TED Talk at International School of Qingdao - TEDxISQ: Sharing bold ideas, inspiring new voices

In a school where curiosity and leadership are nurtured, the International School of Qingdao celebrated a milestone this month with the successful launch of its first-ever TEDx Youth event, TEDxISQ. Spearheaded by the high school club Speak Up Society, and supported by our Principal of Well-Being, this student-led conference brought powerful ideas and fresh perspectives to our campus stage.

What is TEDx?

TEDx events are independently organized conferences that reflect the spirit of TED—“ideas worth spreading.” Since its launch in 2009, TEDx has exploded in scale, with over 30,000 events in more than 170 countries, and over 100,000 talks viewed more than two billion times worldwide. These talks inspire dialogue and change at every level—from local school auditoriums to global platforms. TEDx empowers voices everywhere to share ideas that matter.

Organized entirely by the students of Speak Up Society, TEDxISQ Youth offered a platform for students to sharpen their public speaking skills, dive into topics they care deeply about, and connect with peers through meaningful dialogue. Aligned with TED’s mission, this year’s event featured talks on technology, education, mental health and more.

TEDxISQ Speakers and Topics:
Jin Kwon – Technology as Innovation and National Responsibility
Jonathan Wu – Motor Sports: Simply for Entertainment?
Mr. Morales – True Friends
Vincent Jiao – Brain’s Distraction from Social Media
Jerry Qu – Embracing the Beauty and Peril of Nature’s Fury
Jeremy Yan – Moral of Reinforcement Learning
Matthew Choe – Redefining School in the Age of AI
GiDong Lee – Impacts of Social Media
Justin You – Defy the Darkness: Building a Legacy of Hope

Future global leaders always start by sharing and discussing ideas with the public. - From Rose Lee, a senior at our school and the Event Director.

She praised each speaker’s influence and preparation, noting how TEDxISQ brought forward student voices with clarity and purpose.

Jin Kwon, a Grade 11 student speaker and one of six student organizers, reflected: “With this kind of initiative, I believe more student-led events will continue to shape a school culture where students can truly explore their interests—and have fun.”

From thoughtful preparation to inspiring delivery, each speaker helped spark meaningful conversations that echoed beyond the auditorium. We’re proud of our student leaders for bringing TEDx to life at International School of Qingdao and look forward to growing this tradition in the years ahead.