Theme: Digital Mindscape

In 2025, TEDxGEMSWellingtonAcademyAlKhail presents DIGITAL MINDSCAPE – Exploring the evolving landscape of human thought in a hyper-connected world. This thought-provoking series will delve into the profound impact of digital technologies on how we think, learn, and connect.

Through engaging talks, our speakers will explore how the digital realm is reshaping cognitive processes and transforming social dynamics. From AI-driven learning and digital collaboration to the psychology of virtual interaction and the future of human creativity, we’ll navigate both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in an ever-connected future. Discover how the Digital Mindscape is forging a new frontier of human intellect and connection in a world defined by rapid technological evolution.

GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail
Dubai Hills
Dubai, Dubayy, 391922
United Arab Emirates

Avenna (Siang-Yu) Huang

Student

Avenna became a social media influencer at the age of 13 for speaking all six official United Nations languages. Her interest in languages grew from a love for understanding people and cultures. She enjoys studying psychology and history, with hopes to one day pursue a career in law. Outside the classroom, Avenna is fascinated by filmmaking and figure skating. In her talk she offers a thoughtful look into both the light and the unseen, darker side of social media attention; what it gives, what it takes, and what it means for young people finding their voice in a digital world.

Bereket Abrha

Student

A Year 12 student at the Academy, Bereket is passionate about leadership, innovation, and making a lasting impact. He aspires to build businesses that empower people and solve real-world challenges. Today, he explores how small daily choices shape our future—and why our generation must take the lead.

Holly Douglas

Student

Holly is a Year 10 student at the Academy, passionate about the Performing Arts and music. She believes that creativity and imagination are essential for young people to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Over the past five years studying at GEMS schools, Holly has actively contributed to various school activities—including supporting lighting and sound for school productions and serving on the student leadership team. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong appreciation for the value of sharing the skills she has gained through the art of performance.

Hridaynee Kandpile

Student

Hridaynee is a student in Year 10 at the Academy. She is a Wellington Singing Scholar and a committed LAMDA student, having completed Grades 1 to 6 in Acting. With a long-standing passion for the performing arts, she has played an active role in the academy’s music and drama events. Through her TEDx Talk, she explores how artificial intelligence is shaping our sense of identity in the modern world. Hridaynee believes that creativity, self-expression, and storytelling are vital tools for navigating the future.

Muhammad Raahim Gilani

Student

Raahim is a Year 11 student at the academy. Over the years, his journey of learning several languages such as Spanish, French, Arabic and even Urdu have opened his eyes to how complex communication throughout the world truly is. By using his strong leadership and creativity skills, he wishes to share how, because of a new age of advancements and technology, language barriers are beginning to some to an end.

Rasha Hijazi

Educator

Rasha is a visionary educator and Director of Arabic and Islamic Studies at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail in Dubai. With over 15 years of experience, she leads Arabic language innovation across FS to Year 13, designing inclusive curricula and pioneering AI integration in language education. A passionate advocate for student-centred learning, Rasha empowers teachers, students, and parents to embrace technology as a tool for transformation. Her leadership was recently praised as the strongest Arabic and Islamic leadership ever seen in a Dubai private school. Today, she shares how AI is redefining Arabic learning, making it more personal, accessible, and powerful than ever before.

Sameeksha Ramesh

Student

Sameeksha is a Year 13 student at the Academy with an interest in chemical engineering and a goal of creating accessible and life-changing medicines. She’s curious about how we connect and what it means to truly understand one another in a fast-changing world.

Victoria Rakhtopol

Student

Victoria is a Year 13 student at the Academy, passionate about law, politics and sociology, with a strong interest in how society and technology impact our future. As a co-founder of an academic podcast, she is no stranger to exploring complex questions concerning legal systems. Bringing that curiosity and keen insight to TEDx, she’s here to explore how technology can reshape justice.