First TEDx Bavarian Intl School Youth at BIS about "Shaping Society"
Asking big questions, opening minds and sparking meaningful change
“Shaping Society” was the theme of the first TEDx Bavarian Intl School Youth in June 2026, organized by a Grade 11 student of Bavarian International School (BIS): James Chung. A total of 10 speakers took the stage in the auditorium on the Haimhausen Campus, including seven students from Grades 6–11 and three external guests.
With great depth of insight, passion, and confidence, the speakers delved into the theme of “Shaping Society,” exploring how we think, live, and interact with the world around us. TEDx Bavarian Intl School Youth challenged all participants and the audience to ask big questions, rethink established perspectives, open minds, and spark meaningful change.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to host TEDx at our school. My greatest takeaway was the sense of unity, where we worked together like a family to make the event as successful as it was. Beyond that, one of the most rewarding aspects of the event was seeing people confidently share their thoughts and experiences with others,” summarised the 16 year old BIS student Jinyoung “James” Chung.
“What does it mean to be human?”
The speeches covered topics ranging from “Does the individual shape society? Or does society shape the individual?” to “What does it mean to be human?”, “The power and passion of human kind,” and “When judgment becomes calculation.” In his speech delivered on the iconic red, round TEDx carpet, James Chung reflected on AI’s control over the realms of law: “Artificial intelligence is incredibly powerful, but it lacks something essential. It does not understand. It does not feel empathy. It does not experience doubt. It does not hesitate before making a life-changing decision. It cannot understand what it means to forgive, to show mercy, or to question whether something that is logically correct is morally right.”
In her speech, BIS student Sophie McWhirter focused on the topic of mental health and said: “If we let young people grow up hiding their struggles, we risk a society that looks functional but is quietly collapsing inside. When we choose honesty every day, support systems grow, stigma breaks, and everything begins to shift. Strength is not silence. Strength is honesty. If you are struggling, speak up. If you see someone struggling, ask and stay. By protecting the person rather than the mask, we shape the society we all want to live in.
Survival of the friendliest
On stage, we also welcomed Louise Holland, a two-time BIS Alumni mom and former member of the Supervisory Board. Using the example of charity soccer and the specific project “Africa on the Ball,” she spoke about the power of humanity: “Whatever it is, try to do the right thing when nobody is looking, because that is the definition of integrity. With more integrity in society comes trust. With more trust comes the survival of the friendliest.”
Future-ready education
We were also grateful to Laura Schröder, a former student at a public high school and current philosophy major, who spoke about the future of education. “One core purpose of education should be learning how to learn. It is about understanding ourselves, understanding the world, and intentionally creating our place in society. Education should not prepare us for a single job. Education should prepare us for a lifetime of change”, said Laura Schröder. These words brought smiles to the faces of many students, parents, and teachers, as it is precisely this philosophy that Bavarian International School uses to prepare young minds for the rapidly changing, dynamic world of tomorrow.
Start of an annual tradition
The first TEDx Bavarian Intl School Youth is yet another prime example of a student-led project that goes far beyond classroom learning. The event combines the highest academic standards with innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The BIS community is proud and grateful for James Chung’s outstanding dedication and very much hope that we can make TEDx Bavarian Intl School Youth an annual tradition.
Speakers at the TEDx Bavarian Intl School Youth on 9 June 2026:
Sophie Münch, Luisa March-Kramer & Anna Kudinenko, Jen Antognoli, Greta Caravita, Tara Delić, Louise Holland, Sophie McWhirter, James Chung, Laura Schröder.
Photos: Sebastian Stiphout