Theme: Together We Change

Join us on March 2nd, 2025, for an inspiring day of ideas worth spreading at TEDxUWCT! This year’s TEDxUWCT stage is set to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers—thinkers, innovators, and storytellers—who will challenge perspectives, ignite conversations, and inspire change. From educators and entrepreneurs to artists and student visionaries, each speaker brings a unique idea worth spreading.

TEDxUWCT 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a platform for change, innovation, and meaningful conversations. Be part of the experience and join us in shaping the future, one idea at a time. Join the CHANGE.

Multi-Purpose Hall, UWC Thailand
115 15, Tambon Thep Krasatti, Amphoe Thalang, Chang Wat Phuket 83110
Phuket, Phuket, 83000
Thailand

Bai Li

Student at UWC Thailand

The speaker is currently studying at UWC Thailand, in his first year of the two-year diploma programme leading up to university. He has also studied in Germany, Canada, and China so far. Although having earned multiple awards across various mathematics competitions, his recent achievements mainly lie in debate, speech, and business competitions. Since secondary school, the speaker has fallen in love with debate, which expanded his horizons to speech competitions as well as business simulations. In recent years, he has also cultivated a passion for running, participating in half marathons as well as events such as the 24 Hour Race. Growing up, the speaker faced issues with being overweight, as well as social anxiety. Through a decade-long pursuit of improvement without progress, he finally saw his efforts come into fruition in recent years. Even though his situation has improved significantly in both areas, he continues to strive for an ideal version of himself.

Cecilia Bonilla Rodríguez

Student at UWC Thailand

Cecilia is a student at UWC Thailand, grant holder of a scholarship of the foundation Eduarda Justo. Growing up between the Mediterranean sea and Sierra Nevada mountains, she fell in love with hiking. She is passionate about music, dance and almost any kind of art. Cecilia studied violin for 8 years and flute for one year. Since a very young age, she has experimented with different styles of dance, such as ballet, flamenco, modern, contemporary or alpujarreño folklore. She has participated in several orchestras around her province, Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Almería, Symphonic Orchestra El Ejido City and collaborated in projects organised by Youth Symphonic Orchestra of Granada. She has also played alpujarreño folklore with her violin since she was 9 with different groups of her region. Cecilia has also given didactic concerts for creating awareness and letting other people know about this folklore. She joined a musical in her old high school (IES Mar Mediterraneo) and one in UWCT.

Christopher MacLean

Educator, Author, Consultant

Chris MacLean is currently a Subject Area Learning Leader and Teacher at United World College Thailand. Canadian by birth he is a global citizen who has lived in 11 different countries over 33 years. Chris's diverse career spans military service as a Canadian Armed Forces Officer, a brief stint in Canadian politics, journalism with The Ottawa Citizen, and UN humanitarian reporting in Bangkok and Johannesburg. He spent five years leading Emzingo Group's South African operations before pivoting to education. His academic credentials include a BA from McGill University, a Master's in Global Politics from the London School of Economics, and a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard. IB certified in multiple subjects, Chris has taught across three continents, bringing his global perspective to classrooms in Chile, South Africa, and Thailand. In 2023, Chris helped author the Oxford University Press Global Politics Online Textbook.

Hiisan Kim

Student at British International School Phuket

Hiisan is a passionate year 11 student working towards her IGCSEs in British International School Phuket, partaking in subjects like History and Art. Although constantly changing, currently her interests are fixated on human behaviour and emotions. She also spends much of her time hanging upside down on Aerial silks, managing her stress in Taekwondo and perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe. In her first ever TED talk, she is excited to explore her thoughts on how evolution influences human behaviour- and how understanding these instincts can empower both personal and collective growth.

Kathryn Willis

Student at British International School Phuket

Kathryn Willis is a student interested in international relations, politics and social policy. Born in the UK with mixed American-British nationality, she moved to Thailand when she was 11. There, she volunteered in Mae Sot border town during her holidays, running and participating in programmes for migrant students. Inspired by these experiences, she wrote her Extended Essay on whether Thailand has a political and economic responsibility to grant refugee status to Myanmar migrants. Outside of this interest, she is Head Student and Model United Nations lead at her school, and enjoys participating in musical activities as a cellist and operatic singer. Kathryn has been granted an offer to study Human, Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge next year, and hopes to use this education to become a policy analyst. Her dream is to advise in creating laws that will tackle systematic inequalities.

Marceline ZONG-NABA

Student at UWC Thailand

Coming from Burkina Faso, Marceline ZONG-NABA is passionate about public speaking art with some backgrounds of debates, eloquence, poetry and ceremony mastering. She wants to use her words to impact and inspire, Marceline is also passionate about sciences and likes to research and to discover new things.

Mika Kamiya

Student at UWC Thailand

Mika Kamiya has a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean descent. Growing up in Beijing, she pursued her education at the International School of Beijing up until Freshman year of High School. Mika then transferred to UWC Thailand, bringing along her mixed background and culture. Outside of school, she is enthusiastic about earthquake research which ties back to her Japanese heritage. Mika is currently working with a research program at Peking University to further explore Geophysics and Earth Science. She is also passionate for graphic design & art and has designed advertising posters as an intern for a jewelry shop. Several of her artworks have been showcased in local art exhibitions in Beijing. Beyond academics, Mika is also passionate about team sports and is a part of two ASAC Teams at UWCT. To share her passion for sports, Mika is a part of UWCT's athletic council, where she is the manager for the school's athletics' TikTok account.

Nicolás Ignacio Cruz Miranda

Student at UWC Thailand

UWC alum from the Chilean National Committee, graduating in 2025. Former HR activist with Extinction Rebellion and a community member of the Semillarbol Cultural Center.

Paco Vázquez

UWC Thailand School Counselor

Francisco "Paco" Vazquez is a School Counselor at UWC Thailand's Primary School, where he supports students' social and emotional well-being. His background includes diverse roles as a kitchen porter, call center agent, elderly home volunteer, and Spanish teacher, which have enriched his understanding of human connections and resilience. Originally from Córdoba, Spain, Paco has lived in ten countries over 21 years, bringing a global perspective to his work. His book, "Con estos ojos," reflects his first decade abroad and the lessons learned along the way. An advocate for mental health and emotional intelligence, Paco shares insights on his website, www.misterpaco.com. A keen runner who has completed two marathons, he enjoys hiking and spending time in nature. Fluent in multiple languages, he connects with diverse communities everywhere. Through his professional and personal pursuits, Paco inspires others to embrace challenges and strive for growth in all aspects of life.

Petr Denisovich Drobotenko

Student at HeadStart International School

Petr is a student at HeadStart International School Phuket, studying A-levels in History, Psychology, and Mathematics. He is actively involved in school life, participating in swimming, the eco-committee, the prefect system, and Model United Nations. Academically, Petr achieved one A*, five As, and two Bs in IGCSEs and successfully completed a research project on “How Music Influences Education.” Recently, he has developed a strong interest in artificial intelligence. He envisions a future where AI and humanity collaborate to create a world where people can pursue their passions. By the way, he created history and psychology AI chat-bots that help him and his classmates academically. Beyond AI, Petr is passionate about history, particularly Ray Dalio’s concept of historical cycles. He aspires to study AI engineering at the University of Navarra. In his free time, he enjoys watching TV series like House M.D.and The Big Bang Theory, creating fine art and playing games with friends.

Sofia Compagnoni

Student at UWC Thailand

Sofia Compagnoni is a dynamic and engaged student from UWC Thailand, where she is currently pursuing the IB Diploma. A dedicated Student Ambassador and an accomplished ASAC athlete, she embodies leadership, creativity, and resilience. Her passion for sports runs deep—representing UWCT in several sports while also dedicating years to horse riding and rescuing. Beyond athletics, she is a true artist at heart, expressing herself through visual arts, theatre, and music. Whether on stage as a theatre actress or behind an instrument as a musician, she thrives in the world of creative expression. As she prepares to embark on her next chapter, she will be pursuing New Media Art at university, combining her artistic vision with technology to push creative boundaries.

Steve McGinnes

Marketing Consultant

Steve McGinnes is a speaker, author and business leader. Steve spent 30 years working across the branding, advertising and design industries, working at a senior level with the world's biggest brands - such as Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy, Lufthansa and AMEX. Now Steve consults directly with the global ‘C-suite’ on selected brand projects whilst also working with start-ups and innovators. His speaking clients/engagements include The China Innovation Summit, The United Nations, The Global Whisky Summit, EGN, IiPA and many others. He is a regular expert guest on BBC Worlds News and has been featured on CNA, in Marketing Week, MoneyFM and the Growth Faculty He is a critically acclaimed published author (Surfing the Asian Wave, Fighting Giants). A 20-year Asia veteran, Steve lives in Phuket, with his wife and children.

Vivaan Nichani

Student at UWC Thailand and Student Athlete

Vivaan is a competitive 3000m/5000m runner and triathlete, who thrives on pushing physical and mental limits, achieving podium finishes at national and international events. His commitment to discipline and perseverance extends beyond sports — he is a certified vegan chef, blending his passion for health, sustainability, and performance nutrition. Furthermore, playing the tabla and trinity grade 3 piano are creative activities that have been part of Vivaan’s childhood. Additionally, Vivaan was a ballet dancer for 10 years, with 4 on-stage performances, while also dabbling in other sports such as volleyball, squash, tennis, football, cricket, and hockey. At UWC Thailand, Vivaan co-founded the Cycling Club, DECA, and played a key role in the Athletic Committee, 24-hour race business development committee, promoting sports engagement and community building. Vivaan is driven by a vision to revolutionise sports management by integrating business acumen, leadership, and athlete well-being.

Zharina Nikko Tomas Casil

Educator, Socio-Political Philosopher, and Activist

Zharina Nikko Tomas Casil is an Indigenous Igorot scholar, educator, and changemaker working at the intersections of decolonial and feminist thought. Her transnational research on Religious Liberty was published by the UN OHCHR, and her paper for the UN's Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IESOGIE) was cited in the 78th UN General Assembly. Having led research and education initiatives in 15 countries across three continents, Nikko challenges dominant narratives in learning spaces, pushing for deeper systemic change. She believes in the power of emotions as a way of knowing and mindfulness as a force for transformation—tools that shape both her scholarship and her work in education.