In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

SMIC Private School Shanghai
169 QingTong Road
Shanghai, Shanghai, 201203
China

Claire Ding

Director of Curriculum & Training at Stepping Stones

Claire Ding is the Director of Curriculum & Training at Stepping Stones, an NGO advocating education equity and empowering underserved communities in China through innovative education programs. A Trinity College London TESOL diploma holder, she brings over 15 years of experience as an English teacher, trainer, and curriculum developer. Claire designs interactive teaching resources and leads dynamic training programs, equipping volunteers to bring quality education to those who need it most.

Fabian Pillay

Teacher at SMIC Private School

Fabian is from South Africa and has lived in China for the past five years. A qualified attorney, he transitioned into education and now teaches academic research writing to high school students in Shanghai. Fabian is also active in public speaking and has won awards in multiple competitions. His wide-ranging interests include composing music, researching conspiracy theories, exploring fitness spots in Shanghai, and discovering new ramen restaurants.

Gabi Kayoon Kim

SMIC Student, Class of '26

Kayoon Kim is a junior at SMIC Private School in Shanghai. Born in South Korea, she has been raised in Shanghai since birth. With her extroverted and bright personality, she enjoys embracing new experiences without leaving regrets.

Grace Yeelan Hou

SMIC Student, Class of '25

Grace Hou is currently a senior at SMIC Private School Shanghai and a soon-to-be college student passionate about biology, health, and medicine. Born in Silicon Valley, she's been surrounded by technology her entire life, whether as a Gen Z or as the child of an engineer in the tech industry. In Kindergarten, she moved to Shanghai and settled in ZhangJiang, another major tech hub. Growing up in this environment, she's seen firsthand how technology has reshaped the way people learn, communicate, and even think.

Jade Chan

SMIC Student, Class of '27

Jade Chan is currently a sophomore at SMIC Private School Shanghai. She has lived in Shanghai ever since she was young and enjoys the surroundings that it provides. In her spare time, she loves to play with her cats, fiddle with some playing cards, and occasionally socialize with her friends. However, because of rather worrisome personality, she is incredibly indecisive when it come to any small decision.

Leonard Tang

SMIC Student, Class of '26

Leonard Tang, a junior at SMIC Private School Shanghai, is a rather distracted student, having spent much of his middle and high school years investing in different interests and cultivating a rich range of hobbies that currently culminate in music, writing, interactive storytelling, performance, and politic; activities that, due to their natures, necessitate failure, especially in their first few years. The collection of these passions over time has demanded significant stumbling and self-discovery, however, and Leonard has as a result developed some tolerance, although not immunity to those early failures.