Theme: Global Citizens: Connecting Hearts and Minds

This event will inspire students and participants to explore their interconnectedness with the global community. It will emphasize the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges. Through engaging presentations, participants will cultivate the skills and attitudes necessary to navigate and appreciate diverse cultures.

Canadian International School, Phnom Penh
Elite Town Road, Koh Pich (Diamond Island)
Phnom Phen, Phnom Penh, 12301
Cambodia

Erica TOUCH

High School Student

Erica is a tenth-grade student at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, a member of Daily Bears, and part of the Student Council, she is the founder of the Eco Club. Driven by her passion for desserts and a desire to make a positive impact, she takes on various roles within the school community. One of her most significant contributions is as a member of the Women’s Committee, where she organizes fundraising events for the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center.

Hannah YOU

Elementary School Student

Hannah is a 10-year-old student in grade 5 at CIS, originally from Korea. She enjoys reading and spending time with her friends during her free time. Her family includes her mom, dad, and younger brother. Hannah is passionate about learning and always eager to explore new ideas. In her TEDx talk, she will be speaking about the climate crisis and pollution, with a focus on how children can take action and contribute to protecting the planet.

Mengyuan (Mia) ZHANG

Elementary School Student

Mengyuan ZHANG (Mia) is a 10-year-old fifth-grade student at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. She came from Shanghai, China, and this is her first year living in Phnom Penh. Mia is an energetic, athletic girl who loves to swim, play tennis and ice hockey. She is also an expert at folding paper into decorative flowers, animals, buildings and objects, not to mention her talent in math, Chinese chess and instrument performance of flute. Born in the Alpha Generation and having grown up as a "global citizen", Mia is going to share her thoughts on how kids can be leaders for a better future. In her TEDx Talk, she will encourage all of us to dream big and act now.

Monika LY

University Student & Volunteer

Monika is a passionate young woman in technology. She began her journey with Empowering Youth in Cambodia as a student in 2019, initially pursuing coding as a hobby before deciding to make it her career. Now a freshman at Paragon International University, she is majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS). Believing strongly in the power of opportunity, Monika is eager to demonstrate her IT skills. In her TEDx Talk, she will discuss how technology has influenced her life, the person she aspires to be, and her journey of resilience. Through her story, she hopes to inspire and empower women interested in the field of technology.

Norah Lee FERNANDEZ

Elementary School Student

Norah is 8 years old and in her first year at CIS. She was born in Abu Dhabi but has spent most of her life in Shanghai, China. Norah speaks Mandarin, enjoys arts and crafts, and has a passion for reading. Last year, she participated in her first TEDx event and is excited to return this year to speak about one of her greatest loves: animals. For her upcoming TEDx talk, Norah will be discussing how conservation efforts can help protect elephants from extinction.

Pichkatika ENG

Middle School Student

Pichkatika Eng is a fourteen-year-old eighth grader at the Canadian International School, where she has been for five years. In the classroom, she particularly enjoys English, Social Studies, and occasionally Math. Outside of school, she participates in extracurricular activities such as basketball, badminton, running, and debating in Model United Nations. In her free time, she loves reading and watching movies. Through her TED Talk, she aims to inspire the audience to realize that they can change the world by taking a step outside their comfort zone.

Renjie (Miranda) ZHAO

Elementary School Student

Renjie ZHAO (Miranda) is an 8-year-old second-grade student at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. She came from Shanghai, China, and this is her first year living in Phnom Penh. Miranda is a competitive young athlete who loves to swim and dance Latin. She also loves to record life through story drawing. Miranda has an interest in card games and public speaking. In her TEDx Talk, Miranda will talk about the language of friendship, which is how people can understand each other without words.

Seangly SREY

University Student & Volunteer

Seangly is an eighteen-year-old student and inspiring team leader who has been volunteering at Empowering Youth in Cambodia (EYC) for four years. Over the past three years, she has also dedicated her time to teaching art at EYC. As a first-year student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, majoring in English Literature at the Institute of Foreign Languages, she brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and intellectual curiosity to the stage. In her TEDx talk, Seangly will explore the profound art of living in the moment—an idea shaped by her experiences as a leader, teacher, and student. She will share how embracing the present has transformed her life and can inspire others to find joy and purpose amid life’s challenges.

Tu Ky (Qiqi) SHEN

High School Student

Tu Ky (Qiqi) Shen is a 16-year-old International Baccalaureate student in the eleventh grade. She enjoys reading, playing strategy games like Sudoku and Mahjong, sipping matcha lattes, and going for runs at sunset. Fluent in five languages, she also has an impressive collection of chicken plushies and a passion for philanthropy, often collaborating on projects with her friends. Qiqi aims to inspire others to take the initiative to engage with their communities, fostering support and strengthening bonds that transcend culture and heritage.