From TikTok to TEDx
At TEDx UEF 2025, creator Phạm Hồng Anh Thư, also known as Lilthu, gave an inspiring talk on the theme “No IF, Just Knowledge” alongside other creators, including Lọ Lem (Mai Thảo Linh) and Miss Cosmo 2024 Ketut Permata Juliastrid (Tata). With an approachable manner and inner strength, Lilthu offered young people a new perspective on taking initiative in learning, action, and personal development.
Lilthu began creating content quite naturally. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she shared funny videos about everyday life and unexpectedly received a warm response from Gen Z. That response opened a path for Lilthu to become a professional creator and work with international brands such as Samsung, YSL, and Heineken.
Beyond making entertaining content, Lilthu gradually found deeper value in sharing positive messages. Her invitation to TEDx UEF 2025 marked the sustained effort she had put into that work.
The message: “No IF, Just Knowledge”
Lilthu’s talk centered on a clear idea: don’t let “what ifs” hold back your personal growth. She shared her own story, from feeling uncertain about her career path and fearing failure to realizing that knowledge and readiness were what would help her move forward.
“I used to ask myself, ‘What if I fail?’ But the longer I hesitated, the more opportunities I missed. When I equipped myself with knowledge and took action, every ‘if’ disappeared. Opportunity waits for no one, and I don’t wait for it either.” Lilthu shared.
In her talk, she stressed three key elements:
Knowledge is the foundation: keep learning to become more confident.
Action is the driving force: dare to act and make mistakes so you can improve.
A positive mindset is strength: see opportunities instead of fear.
From TEDx to the community: impact beyond the stage
Lilthu’s message struck a strong chord with the audience, especially students and young people looking for direction. The talk offered inspiration and encouraged people to change their thinking: stop putting things off and start with what they already have.
She stated: “Creativity is not only about making something new, but also about turning familiar things into inspiration. When you dare to learn and take action, you will always create value.”
From a young woman filming TikToks to a TEDx speaker, Lilthu showed that the only limit is your own fear. With “No IF, Just Knowledge,” she shared her personal outlook on life and inspired a generation of young people to act.
From the original Lilthu journal. First published 14 Aug 2025.
