essay Competition, and representing HK at Oxford Schools’ Debate. As Founder and President of Light Their Rights, an NGO founded in 2020 to promote educational equality and youth volunteering, she has spearheaded initiatives like STEM courses for Zambian children and village school exchanges. Clarisse has been invited to speak at HK Legal Week, HK SDG Summit, Principals’ Forum, etc. She also strives to address social issues at a legislative level, earning 1st prize in National Constitution Competition, selected to draft policies for a Policy Address, and present at Legislative Council meetings on issues like child abuse. 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
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- 11:29How to Treat Learning as a Hobby Instead of a Chore | Pinky Pinky | TEDxYouth@BrainworksSchoolPinky, a passionate Secondary 1 student, has an insatiable curiosity about the world and a deep love for learning. She believes knowledge should be exciting, not exhausting, and has discovered ways to transform learning into a delightful hobby rather than a mundane chore. In this inspiring talk, Pinky invites us to rethink how we approach learning. Have you ever felt like learning is just another obligation? Pinky challenges this perspective, offering relatable stories, fun examples, and practical strategies to make learning an enjoyable, engaging experience. She demonstrates how curiosity, mindset shifts, and everyday adventures can spark a lifelong love for learning. Join Pinky as she shows how discovering new skills and embracing curiosity can turn learning into one of life’s greatest joys. Pinky is a Secondary 1 student with a deep passion for learning and curiosity about the world. She believes that knowledge should be exciting, not exhausting, and has found ways to make learning feel more like a hobby than a chore. Whether it’s exploring new skills or breaking down complex ideas in fun ways, she enjoys sharing insights that make learning more engaging. In this talk, she inspires others to rekindle their curiosity and embrace lifelong learning as a joyful experience. 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
- 11:59Where is Heaven? | Thein Hlaing Oo | TEDxYouth@BrainworksSchoolThein Hlaing Oo, a 19-year-old Secondary 4 student, explores the profound role of faith in human lives. Having grown up in a devout family and experienced monkhood, he views religion not merely as a path to the afterlife but as a guide to finding peace, freedom, and meaning here on Earth. In his thought-provoking talk, Thein Hlaing Oo challenges traditional beliefs about heaven, redefining it as a way of life rather than a destination after death. Through personal stories and interactive activities, he reveals how religion can inspire true peace, freedom, and love—not as a transaction, but as a source of deep fulfillment in everyday life. Join him as he shares how his meditation journey transformed his perspective and invites us to embrace a new understanding of heaven and the role of faith in our lives. Thein Hlaing Oo is a 19-year-old Secondary 4 student at Brainworks International School, Thingangyun Campus. While not a sole believer in any religion, he is deeply interested in how faith shapes human lives. Having grown up in a devout family and experienced monkhood, he now explores religion as a guide to finding peace, freedom, and meaning—not just in the afterlife, but here on Earth. 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
