SCOLAR TEDtalks simulation event

SCOLAR Beijing Hub announces the SCOLAR TEDtalks simulation event, taking place on November 17 on 16:00 at FUNYOUNG Bar.

Our team has curated a group of speakers with unique experiences in various international conferences, each bringing a rich background that allows them to continually develop their public speaking skills.

All attendees will have the opportunity to hear four speakers share inspiring and engaging stories related to their academic experiences, life journeys, and careers. An important aspect of the event is that speakers will also discuss what consistently helps them prepare high-quality presentations and speeches for public events. After each presentation, there will be a chance to ask the speakers questions and learn more about their personal experiences and their approach to preparing for public speaking.

Event Venue: The event will take place in an intimate setting at FUNYOUNG Bar, nestled among the historic hutongs in the heart of Beijing.

Following the event, guests will be invited to enjoy a musical evening that will serve as the perfect conclusion to our gathering.

Let’s meet the speakers and learn more about their experiences.

Aleksey Karpov

Topic: “The Limits of AI in Mastering Chinese: What 10 Years of Shaolin Kung Fu Training Taught Me About 5 Unique Challenges with LAOSHI AI”

Academic Background and Life experience:

Master’s Degree in Chinese Philosophy (Beijing Normal University); Lived in Shaolin for 5 years; Co-creator of the Laoshi app

 Life and Academic Achievements:

2016 Hong Kong Wushu International Championship – 4 Gold Medals

2018 Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival – 2 Gold Medals

2021 MA Thesis: “Shaolin Kung Fu: From Practice to Enlightenment”

2023 Global Youth Conference & Mount Taishan Culture Experience Camp (国际青年交流大会) – Headliner

2024 CCTV-3 / 《越战越勇》 – Head Actor

Invited as an actor in the Beijing Opera at the Shanghai Theatre Academy

2024 Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival – Gold and Silver Medals

In 2024, 刘冰先生 expressed appreciation for my contributions to promoting Chinese culture abroad

Solo motorcycle trip covering 15,000 km after Shaolin training

Amassed 80,000 followers on Douyin, sharing travel stories and connecting with strangers

Interests:
Aleksey is passionate about Shaolin martial arts, Chinese philosophy, and cultural exchange. Much like Sun Wukong, his journey began when he discovered that his great-grandfather was Chinese. This sparked a deep curiosity about his heritage, leading him to visit China in 2015. There, he began studying Shaolin traditions in Henan province, which had a profound impact on him. He decided to dedicate his life to sharing this knowledge with others, with all his work aimed at education in one form or another.

Aleksey firmly believes that embracing lifelong learning and cultural exchange is key to personal and academic growth. He emphasizes that immersing oneself in different cultures and philosophies can offer new perspectives, enriching both your understanding of the world and your personal development. He also says that to succeed in certain areas, one should possess the qualities that others lack.

Public Speaking

Public speaking has allowed Aleksey to share his passion for Shaolin philosophy and Chinese culture with a wider audience. Seeing the positive impact his talks have on people’s understanding and appreciation of these topics keeps him motivated. A heartfelt thank-you message from a stranger who was inspired by his lecture reminds him that he’s on the right path.

Aleksey also shares that regular practice and continuous learning are essential for success in any field. However, when it comes to public speaking, he knows a few secrets he’ll share during the event. One key tip he’s willing to reveal beforehand is that engaging the audience emotionally is the secret to holding their attention and making your talk more impactful.

Kadhim Al Obaidi

Topic: “The lost art of listening”

 Life Experience and Academic Background:

Kadhim has lived through the critical times that have shaped the Middle East. From a young age, he was determined to rise to positions of influence in order to bring about meaningful change in the region for the betterment of his family and the people around him. This drive has shaped both his personal and academic journey, always focused on making a positive impact in his community and beyond.

Academic Achievements:

Kadhim has been an active participant in numerous international forums and seminars, demonstrating his commitment to academic and cultural exchange. He represented Beijing Language and Culture University at the “True Multilateralism” seminar and participated in a training course for Arabic teachers, promoting cross-cultural understanding. He was involved in a professional research project that focused on the presence of the Chinese language in Iraq, contributing valuable insights into this growing field. Kadhim also represented China Railway Construction Company at the “Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation”, highlighting his role in fostering international dialogue and cooperation. As a guest speaker at the “Zunyi Talk: China’s Development: An Opportunity for a Colorful World” conference, he discussed China’s development and its global implications. Throughout his academic journey, Kadhim has demonstrated leadership qualities, notably as the deputy head boy at The Winchester School in Dubai, a position that allowed him to represent his school on multiple fronts. He completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Beijing Language and Culture University. His Master’s thesis, the first of its kind, opened new avenues for scholars in the field, serving as a reference for future research. He is currently working on papers that he hopes to publish, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Iraqi community.

Turning Point and Career Realization:

A significant turning point in his life came during high school when he was appointed head boy at The Winchester School, the highest student leadership position. This experience shaped his sense of responsibility and leadership, motivating him to pursue greater challenges in both his academic and professional endeavors.

In the grown up age, Kadhim realized that he was moving in the right direction when people began showing genuine interest in his ideas and work. This recognition reinforced his passion for contributing to his field and gave him the confidence to continue pursuing his goals.

Public Speaking Advice:

When it comes to public speaking, Kadhim believes the key is ensuring that you actually have something valuable to share. He emphasizes the importance of listening and evaluating before speaking, rather than taking opportunities for granted.

Ilias Laroussi

Topic:The Story Behind Beijing Eco-Hub: Sustainability in Action”

 Academic Background and Life Experience:

Researcher in Sustainability and Environmental Policy; Collaborative work with the United Nations on sustainable development initiatives; Leader of multiple youth delegations at international climate events 

Research Publications:

Co-author of three peer-reviewed articles, including “The Inland Waterway Ship Emission Inventory Modeling: The Yangtze River Case” in Transportation Research Part D (2024).

Contributor to studies on emission reduction and technology’s role in sustainable development, such as “How will the Internet of Energy Revolutionize the Electricity Sector?” in Materials Today Proceedings (2022).

Conferences and Events:

Youth Delegate at the IRENA Youth Forum, where he led a group of high school students from China.

COP28 Youth Representative with UNITAR and speaker at The Global Youth Climate Week in Beijing.

Organized over 20 workshops and conferences worldwide on sustainability, including three side events at COP28 in Dubai.

Notable Engagements:

Met with prominent figures, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, China’s UN climate envoys, and COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber.

Worked with CGTN to discuss Beijing Eco-Hub and Global South sustainability initiatives.

Interests:

Ilias Laroussi is deeply passionate about sustainability, a path he began nearly a decade ago when attending a conference opened his eyes to the urgency of environmental challenges. Inspired by the impact of youth-led initiatives, he has dedicated himself to promoting sustainable practices and empowering young voices in this field. His engagements with global leaders have reinforced his commitment to meaningful environmental change, which he shares with young audiences to encourage their active involvement.

He believes that the key to innovation lies in diverse experiences. By embracing cross-cultural collaboration and networking, he has seen how young people can drive sustainable solutions that address global challenges. His message to future leaders: use every interaction and experience as a step toward building a better, more sustainable world.

Public Speaking:

A seasoned speaker, Ilias emphasizes the power of preparation and genuine storytelling to engage audiences. He shares a humorous lesson learned from an unexpected silence with a co-host, reminding him of the importance of clear communication. In his talks, he aims to inspire others by highlighting the small but impactful actions each person can take toward sustainability.

His tip for aspiring speakers? “Connect emotionally with your audience—it’s the key to capturing attention and making your message resonate.”

Larissa Kennedy

Topic: “Education as the Practice of Freedom: Decolonising and Reimagining Education”

Academic Background and Life Experience:

Writer, thinker, and advocate for social change, focused on education and justice

President Emeritus of SOS-UK, a national charity promoting climate education

Former President of the UK’s National Union of Students, representing over 7 million students

Founding Chair of TALAWA, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing social injustice and supporting youth-led, climate-conscious solutions

Life and Academic Achievements:

Conferences: Speaker at COP26 (2021), Women Deliver (2023), and the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2024)

Awards:

Recipient of the Alexander Paul Prize and the Liberated Education Award from the University of Warwick

Honored as “Black Student of the Year” by the National Union of Students

Scholarships and Fellowships:

Awarded the Global Young Leader fellowship by Women Deliver and the Jo Cox Memorial Scholarship for women’s human rights advocacy

Recognized as an AGORA Fellow with the European Women’s Lobby and as a Tuwezeshe Akina Dada Fellow with FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development)

International Roles:

UK Youth Delegate to the Council of Europe Congress and the Youth For Change Global Secretariat

Represented her non-profit, TALAWA, at a conference in Kampala, Uganda, presenting video research on African feminist movements

Initiated a diplomatic solidarity trip to Eswatini, linking UK student leaders with the Swaziland National Union of Students

Engaged in high-level discussions with Chilean President Gabriel Boric on student agency in educational reform

Interests

Larissa Kennedy’s passion lies in harnessing education as a transformative tool for justice, both social and environmental. Growing up in London with Caribbean heritage, she became attuned to the inequities in education and the lack of representation and agency for marginalized communities. Her life’s work has been shaped by a commitment to uplifting these voices and co-creating solutions that honor the lived experiences and aspirations of those most impacted by injustice.

A turning point came at age 15, when she was selected as a National Advocate for Girlguiding UK, representing half a million girls and young women across the UK. This role empowered her to speak out for youth voices in parliament and the media, sparking a lifelong dedication to advocacy. She believes in the power of collectivism: “You are not alone, and you can go further if you go with others.”

Public Speaking

Larissa is a powerful and inspiring public speaker. Her journey has taught her that communication is education, and education is power. As she engages with audiences, she emphasizes the importance of empathy, imagination, and critical consciousness for leaders aiming to create positive social impact. Her message to the next generation of social justice advocates is clear: “We are building on the shoulders of giants, and by working together, we can create lasting change.”

For aspiring leaders, her advice is to seek out others who share your vision for a better world—those who inspire you and challenge you to grow. She looks forward to sharing her experiences at the conference, inviting young people to join her in reimagining education as a practice of freedom, grounded in decolonization and collective empowerment.

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