TEDx Shanghai

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kirsty-whyte-ted-shanghai-3 Sunday is usually a day for relaxing and lie-ins, but not for Shanghai go-getters who want to be inspired and informed. A TED event is the perfect way to hear from experts in varied fields.

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We had managed to get free tickets courtesy of Dragonfly; one of the sponsors for TEDx in Shanghai.

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So at 8.30 in the morning on Sunday we impatiently waited in the rain for the doors of Shanghai Concert hall to open with lots of other TED goers.

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TEDx is a grassroots TED organised locally and independently with the theme “I am Chinese” there were 26 presentations from experts from all over the world speaking about a huge range of subjects from a Taoist monk talking about The Building of Inner Strength to the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra.

My highlights were:

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Chen Xi Huang an octogenarian Taiwanese traditional puppeteer.

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Stefen Chow who showed photos from his Poverty Line project.

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Jimmy Choo, who demonstrated how he made his very first shoefor his mother (plus an impromptu Tai Chi demo).

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An impassioned speech from Bonita Lim fashion designer and philanthropist about how her company is supporting the disadvantaged and disabled, allowing them to train and work they wait out of poverty. She spoke eloquently and having her note written up her arm did not deter her from her focus.

Jeffrey Leham who spoke about a Transnational Soul which I hope my sole is now becoming.

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And the highlight was the penultimate speaker Peter Ting the engaging and talented London based ceramicist, who spoke about discovering his identity as an international Chinese person and showed some of his work. So I’m glad that we stayed right to the end and didn’t miss a treat.

SOME OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

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We got little red goodie bags with emergency biscuits and water, some people even got a Tai Chi robe, which came in use later.

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Local designers and shops sold their wears outside.

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Just about to start….

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Impatiently waiting.

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All the keen bloggers getting their snaps.

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For the morning break Wu Dang Shan got everyone participating in some morning Tai Chi, to wake us up and relax those stiff muscles.

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It didn’t work for everyone!

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Music from Anne Evenou

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Lovely lunch, served in these minimal but brilliant bamboo containers with the date of TED 20th May. These were promptly washed and reused at home.

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everyone enjoying and inspecting their lunch.

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I was less taken by dessert, knowing my aversion to E numbers, i thought it best to avoid!

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Then back in for the afternoon; the audience was dissipating, so the hard core TEDders got better seats as we moved to the front.

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XuHui Xing and Betty Ni being caught on camera.

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Instagram mania. The talks were in English and Mandarin, so we had instantaneous translation headsets. The girls translating really worked hard I was amazed how quickly they could do it.

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Everyone taking their final bow and thanking organiser Richard Hsu.

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Wow, and 12 hours had passed and Sunday was over! But we all left inspired and informed.