The Power of Zero - Starting from Zero in a Changing World | Athan Leroy Lim | TEDxITECCYouth

An ITE College Central student recounts representing ITE at the ITE-VTC International Student Seminar 2026, a programme that brought together students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. He describes the uncertainty of entering an unfamiliar environment and how cross-cultural interaction, teamwork and a role on the seminar's social media team helped him build confidence and discover new strengths. The talk also covers sustainability, including an eco-enzyme workshop, and hands-on work with ITE HQ's Media & Communications team in videography and video editing. He encourages fellow students to overcome their fears and take the first step into the unknown. The talk was given at an independently organised TEDx event.

• Representing ITE at the ITE-VTC International Student Seminar 2026
• Cross-cultural exchange with students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen
• Sustainability learning through an eco-enzyme workshop
• Hands-on experience in videography and video editing

ITE student Athan Leroy Lim shares his experience representing ITE at the ITE-VTC International Student Seminar 2026, reflecting on the uncertainties and challenges of stepping into an unfamiliar environment. Through interactions with students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, he discovered the value of cross-cultural connections, collaboration and embracing different perspectives. His involvement in the seminar's social media team also allowed him to explore his creativity, develop confidence and discover new strengths. Discussions on sustainability further broadened his understanding of how young people can take initiative and contribute towards shaping the future. He feels very strongly about getting fellow students to overcome their fears, seize opportunities and recognise that growth begins when we have the courage to take the first step into the unknown. Athan is a student from ITE College Central who participated in the International Student Seminar (ISS) 2026, where he gained opportunities to explore sustainability, media production and cross-cultural collaboration. Through the programme, he learnt about sustainability through an eco-enzyme workshop, and worked alongside ITE HQ’s Media & Communications team, gaining hands-on experience in videography and video editing. Beyond acquiring new skills, Athan’s experience enabled him to connect with students from different backgrounds, exchange perspectives and form new friendships. His sharing highlights how stepping into an unfamiliar experience can lead to new skills, new connections and unexpected opportunities for growth. 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