On June 30, 2025, world-renowned positive psychologist Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar—best known for teaching Harvard’s most popular “Course on Happiness”—visited the SUIS Hongqiao Campus alongside his daughter, Shirelle Ben-Shahar, an incoming undergraduate at Yale University. Together, they engaged in a meaningful dialogue with over 200 students and teachers from 13 non-governmental high schools, including five SUIS high schools. Their sharing session, titled “To Decoding Happiness: Youth Dialogue – A Growth Sharing Session”, explored the science behind happiness and the power of growth, and featured engaging discussions with the audience.
The event was hosted by the Shanghai Non-governmental Primary and Secondary Schools Association and organized by Shanghai United International School Hongqiao Campus (SUIS Hongqiao). Mr. Yao Qi, President of the Shanghai Non-governmental Primary and Secondary Schools Association, attended the event, along with Ms. Vivian Chen, Chair of the Xiehe Development Foundation, who delivered the closing remarks.
▲ Mr. Yao Qi, President of the Shanghai Non-governmental Primary and Secondary Schools Association
▲ Ms. Vivian Chen, Chair of the Xiehe Development Foundation
Tal Ben-Shahar, a renowned positive psychologist, famous for his “Course on Happiness” at Harvard
As a graduate of Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology and a doctorate in Organizational Behavior, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is a globally recognized positive psychologist best known for teaching Harvard’s most popular course—Positive Psychology, widely known as the “Course on Happiness”, and this later led him to establish the field of Happiness Studies.
Tal Ben-Shahar shares his keynote speech, To Decoding Happiness: Youth Dialogue – A Growth Sharing Session, with over 200 students and teachers from 13 non-governmental high schools, including five SUIS campuses.
Tal Ben-Shahar’s daughter, Ms. Shirelle Ben-Shahar — incoming undergraduate at Yale University — shares her personal journey from high school to Yale.
Live Q&A and discussion between students and the guest speakers
Interactive “Mini Happiness Experience” activity at the event
Vivian Chen, Chair of the Xiehe Development Foundation, delivers the closing remarks.
