Embrace change and diversity | Lerong Zeng | TEDxLitai Cambridge Youth

Key Concepts:

Diversity, cultural differences (Chinese and Malaysian), education systems, lifestyle, food, family structures, language learning, adaptability, inclusivity.

1. Defining Diversity:

• Elvis opens by asking the audience what diversity means.
• Sophia defines diversity as people from different countries studying together.
• Elvis provides a broader definition: "a range of people or things that are different from each other."
• He emphasizes that different backgrounds lead to different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving.

2. Personal Background and Cultural Heritage:

• Elvis identifies as having both Chinese and Malaysian heritage.
• He states that this background has shaped his identity and provided unique experiences.
• He appreciates being "a father a Chinese that live in Malaysia".

3. Similarities Between Chinese and Malaysian Cultures:

• Food: Elvis notes similarities in food culture.
• Families: He observes that both cultures value family.
  • In Malaysia, large families are seen as a blessing ("many children's many blessings").
  • He describes a typical Malaysian family structure: father, mother, oldest son, older daughter, and youngest daughter.
  • In China, while families are now smaller, they provide more emotional support.

4. Examples of Food:

• Malaysian:
  • Quel: A candy made of coconut.
  • Nasi Lemak: Described as dried fish, coconut water mixed with rice, cucumbers, and boiled egg.
  • Curry dip noodles (S).
• Chinese: Elvis expresses his love for Chinese food.

5. Differences Between Chinese and Malaysian Cultures:

• Education System:
  • Malaysia: More relaxed, with a balance of academics and activities.
    • Examples: Sort of competition from primary school and golden ro environmental project (collecting trashes and cleaning up the roads).
  • China: Highly competitive, with pressure to achieve high scores and attend top universities.
• Language:
  • Malaysia: Uses the Latin alphabet, making it easier to learn.
  • Chinese: Uses complex characters, making it more challenging to learn.
  • Elvis shares a Chinese phrase ("for mean") meaning "good afternoon".
  • He mentions his mother encouraged him to learn both Chinese and English.
• Lifestyle:
  • Elvis's father, accustomed to the fast-paced lifestyle in China, initially criticized the more leisure approach in Malaysia.

6. Adapting and Finding Balance:

• Elvis describes learning to adapt to the differences between the two cultures.
• He emphasizes finding a balance that worked for him.
• He highlights the importance of understanding and accepting different traditions.

7. Family Integration:

• Elvis shares that his father learned to cook Chinese dishes for his mother.
• He emphasizes that they created a family where both cultures are celebrated.
• This taught him the importance of openness and adaptability.

8. Conclusion:

• Elvis concludes that diversity should be celebrated, not feared.
• He encourages embracing change and diversity in an increasingly interconnected world.
• He suggests that small steps, such as learning a new language or tasting new foods, can create a more inclusive and harmonious world.
• "Diversity is something to celebrate not fear."

9. Synthesis/Conclusion of Main Takeaways:

Elvis's speech centers on the value of embracing diversity through his personal experiences growing up with Chinese and Malaysian heritage. He highlights both the similarities and differences between the two cultures, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, understanding, and celebrating diverse perspectives. The key takeaway is that embracing diversity, even in small ways, contributes to a more inclusive and harmonious world.