Raising Global Citizens, Not Global Competitors | Tracy Trang Tran | Tedxtan Dinh

What does it really mean to raise a global citizen?

For many parents, giving their children a better future means academic excellence, English proficiency, studying abroad, and a successful career. But are we raising global citizens—or global competitors?

In this talk, Tracy Trang reflects on her journey as an educator and, more importantly, as a mother. Drawing from her experiences with students and families, she explores what global citizenship really means: curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, compassion, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with people across differences without losing a sense of where we come from.

She also challenges parents to rethink their role—not as those who design their children's future, but as those who build that future with them. Ultimately, she argues that education does not begin with schools or technology. It begins at home, through love, conversation, trust, and the freedom to learn, question, make mistakes, and grow together. Dr. Tracy Trang is an international education strategist, educationalist, entrepreneur, business leader, and mother passionate about redefining education for the next generation of global and digital citizens. With extensive experience across schools, universities, governments, international organisations, and global leadership networks, she has inspired thousands of parents, educators, and young people through education, leadership, and community initiatives. Believing every child has limitless potential, Dr. Tracy encourages families and educators to move beyond academic achievement and nurture curiosity, compassion, resilience, cultural understanding, and purpose. Her mission is to help raise globally minded children who are ready not only to succeed, but to make a meaningful difference in an ever-changing world. 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