Lashai (Shai) Ben Salmi is a Multi Award Winning Author, TEDx Speaker, Publisher Founder and Cultural Connectivity Advocate. As a UN Women UK Delegate and Distinguished Korean Wave Representative, she promotes the Hallyu movement and personal development globally. Lashai has delivered keynote speeches on national and international stages, including. The House of Parliament and BBC Radio 1, and her work has been recognised by the Korean Cultural Centre UK and the First Lady of South Korea. Lashai is passionate about paving the way for the next generation, she co-founded numerous platforms to empower young people, promote cultural connectivity and exchange and promote educational equity.
Moderating at the Global Black Impact Summit.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of reaching and impacting a diverse array of individuals, particularly focusing on youth, girls, and women. From inner-city London to international stages, my mission has been to uplift those who may feel marginalised or overlooked. Through platforms like UN Women UK, The International Ben Salmi‘s schools tour and Hallyu Con, I’ve connected with thousands of young minds, instilling in them the belief that their dreams are valid and achievable. Due to my extensive work and research within the cultural connectivity and cultural exchange space, I was awarded the title ‘Distinguished Korean Wave Representative’, from the South Korean government organisation, The Korean Cultural Centre UK.
Moving forward, I’m committed to expanding my reach and continuing to empower young people globally, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of success and fulfilment. Through Hallyu Con we desire to expand to create and provide more opportunities for young creatives, allowing them to unlock unique global opportunities. To further promote cultural connectivity we also aim to commission two major docu-series in 2024/25 to tell compelling stories of international collaboration and the power of cultural connectivity.
Through our work at ‘The Ben Salmis International Schools Tour’, we are on a mission to impact as many young lives as possible by installing the right systems and feasible, tangible tools and opportunities to help them turn their dreams into reality. Our plan is to our school’s tour in both traditional SEN schools internationally.
Empowering the next generation isn’t just about individual success—it’s about creating a more equitable and just society for all. In a world where systemic barriers and inequalities still exist, particularly for marginalised communities, empowering youth is essential for driving positive change. By providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive, we’re not only investing in their futures but also in the future of our communities and the world at large. Through empowerment, we can break cycles of poverty, discrimination, and injustice, creating a brighter and more inclusive future for generations to come.
My approach to empowerment is multifaceted and tailored to the needs of each individual and community I serve. Through motivational speeches, workshops, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives, I’ve provided young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges and pursue their passions. Whether it’s teaching them about resilience, self-love, entrepreneurship, or cultural connectivity, my goal is to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Moving forward, I will continue to innovate and adapt my approach to meet the evolving needs of young people, leveraging technology, partnerships, and community engagement to maximise our impact.
The success of my work can be measured not only in awards and accolades but, more importantly, in the tangible impact it has had on the lives of young people. From inspiring them to pursue their dreams to helping them overcome adversity and realise their full potential, the stories of transformation and empowerment speak volumes. By creating platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and learning, I’ve fostered a sense of community and belonging among young people, empowering them to become agents of change in their own lives and communities. The ripple effects of our work are far-reaching, touching not only individuals but also families, communities, and societies as a whole.
Through ‘The Ben Salmis International Schools Tour’ we have been able to impact thousands of students across the globe supporting them in unlocking unique opportunities and setting them up for success no matter their dreams or interests. We have established unique partnerships between respected organisations and entities such as Virgin Money and LinkedIn, connecting young people directly with opportunities, mentorship and support.
At Hallyu Con, we have seen major success since our establishment in Late 2019/early 2020. Hallyu Con is a government-awarded platform that has reached over 7.5 million hallyu fans and aims to share, showcase and celebrate the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in its various forms and provide a ‘safe’ space where Korean culture enthusiasts and K-Pop fans alike can engage with immersive events while sharing their experiences and connecting.
The platform was established to create a more accessible and mentally safe environment for UK-based hallyu enthusiasts; subsequently allowing fans to indulge in bespoke hallyu-related content, activities and events. The founders set out on this journey because they are avid Hallyu and cultural connectivity enthusiasts themselves and truly felt that there weren’t sufficient opportunities to indulge in Hallyu in the UK.
Since its establishment, and with the support of KCCUK (Korean Cultural Centre UK), KOFICE (Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange) & KTO (Korean Tourism Organisation), our platform has been featured and acknowledged in many prestigious news outlets such as Yonhap News, Korea JoongAng Daily – in association with The New York Time, Korea Times, BBC Sounds and more.
We’ve also worked with industry-leading organisations to collaborate in fashioning the future of Hallyu in the UK.
Like any journey, my path to empowerment has been marked by challenges and obstacles. From facing bullying and resistance to grappling with self-doubt and burnout, there have been moments when the road ahead seemed daunting. However, with each challenge, I’ve emerged stronger and more resilient, armed with valuable lessons and insights. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and collaboration in the face of adversity. I’ve also learned to prioritise self-care and well-being, recognizing that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Most importantly, I’ve learned that true empowerment comes from within—from believing in oneself and one’s ability to effect change, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement and optimism for the future. I envision expanding our platforms and initiatives, reaching even more young people around the world and deepening our impact on their lives. I’m committed to continuing to innovate and evolve, leveraging technology, partnerships, and community engagement to maximise our reach and effectiveness. Together with like-minded individuals and organisations, I’m confident that we can create a world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. I will also continue to advocate for youth and international cohesion.
Through ‘The Ben Salmis International Schools Tour’, we aim to create a launch a TV show showcasing this journey and providing young people with the opportunity to showcase their ideas and passions to really put themselves on the map. We see this show inspiring millions of young people to turn their advice into empowerment and truly follow their dreams.
At Hallyu Con, our plan is to expand globally, creating Hallyu conventions, hubs and unique opportunities across the globe, intern fostering more cultural understanding, awareness and collaboration. We are also working towards launching our very first docu-series’. We are also working with leading organisations to create bespoke travel experiences and opportunities to further promote the experience of cultural exchange and cultural understanding. We also plan to launch an array of international variety shows.
One of my latest initiatives is a book called ‘A Familiar Aura’. I created an watch this book as I have a huge passion for media and specifically the beauty of K-dramas and webtoons. This story has gone to the attention of hundreds and thousands of readers who would love to see this story be turned into a k-drama.
As I embark on the next phase of my journey, I welcome collaboration and support from all who share my passion for empowering youth, connecting cultures and fostering global collaboration. Whether it’s access to networks, funding, or resources for scaling our initiatives, every bit of support brings us one step closer to our goal. I’m particularly interested in forging partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and grassroots organisations that share our vision for a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, we can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people everywhere.
At Hallyu Con, we are specifically looking for international strategic partners who share our passion for wanting to further promote and showcase the beauty and power of Hallyu.
TEDx Talk on The Hallyu Effect: Inspiring Global Collaboration & Connectivity.
Hosting Hallyu Con 2023.
Speaking alongside Chairman Seedorf at the Global Black Impact Summit.
Receiving the Distinguished Korean Wave Representative award.
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