TEDx American International School 2013 puts the spotlight on creativity

The latest in the popular series of local TEDx events proved a big hit with the enthusiastic and responsive full-house audience at the American International School. Focusing on three main themes – technology, entertainment and design, with the “x” in the title signifying an independently organised event – invited speakers highlighted the value of creativity in modern life and its importance in helping to make the world a better place.

Drawing on personal experiences and illustrating with reference to a wide variety of projects, speakers were by turn entertaining and inspiring as they explained what made them think and act innovatively and why people should do more to promote positive change.

“Our central theme – where innovation begins – was chosen with a view to igniting interesting new thoughts and ideas worth sharing with the wider community,” says Teresa Wong of the American International School’s development and community relations office, who was curator of the event. “We were thrilled to have some of the most innovative, creative minds in Hong Kong taking part and to see so many participants from international and local schools, as well as members of the general public.”

Wong notes that the introductory speech (on video) by educator Sir Ken Robinson very much set the scene. It was described as thought-provoking and eye-opening and made the point that cultivating creativity is essential for young people and, indeed, future world leaders. Robinson also emphasised that each of us has to find his or her own approach to life and achieving success. In doing this, we should not be afraid to “break the rules” and take new paths.

“He made the point that life is more than a set script which we should all just recite,” Wong says. “In fact, we each have a very unique script that we ourselves write as we learn, discover and experience different aspects of life.”

Of course, none of that happens in isolation, as Phyllis Marwah of Mother’s Choice later explained. When talking about change in our own lives, there is also a responsibility to be socially aware and promote positive change in the community, through action rather than inaction. That can be by serving and educating those who are less fortunate or in any number of other ways.