Can a “villain” make the world a better place? With a bold, critical perspective in her talk “Kẻ phản diện” (The Villain), Mai Ngoc Ha offers a compelling interpretation of the “villain” through the lens of scientific theories on human behavior and cognition, uncovering where our judgments and labels originate.
Rather than viewing the “villain” as a symbol of evil, she explores the concept as a psychological metaphor for those who dare to face uncomfortable truths, hold firm to their principles, and do what they believe is right—even when doing so isolates them and turns them into the “villain” in the eyes of others. Mai Ngoc Ha is the winner of the TEDx Thang Long University 2025 Student Speaker Contest “The Exceptionals: Out Loud”. A K36 Multimedia Communication student at Thang Long University, she is the runner-up of the ThangLong Debate Tournament 2024 and the creator behind multi-platform channels on YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify, engaging an audience of over 40,000 followers. Beyond public speaking, her creative work was selected as one of the Top 20 pieces showcased at the exhibition “Freedom with the Colors of Emotion.” Ha’s interests lie at the intersection of youth voices, visual storytelling, and media literacy—using debate-honed reasoning and creative production to spark conversations about how young people perceive, express, and navigate emotions in the digital age. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 9:23Tongue-Tied | Emily Field | TEDxUnionvilleHSConsider the benefits of learning another language. Benefits include strengthening your mind, creating opportunities, and understanding other cultures. Many other countries are multilingual--are we at a disadvantage when we speak only English? Emily Field, a sophomore at Unionville High School, is actively involved in various school activities, including the Unionville Color Guard, Speech and Debate, theater productions, musicals, and multiple choir ensembles. Beyond her musical talents, Emily uses her voice to advocate for causes she deeply believes in. Growing up in a culturally diverse household has shaped her appreciation for diversity and the importance of embracing differences. In her TEDx talk, she aims to inspire others by highlighting the value of multilingualism and fostering a greater understanding of foreign languages. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:52Selfishness to Selflessness | Tiffany He | TEDxUnionvilleHSOutlines the results of practicing empathy and mindfulness in our everyday decisions around other people. Take a minute to consider our responses before we act in our own best interest. Tiffany He is a sophomore at Unionville High School with a passion for public speaking, music, and volunteering. She is an active member of the Unionville Speech Team, HOSA, and TSA. In the music department, Tiffany has played piano for 12 years and performs with the Unionville Orchestra. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring new foods and spending time with friends. In her speech, Selfishness to Selflessness, she challenges the hypocrisy of everyday complaints about selfishness—a common flaw we all share. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:10The Art of Being Bored | Mia Nie | TEDxUnionvilleHSWhen we get bored, we need to remember the simple ways of having fun. It's time to revisit creativity, playing, and spending time with family and doing what you love. Mia Nie is a current sophomore at Unionville High School. She enjoys participating in various school activities with both dedication and the will to try new things. Mia is involved in a diverse community, including the school orchestra program, Technology Student Association (TSA), Biolympiad, and Spanish Honors Society. Outside of school, Mia continues her musical hobby as a member of the Philadelphia Young Artist Orchestra. She also treasures quality time with her family and friends, whether it is from chatting at lunch or playing an exciting round of Exploding Kittens at night. In her speech, Mia hopes to shed light on the small joys in life and remind us all why it is okay to embrace moments of boredom. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:21The Everyday Barriers that Get In Our Way | Patrick Crater | TEDxUnionvilleHSThis speaker reflects on what it's like to overcome the barriers that get in the way when it's time to plan a TED talk, or when it's time to do anything that's out of your comfort zone. Remember to slow down, look up...you got this! Patrick is the Director of Student Activities for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. With more than 18 years of professional experience, Patrick leads the district’s student activities program which provides hundreds of important opportunities for students in athletics, performing arts, clubs and activities. He is also responsible for district-wide leadership development for students and staff members in all job categories. Patrick has experience leading the district through transformational decisions using community engagement and consensus building processes. Patrick holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Prior to his work in athletic administration, he was a teacher at the elementary and high school levels, and a varsity wrestling coach. Patrick is based in Chester County, PA, where he enjoys the beautiful landscape and spending time with his family. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:48Breaking the Chains: Self-Stereotype | Tessa Kelly | TEDxUnionvilleHSThe stereotypes that we perceive of ourselves can have either a positive or negative effect on our performance. Self stereotyping is a process by which we fit ourselves into the expectations of others, but we also have control over ways to change this identity. Tessa Kelly is a current freshman at Unionville High School. She is a member of the UHS Girls’ Field Hockey team and participates in other school activities such as the musical. She also plays flute in the band. Outside of school, she loves hanging out with friends and family, horseback riding, and diving into a new book every week. Through her TEDx talk, Tessa hopes to help people break down their own self stereotypes and free them from their own thoughts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:47This is Why Doubt is the Foundation of Wisdom | Clara Stancik | TEDxUnionvilleHSDoubt can hold us back, but can it also be a motivator for progress and learning? When we question an idea, it requires us to use critical thinking to come to our own valid conclusions. Thinking for ourselves takes courage, but the benefits can be worthwhile. Clara Stancik is a sophomore at Unionville High School. She enjoys exploring various clubs and events as well as learning new skills. Clara is a committed athlete, running at varsity level for the Unionville Cross Country and Track teams year-round. She also takes part in the Unionville orchestra program as the lead violist and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Additionally, Clara is involved in the Technology Student Association (TSA). In her free time, Clara finds pleasure in gardening and hiking alongside her family and spending time with her friends. Through her speech, Clara hopes to inspire others to embrace doubt as a powerful tool for growth and progress by challenging assumptions, questioning the world, and keeping an open mind. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
