Louise Lau Inspires Students with Lessons from Sweden and Beyond

It was our great pleasure to welcome Louise Lau for a second time to deliver a speech at our institution. Louise, a young and talented speaker with a humble background, has impressed us once again with her insightful sharing and positive energy. Growing up in an educational environment that emphasized equality, individualized learning, practical application of knowledge, and exposure to diverse cultures, Louise has developed a unique mindset and personality. Her friendships with individuals from various backgrounds have further enriched her perspectives and cultivated her intercultural awareness.

During her speech, Louise generously shared her experiences from her time in Sweden. She offered a vivid glimpse into the everyday lives of Swedish children, explaining how they typically spend their free time. She also discussed various project initiatives she had participated in, with special emphasis on a project she and her friends undertook during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Her youthful and humble energy resonated with the students, inspiring them to embrace new opportunities and approach campus life with renewed positivity and spirit.

Louise guided the audience through her personal insights into Sweden, portraying the country through her own experiences and knowledge. She introduced us to unique aspects of Swedish culture, including the well-known phenomena of Fika—the cherished tradition of coffee breaks in the workplace—and Lagom, the Swedish philosophy of balance and moderation, which has even been the subject of published works.

Another highlight of her talk was the introduction to Swedish cuisine, which she revealed to be far more diverse than the limited offerings often encountered at international outlets like IKEA. Particularly engaging was her sharing of her own work experience at IKEA Taipei, where she noted the cultural and management differences between IKEA branches in Sweden and Taiwan. Louise’s firsthand accounts provided students with a rare and valuable perspective on how corporate culture can vary across countries while maintaining its core identity.

Towards the conclusion of her speech, Louise shared her personal journey of adapting to life in Taipei. She reflected on the differences between Swedish and Taiwanese educational systems, noting that in Sweden, students are often encouraged to pursue their passions and develop critical thinking skills from a young age. Entrepreneurship, debate, and open discussion are key elements fostered throughout their education. In contrast, she observed the more hierarchical structures present in Taiwanese workplaces, which presented new challenges and learning opportunities for her as a project coordinator in Taipei.

Despite the cultural differences, Louise’s open-mindedness and adaptability, traits shaped by her multicultural upbringing, have enabled her to embrace new experiences with courage and enthusiasm. Her journey offers a valuable model for intercultural communication and resilience when living abroad.

Louise Lau’s talk had a profound impact on the audience. As a young and relatable speaker, she not only shared her knowledge about Sweden but also served as a source of inspiration for the students. Her speech fostered a sense of connection between the students and someone from their own generation, encouraging them to broaden their horizons, embrace cultural diversity, and pursue their ambitions with an open heart.

Written by Teaching Assistant Tran Anh Loan(Alice)