The TEDx Okayama University Executive Committee, formed by volunteer students from the Discovery Program for Global Learners (GDP), organized the first-ever TED Talks event in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions—"TEDx Okayama University"—on April 20 at Okayama University. TED Talks is a globally renowned platform that aims to spread ideas of value to the world through presentations. The event welcomed a limited audience of 100 attendees, who listened intently to the talks.

The event featured seven speakers with ties to Okayama, including Associate Professor JOHN RUCYNSKI (Okayama University, Institute for Promotion of Education and Campus Life, English Teaching Division), Professor TERASAWA Takafumi (Okayama University, Faculty of Education), and Associate Professor TAKAHASHI Ken (Okayama University, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences), as well as Mr. MATSUDA Toshiyuki (Representative Director and President of Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd.), Mr. FUKUTAKE Hideaki (Chairman of the Board, Benesse Holdings / Chairman, Fukutake Foundation), Ms. TAGUCHI Ai (Representative Director, MAAHA Inc.) and Mr. KUBO Shunki (Representative Director and President of ABABA).

In addition to these invited speakers, two student presenters who passed a preliminary selection round also took the stage: WATANABE Yume (2nd year, Master’s Course in the Graduate School of Education, Okayama University) and UMAKOSHI Mika (4th year, Faculty of Literature, Notre Dame Seishin University). Experts and leaders from various fields shared their insights and experiences, inspiring attendees and offering new perspectives on life.

During the lunch break, a side event allowed participants to interact directly with the speakers, fostering dynamic networking among attendees. Outside the main venue, sponsor booths and food trucks provided useful information, services, and delicious meals, contributing to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

GDP will continue to support students in taking initiative and engaging in international activities.

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