Theme: Hidden Connections

The topic of our event, Hidden Connections, highlights the technological, cultural, and societal advancements that originated from serendipitous and interdisciplinary connections. Our speakers are here to spark a climate of free discussions, diving deep into the cooperation and relationship between disparate groups in the society. Through their enlightening speeches, you will gain a new understanding of life and cognisance of interdependence. Ultimately, the seeds of an integrated community free from division and distrust are sowed, hopefully ameliorating current issues in society.

With the flourishing globalisation in the 21st century, Cardiff Sixth Form College has emerged as a multicultural hub, congregating students from the East and West. As a result, not only does the college act as an essential bridge between secondary education and university, but also as a catalyst, promoting students to becoming global citizens. The college has been assiduous in cultivating students’ appreciation of their surroundings and global events, positively and responsibly. It is firmly believed that education is a form of science, hence the college endeavours to utilise this TEDx event to channel an enlightening atmosphere for students to assay their ambitions.

Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
24 26 Newport Rd
Calon Suite 1
Cardiff, Cardiff, CF24 0DD
United Kingdom

Alex Kampas

Head of Physics @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Alex Kampas is the Head of Physics at Cardiff Sixth Form College. Alex is an astronomer with published research in the field of extragalactic astronomy and a history of science aficionado. Alex also has a mechanical engineer degree and has had a successful stint in the publishing and automotive industry. Alex wants Physics to be the centre of the students’ education about nature and our world, and the means to appreciate and love our planet while using physics as the vehicle to develop critical thinking and become inquisitive, curious and perceptive.

Coco Lam

A2 Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Coco is an A2 student from Hong Kong. Having been the founder of Orange Org, an art-for-charity NPO, she has penetrated deep into the society, raising funds for mental health trusts. Throughout her journey, she has been in contact with different people suffering from mental health problems; this pushed her to be cognisant of the importance of wellness through confabulations with the community. Having to be a model, an artist, and a friend, she has encountered different passionate individuals who are experts in their professional fields. Along with tackling her own genetic mental health issues, she has found a key component in finding one’s happiness - encountering the Flow State.

Ethan Au

AS Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Ethan is an overseas AS student. He was Managing Editor of the school newspaper from his school in Hong Kong and is a staff writer for non-profit news outlet redefy and Editor for the Cardiff STEM magazine.

Florence Tong

AS Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Florence is an AS student from Hong Kong. Despite being the babbling chatterbox during lessons, she loves, but also hates, socialising with people. The cognitive strain, the distorted work-life balance, the stress to help everyone, and the need to meet others’ expectations were at the expense of her mental health. Nonetheless, she has forced herself into gabbing with people for 16 years as the other side of the coin - loneliness and isolation, appear to be much more frightening. She became an optimist, a pessimist, an altruist, a competitor, a people-pleaser and now, a speaker.

Gursharan Sandhu

AS student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Gursharan is an AS student from India and a daughter of a farmer. Gursharan is very passionate about the developing world and the injustice and unfairness faced in these nations. Gursharan wants to empower the youth and the next generation, to make changes that improve the world. To break the barriers that harm our people, where life comes before profits. Walking hand in hand toward a better and stronger future for everyone.

Kristian Gwilliam

Art Coordinator and Houseparent @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Mr Gwilliam studied Applied Theatre, Drama and Education at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where he had a focus on Immersive Theatre and Participatory Performance. After returning to Wales, Mr Gwilliam turned his focus to facilitation and utilising his workshop skills as a cover teacher in secondary schools. Within the college, his current focus is on Clubs, Activites and Interhouse Competitions.

Lydia Mao

AS Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Lydia is an AS student from Hong Kong. Studying away from her home, she began to rethink what her mother and family mean to her. Her academic and personal interests in Second Wave and modern feminist studies and sociology have grounded her understanding of women. Henceforth, she utilises her speech to explore her interests in depth, in particularly, women’s societally predetermined role as mothers.

Mahaprabha Sapre

A2 Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Maha is an A2 student from Nigeria/India. Maha's enthusiasm for learning has been accentuated by their passion for public speaking. Being the winner of the British High Commissioner award paved a path for starting discussions about the existing disparity and social barriers between the education of girls. Maha is not afraid to engage in conversations, which seems essential to bind people and society together.

Mavis Siew

AS Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Mavis is an AS student from Hong Kong. One of her subjects of interest is Social Science, as she believes that changing social values can cure people's suffering.

Milly Wong

AS Student @CardiffSixthFormCollege

Milly is an AS student from Hong Kong. Having to be studying abroad for two years in a distinct country, she has been profoundly thoughtful about the pollution problems in Hong Kong. Being an aspiring engineer, she is passionate about climate change issues and engineers’ role in sustainable development.