# TEDxITE College Central Youth Thu, 30 Oct 25. Speaker 2 | Dave Teng | TEDxITE College Central Youth

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXaGrQEhQ7o
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/KXaGrQEhQ7o
Generated: 2025-12-15T16:07:31.303+00:00

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## Quick Overview

Dave Teng, founder of Hairfolio, shared his journey from being a celebrity stylist to a resilience advocate, emphasizing that passion and perseverance, driven by a clear 'WANT' (as opposed to a 'NEED'), are essential for elevating confidence and overcoming challenges in life and career, including winning a Special Prize in the Tokyo E toco 50th Anniversary Hair Competition.

**Key Points:**
- Dave Teng has been in the hair industry for approximately 40 years and founded Hairfolio about 23 years ago.
- His core belief is that a good hairstyle makes people look good and builds confidence, which is achieved by focusing on a 'WANT' rather than a 'NEED'.
- He competed in the Tokyo E toco 50th Anniversary Hair Competition, representing Singapore on the international stage.
- Teng achieved 'The Victory' by winning a Special Prize and becoming the only non-Japanese recipient.
- He stresses continuous learning, evidenced by completing a Trichologist Certificate (2016) and planning to take courses in Taiwan for perm and skin techniques in 2025.
- Teng actively gives back by supporting community projects like House of Joy Lunch and Sunbeam Place @ Children's Society, bringing joy through styling.
- The presentation was part of the TEDx ITE College Central Youth event themed 'Elevate from the Heart'.

![Screenshot at 00:32: Dave Teng is introduced as the Founder of Hairfolio, with the talk theme 'Elevating Confidence from the Heart' displayed, summarizing his transition from celebrity stylist to resilience advocate.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/KXaGrQEhQ7o/00-00-32.png)

**Context:** This video captures a TEDx talk delivered by Dave Teng, the Founder of Hairfolio, at TEDx ITE College Central Youth. The talk is titled 'Elevating Confidence from the Heart' and serves as a motivational story highlighting the importance of passion, perseverance, and setting ambitious goals ('WANTs') in overcoming professional and personal obstacles, drawing from his extensive career as a celebrity stylist.

## Detailed Analysis

Dave Teng, founder of Hairfolio, delivered a motivational speech centered on passion, perseverance, and setting clear goals to elevate confidence. He shared milestones from his 40-year career in the hair industry, noting he founded Hairfolio 23 years ago. Teng emphasized his belief that the purpose of a good hairstyle is to make people look and feel good, building confidence. He recounted a significant challenge where he competed in the Tokyo E toco 50th Anniversary Hair Competition, representing Singapore internationally, and achieved 'The Victory' by winning a Special Prize as the only non-Japanese recipient. Teng advocates for setting a 'WANT' rather than just a 'NEED' and setting high goals (DREAM, TARGET, GOAL, CHALLENGE). He also stressed the necessity of continuous learning, citing his completion of a Trichologist Certificate in 2016 and plans for advanced training in 2025. Furthermore, Teng highlighted his commitment to giving back through charity work with organizations like House of Joy Lunch and Sunbeam Place @ Children's Society, aiming to bring joy and confidence to others through styling.

### Early Career & Philosophy

- Enter into Hair Industry ~40 years
- Founded Hairfolio ~23 years (2002)
- A good hairstyle is about making people look good and building confidence.

### Rising to the Challenge

- Competed in Tokyo E toco 50th Anniversary Hair Competition (international stage)
- Won Special Prize, becoming the ONLY non-Japanese Recipient
- The Lesson: Everyone should set up a WANT, not just a NEED.

### Learning Never Ends

- Hair Science Mastery (Completed Trichologist Cert for Hair Practitioner's Certificate, 2016)
- Team Development (Continuous training for Hairfolio team in Singapore and overseas)
- Latest Innovation (2025: Taiwan perm & treatment techniques).

### Giving Back

- Supporting community through professional styling
- Involved with House of Joy Lunch and Sunbeam Place @ Children's Society, bringing joy and confidence through styling.

![Screenshot at 00:05: Slide showing keywords 'Passion' and 'Resilience' alongside images representing graduation and technical work.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/KXaGrQEhQ7o/00-00-05.png)
![Screenshot at 00:22: Title slide for the event: TEDx ITE College Central Youth, with the theme 'Elevate from the Heart'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/KXaGrQEhQ7o/00-00-22.png)
![Screenshot at 00:32: Introduction slide for Dave Teng, Founder of Hairfolio, outlining his talk on 'Elevating Confidence from the Heart'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/KXaGrQEhQ7o/00-00-32.png)
![Screenshot at 01:32: Slide detailing Dave Teng's journey: ~40 years in industry, founded Hairfolio ~23 years ago, and the belief that a good hairstyle builds confidence.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/KXaGrQEhQ7o/00-01-32.png)
![Screenshot at 04:11: Slide titled 'Learning Never Ends' detailing mastery, team development, and future innovation plans like learning Taiwanese perm techniques in 2025.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/KXaGrQEhQ7o/00-04-11.png)