Theme: Unleashing Potential

"Unleashing Potential" captures the spirit of the diverse range of speakers at TEDxHKUST 2016. The speakers at TEDxHKUST consist of leaders from the worlds of music, entertainment, academics, politics and business. The speakers at the event have all managed to go beyond society's expectations and achieve their full potential

The challenge we as a society and we as individuals we face today is understanding our own potential and using that towards achieving our goals and aims. We believe that by embracing ourselves and our passions we truly can unleash our potential.

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
Clear Water Bay
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong

HeartGrey

Beatboxer

HeartGrey is Asia’s Top beatboxer. He got the title top 8 of the world from Emperor of Mic 2011 and Grand Beatbox Battle 2011. He is two times Chinese Beatbox Champions as well. HeartGrey has also performed in different commercial event and TV show such as Asia’s Got Talent from AXN , China Got Talent from Dragon Televison , Happy Camp from Hunan TV, etc. He has collaborated with JoLam Wong, GEM in their music project as well. Besides, HeartGrey has participated in the movie , which is a famous movie in hong kong. He started beatboxing in 2006 and by 2009 was on the International Beatboxing scene.

Daniel Lau

Thrill Seeker / Online Entrepreneur / Photographer

Living as an ordinary person for years, Daniel was thinking to escape from casual routines, and create something special to make his life memorable. As a photographer, he wanted to capture something different from the other, a new perspective of the city, which was never seen before. He began his urban exploration journey, and shared it on his Instagram. In just 4 months of time, he reached nothing to over 20,000 followers, and now he has over 100,000. Working with numerous internationally known brands, he successfully converted his interest into a business.

Gary Wong

Activist/Social Entrepreneur

Gary Wong Chi-him is a post-80s social entrepreneur. He is Founder of InspiringHK Sports Foundation, a charity aiming at increasing social mobility of underprivileged young people in Hong Kong through the provision of long-term high quality sports training and learning opportunities.Gary closely follows local politics and international affairs. He is a Governor of Path of Democracy think-tank and a member of Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) in the United Kingdom. Gary graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2006 with a BA majoring in Translation and then obtained an LLB from the University of London. He was a British Chevening Scholar in 2012-2013 and received a Master of Studies (MSt) in Diplomatic Studies at the University of Oxford.

Jeff Anello

Musician

Jeff Anello is a professional performer and sanguine educator, from New York U.S.A, currently working on the indie band project The Anello. Recently South China Morning Post Young Post featured him in an editorial about performing with passion, providing POP Presentations and directing interactive performances such as the Creative Mornings event in Hong Kong.

Jeff Teo

Illusionist

Jeff Teo is the most sought-after corporate entertainer in Hong Kong. He has been the premier event magician for Fortune 500 companies and exclusive celebrity parties all around Asia since 2006. Most notably, Jeff is known for his beautiful close-up magic and astonishing mind-reading skills. He has left thousands stunned and speechless in his wake to the international magic scene. From performing in front of crowds of hundreds in clubs and cruise ships, to tours around Asia Pacific, Jeff has honed his performance skills to a world-class level. His unique style is a breath of fresh air in an easily cliché industry. With his relaxed personality and natural charisma, he always leaves with audiences wanting more, and clients coming back!

Lori Granito

Culinary Visionary/Entrepreneur

Lori Granito is the founder of Kitchen Sync, Hong Kong’s first culinary incubator for start up food entrepreneurs. She is also the owner of Go Gourmet Catering and the award winning Magnolia private kitchen. She is the co-founder of Little Burro, a growing chain of San Francisco Mission style burrito restaurants. Lori was responsible for the development and marketing of her company’s concepts, including implementing the marketing plans, developing all dishes, organizing all PR, as well as the recruitment and training of staff. The ongoing success of her companies is directly attributable to her vision, energy and skills.

May Yi Shaw

Researcher

Professor May-yi Shaw is an Assistant Professor of Humanities Education at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). She received her B.A. degree in Political Science and East Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and her Ph.D. degree in East Asian Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University. A U.S.-born and Taiwan-raised “third culture kid” and having lived most of her adult life as a global nomad, Professor Shaw is passionate about East Asian literature and culture, identity and cross-cultural studies. Committed to general education and students’ whole-person development, Professor Shaw has served in various undergraduate and post-graduate programs in the School of Humanities and Social Science at HKUST.