Theme: (R)EVOLUTION

What exactly IS (R)evolution? When we think of evolution, we might think of Charles Darwin, or when Copernicus realised that we revolve around the sun. But to evolve simply means to develop gradually, to turn into something new. Revolution and evolution form a symbiotic relationship of development and change which leads to growth, and something big creates little ripples all around us! We are constantly changing and so is our world. We create art, culture, putting meaning anywhere we see soul, and we reflect on the way we choose to spend our time on this planet while we are still here. The main idea of Revolution simply asks this — at what point does the evolution of who we are, turn into a revolution of who we could be? And this year, TEDx brings you 7 profound speakers, who will delve deep into this question and inspire new perspectives.

Overseas Family School
pasir ris
Singapore, North East, 519292
Singapore

Anya Hegde

Embrace the Ordinary (Wellbeing and achieving inner peace)

Despite being in Grade 11, Anya has aspired to reach levels way beyond those expected of her age. She has taken on numerous challenging activities such as Bharatanatyam and gardening. She initially engaged in these activities because of a genuine passion to learn and grow in ability in these areas, but she soon focused more on the latter reason. Through her involvement in these two areas of her growth, she reflects on her inner turmoil and how she was able to achieve peace within herself.

Ashwath Kaushik

Boards and Bytes (Becoming a chess champion)

Known as the OFS prodigy, Ashwath Kaushik has demonstrated a passion and talent for chess since he was very – young – and he is still very young. Through immense hard work and honing his skills, he managed to achieve a Guinness World Record at a mere 8 years old for being the youngest player to beat a Grandmaster at chess. His passion for chess is so strong that he thoroughly enjoys sharing his love and some of his training secrets with others.

Jiayi Lu

The Ripple Effect (How traditional culture shapes identity)

Jiayi Lu, known as Lucy, is currently in Grade 12 but still carries her infinite curiosity about the world around her, especially with regards to her heritage and culture. When she was growing up, she used to learn Chinese traditional colour painting to work as a bridge between her more modern way of life and her traditional culture. Those notions are explored in her exploration of the gender norms and family dynamics that define her.

Kylene Lim

Lost in Translation (Cultural heritage)

When Kylene Lim was younger, she developed an avid passion for music. Although currently in Grade 11, from performer to songwriter, she has had an arsenal of experience commanding a stage. However, she commands this stage through her speech rather than her songs, by sharing a conflicted side of herself through the spoken word, rather than melodious lyrics as she discusses her culture and heritage and how she has navigated her own personal (R)evolution.

Mary Pringle

Power in Diversity

An OFS alumna, Mary Pringle graduated in 2018. Since then, she has pursued degrees in Spanish and Business. Currently, she is employed as a campaign planner at BBC Global Media and Streaming Department in Edinburgh. However, she has not forgotten her other passions. Starting at sixteen years of age, she continues to travel the world as a rugby referee which constitutes a specific part of her evolving identity. Life has definitely been tumultuous, and she has had the learn the art of juggling oval balls so to speak, to make her life more manageable and enjoyable.

Shaoni Saha

Teenage Trails (Evolution of personal identity)

Shaoni Saha has a plethora of hobbies. Some days, it’s baking and other days she considers herself an avid reader. Or else, she trains seriously and refines her Badminton skills. Although currently in Grade 12, over the years she has tried out so many activities and interests, developing a comprehensive list of likes and dislikes that, in all honesty, keep changing as she grows older. She shares her personal opinions on her constantly evolving identity as well as revisiting some of her relatable and fondest memories

Xiyi Qiu

Heritage to Horizons (Industrialisation and the traditional woman's identity)

Xiyi Qiu is currently in Grade 11 and much of her life consists of studying, studying and … studying. She embraces the opportunities afforded her to unwind by watching a movie, allowing herself to become enthralled and engrossed in the characters and plot. Only recently, she came to realise that the women in her family had lived through the surreal experience of intense industrialisation – a plot worthy of recording in her own words. These women possessed opinions and inner conflicts regarding their new societal roles that garnered her admiration and eternal gratitude for shaping her own identity as a female.