Ethan Gotay
Engineering Student
Ethan is a first-year engineering student and a proud second-generation Philippine immigrant, deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and innovative technology. With aspirations to pursue hydro technology, he envisions using his engineering skills to tackle pressing environmental challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future. In addition to his focus on environmental tech, Ethan is keenly interested in the rise of AI-generated content and its potential to shape society. He believes that AI has the power to influence public perception and conversation, and he’s dedicated to exploring how it can be used responsibly and effectively. Through his talk, he hopes to spark meaningful discussions about technology's role in both environmental progress and the digital landscape.
Jacob Feng
Theology Postdoctoral Scholar
Jacob Feng was born and raised in China and began his journey as an atheist. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics from Tsinghua University in Beijing, followed by a PhD in Physics in the United States. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Jacob worked on Wall Street for 10 years. Driven by a desire to make a deeper impact, he transitioned to full-time ministry, serving and supporting college students across North America and Asia. During this time, he pursued further education, earning both a Master’s and PhD in Theological Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Jacob is passionate about integrating his academic background in theology with psychology to support the well-being of youth. He is excited to share his insights on youth and mental health.
Jason Quan
Finance Industry Professional
Jason moved to Canada at a young age, where he faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. These formative experiences cultivated his perspective on growth and resilience, which he carried with him throughout his educational journey, earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Vancouver, BC. Now working in the finance industry, Jason is passionate about exploring new ideas and helping others overcome the barriers they set for themselves. In his free time, he embraces the outdoors, enjoying hiking and constantly seeking new adventures. Jason is excited to share his story at TEDxRoyal Canadian College Youth, with the hope of inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness and break free from self-imposed limitations.
Jenny Fan
Law Expert
Jenny Wang began her journey in 1993, when she qualified as a lawyer in China, eventually practicing in the UK, Europe, and Hong Kong. In 2000, she and her husband made a significant move from London to Vancouver, where she earned her Master of Laws in 2003. After a decade-long career with TD Bank, Jenny shifted her path in 2013 to become an insurance agent, combining her skills in law and finance. Yet, amid her professional achievements, Jenny felt a deeper void—a sense of purpose missing from her life. Outwardly, her career flourished, but she and her husband were left questioning the meaning behind it all. This period of searching led her to embark on a profound spiritual journey, exploring how faith could bring clarity and fulfillment that her career alone could not. Through her talk, she hopes to inspire others to look inward, seek purpose, and discover what truly brings fulfillment in life.
Lily Wang
Aspiring Engineering Consultant
Lily Wang is a passionate engineering student at the University of British Columbia. With hands-on experience in water resource management, large-scale mining projects, and designing safer infrastructure, she’s on a mission to use her technical knowledge to inspire and empower the next generation. Lily has led winning teams in major competitions like the EERI Seismic Design Competition, where her team earned 1st place for innovative solutions to real-world problems. At this TEDx event with the theme “Think Again”, Lily is excited to share how the problem-solving frameworks used in engineering can help young people approach decision-making in a new way. Whether you’re tackling tough choices in school, starting a project, or navigating the digital world, engineering principles like critical thinking and analysis can offer fresh insights. Lily believes that by rethinking how we approach problems, youth can make smarter, more informed decisions that shape a brighter future.
Max Wei
Business School Student
Max Wei is a student at the UBC Sauder School of Business. Born to Chinese immigrant parents in Costa Rica, he grew up navigating cultural contrasts and taking on family responsibilities, working in his family’s restaurant from a young age. His experiences fostered a passion for business strategy, resilience, and sustainability, eventually leading him to study at one of the world’s most prestigious business schools. Max is eager to share his unique journey and the lessons he has learned about redefining success—not just through personal achievements, but by creating a lasting impact.
Raven Caron
Integrated Engineering Student
As a university engineering student, Schulich Scholar, and Indigenous youth, Raven hopes to bridge different worldviews and demonstrate the need for Integrated Learning, across multiple disciplines, cultures, artforms, and philosophies. Outside of academics he leads UBC's first Indigenous Engineering Design Team, reads 18th and 19th century philosophy, designs high fidelity audio systems, and writes poetry, with a complete narrative in the works; all with a cup of specialty pourover coffee in hand. Being able to share his views at a TEDx event is a dream. He wishes to pass on the same wisdom that he has gained from mentors along his holistic journey.
Tommy Liao
Mechanical Engineering Student
Tommy is a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for rockets, control systems, and continuous learning. Alongside his academic pursuits, he is also deeply involved in weightlifting, seeing both physical and mental strength as key components of success. His journey is one of exploration—constantly pushing boundaries, both in engineering and in personal development. Through his experiences, he has become fascinated by a critical question: Why do some students succeed more than others, even when they put in the same amount of work? Drawing from his own academic challenges, hands-on engineering projects, and personal growth, he seeks to explore the factors that differentiate high achievers from the rest.