The annual TEDxJIS conference returned for the third time at the Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) in early February. Adapting the theme “Frames Unframed”, TEDxJIS 2017 featured visionary young speakers to present interesting topics, including technology, entertainment, environment, arts and humanity issues.

With “Frames Unframed”, TEDxJIS 2017 encouraged the young generation to embrace freedom of speech and collectively build the mentality of global citizens who can express ideas as well as find solutions through discussion and build positive connections. Freedom of speech translates as “a difference of opinion” and is sadly often spoiled by intolerance leading to the resistance of individuals who cannot accept the fact that others might have their own different opinions due to different backgrounds.

“We have witnessed politics in many parts of the world being driven by bigotry and intolerance towards those who hold different opinions or come from varying personal backgrounds,” said Jaewon Sim, the Director and Founder of TEDxJIS Conferences.

TEDxJIS 2017 featured ten speakers, including Ria Koumekawa, a student and social activist who focuses on child developmental growth, Kaashvi Sehgal, a student and social activist who focuses on child rights, Kai Paul, an entrepreneur and environmentalist, student and writer Sabrina Hartono, and many more.

JIS Head of School Timothy Carr, who was also among this year’s speakers, expressed his appreciation to the students who founded and host TEDxJIS, a medium that facilitates speakers, a majority of whom are young people.

“In alignment with the values and objectives that JIS instills in all of its students, to prepare them to become the best in the world, we educators strongly support the TEDxJIS event. Through this activity, JIS students can exchange ideas and collaborate with other forward-thinkers,” he said.

TED is a nonprofit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today’s leading thinkers and doers, including Bill Gates, Jane Goodall and Sir Richard Branson. 

Meanwhile, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience especially designed to spark discussion and establish connections. The” x” at the end of TED means independently organised event.

This TEDxJIS 2017 was supported by Godrej Indonesia, the largest international distributor for Godrej Consumer Products Ltd., as the main sponsor.

For further information on TEDxJIS, please visit http://tedxjis.com/.

You can find them at Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. For further inquiries, please contact Jaewon Sim at Jaewon@tedxjis.com.

Katrin Figge

Katrin Figge

Katrin Figge is a previous editor of NOW! Jakarta. An experienced writer and avid bookworm.