TEDx goes to Vietnam to tap creative young minds

With the theme “Stop and Start”, the event will focus on six fields, namely education, environment, science, business, arts, and life stories.
In preparation for the event, XSpeaker contests – a stage for Vietnamese to share their ideas or personal stories with the public – were held on July 11 and 12.
After two rounds, two contestants displaying the best skills in presenting unique and creative ideas will become official speakers at the following events, together with many others who are renowned and influential Vietnamese, such as actor Xuan Bac, actress Le Khanh and journalist Ngo Ba Luc.
Besides the XSpeaker contest, TEDx events will feature many other activities, including an art exhibition, talks and a workshop, and are expected to attract more than 5,000 young Hanoians. These are aimed at conveying to young Vietnamese the importance of ideas.
Founded in 1984, TED (Technology – Entertainment – Design) is a global set of conferences run by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation under the slogan “Ideas Worth Spreading”.
Since its establishment, TED has attracted annually 60 speakers and more than 1,000 attendees. Among the famous figures who have stood on the TED stage have been Bill Clinton and Bill Gates.
TEDx is one or a series of TED events organised independently with permission from global TED. The programme presents opportunities for local communities, organisations and individuals to experience global TED but at a local level.
This year’s events are organised by the TEDx Community of Hanoi, a group of TED lovers and people who want to participate in it.
“By participating in the events, the young Vietnamese communities will experience a useful and interesting programme that is similar to the original TED and, more important, their enthusiasm and passion will be nurtured,” said Dang Minh Ngoc, head of the board of organisers.