Up to 400 Cantonese and English-speaking young people are expected to attend Hong Kong's first TEDx Youth Day on Saturday in Tai Po as part of a global initiative that will take place over a 24-hour period in more than 70 cities. During the event, the 15 to 25-year-olds will be treated to inspirational speeches, presentations and musical performances by 19 notable volunteers, including singer GEM, runner Derek Kwik and Hawaiian-based ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro (pictured). 'It's all done to inspire youth and engage them, and dare them to have their dreams and passions and actually go and fulfil them,' speakers' co-ordinator Athena Lam said. US-based TED takes the motto 'ideas worth spreading' and aims to encourage positive thought and dialogue. The event will bring together 'design artists, lawyers, scientists, researchers, athletes, community workers, Cantonese speakers and everything in between to hit all the corners of Hong Kong and bring it home to the young people', Lam said. Shimabukuro, who has played for Britain's Queen Elizabeth and recently performed a duet with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, said: 'The TED community is a remarkable group of world leaders who are truly doing things to make the world a better place.' Free tickets for the event can be obtained by signing up at the website www.tedxhongkong.com/youth-day . Shimabukuro will also be performing on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre, Polytechnic University.