Theme: Shades of the Modern World

We live in a world of striking contrasts—where technology connects us more than ever, yet loneliness persists; where progress accelerates, but so do inequality, climate change, and emotional burnout. TEDxStPaulAmericanSchoolHanoi: Shades of the Modern World invites you to explore these complexities through fresh perspectives from students, artists, and changemakers. Together, we’ll uncover what it means to live with purpose, balance, and authenticity in today’s rapidly evolving world.

St. Paul American School Hanoi
Splendora, Hoai Duc
Hanoi, Ha Noi, 100000
Vietnam

Doan Duc Vinh Nguyen

High School Student

Vinh is a senior at St. Paul American School Hanoi and will soon begin his university journey in the US. In his TEDx talk, he explores a powerful question: Are we truly living with purpose in the modern world? Or are we chasing short-term pleasure?

Duc Nam (Ken) Bui

High School Student

Đức Nam is a student with a sharp sense of humor and a deeply reflective mind. In his TEDx talk, he takes us on a relatable and honest journey—from the chaos of last-minute assignments to the deeper realities of modern work culture. Blending wit with wisdom, Nam explores how today’s technology-driven world has transformed not just how we work, but how we live. Through stories about procrastination, productivity traps, and burnout, he reminds us that the race against time doesn’t stop after school—it only evolves. His message is clear: rest isn’t something we earn, and hustle doesn’t define our worth.

Hong Nhi Nguyen

High School Student

Nhi is a junior at St. Paul American School Hanoi, and in her TEDx talk, she breaks down something we all experience but rarely understand—how to begin. Through her personal journey learning how to skateboard, Nhi explores the psychology and process behind starting something new in today’s fast-paced world. Her talk covers everything from motivation and learning methods to persistence and small victories—all with practical advice and relatable insights. Whether you're starting a new hobby, skill, or path in life, Nhi’s talk is a guide for anyone wondering how to take that first step—and keep going.

Hung Viet Pham

High School Student

Hung Viet is a student at the British International School Hanoi. In his TEDx talk, he shares a deeply personal and moving story about his experience with bullying—shedding light on the silent struggles many students face and the long-term impact it can have on mental health. Drawing from his own journey, Hung Viet explores the root causes of bullying, the importance of empathy, and practical strategies for creating a safer, more compassionate school environment. His message is a powerful reminder that by standing up for one another, we can build a kinder and more resilient generation.

Khanh Van Dang Nguyen

Artist

Khanh Van is a Hanoi-born painter who studied Fine Arts and Art History in the US. Known for her deeply personal and thought-provoking work, she explores themes of identity, gender, and emotional burnout through pieces like Banquet Scene, Pig Head, and IV Pulsing. Her journey began as a way to process silence and pressure growing up, eventually turning into a powerful form of resistance. In her TEDx talk, Van brings her art to life—asking: What happens when performance becomes identity? And what’s left when we stop pretending?

Khue An Nguyen

High School Student

Khue An is a junior at St. Paul American School Hanoi. In her TEDx talk, she shares the story of her aunt—someone who quietly shaped her family through hard work, sacrifice, and care. Instead of focusing on well-known figures, Khue An highlights a different kind of leadership—one that happens behind the scenes, without recognition. Her talk is a reminder that success isn’t always about being in the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s about the people who lift others up.

Nhat Minh Nguyen

Silver medalist at the IPhO

Nguyen Nhat Minh is a 12th-grade student at High School for Gifted Students, University of Science – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and a silver medalist at the International Physics Olympiad. In his TEDx talk, Minh reflects on more than just academic success. He shares his personal journey through pressure, self-comparison, and the constant pursuit of achievement—and how he found clarity in the rare, powerful moments of flow. Drawing from intense competitions and quiet realizations, Minh speaks about the importance of being present, letting go of external validation, and appreciating the simple, human parts of life.

Tran Xuan An Nguyen

High School Student

Xuân An is a junior at St. Paul American School Hanoi, and in her TEDx talk, she brings attention to something often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world: the emotional lives of children. Her talk explores how modern systems reward performance over presence—and how kids are being taught to hide their emotions just to fit in. Drawing from real experiences, Xuân An challenges the idea that emotional expression is a weakness and calls for a world where children are treated with more patience, understanding, and humanity. It’s a powerful reminder that young people don’t need to be “fixed” to fit into the world—we need to change the world to better support them.