【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】

【United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Series】

2026-06-06 The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) held its 23rd Commencement Ceremony today. President Chen Chi-jen encouraged graduates to maintain a passion for lifelong learning and the courage to explore the unknown in an era defined by rapid AI development, continuous industrial transformation, and intensifying global environmental changes. He inspired them to face future challenges with three core expectations: "Embrace Change," "Take Responsibility," and "Create Impact."

This year’s ceremony kicked off with an innovative tech-driven opening show. Closely aligning with digital transformation trends, President Chen made a surprise appearance in a virtual metaverse campus as a digital avatar. Designed and organized by a team led by Wang Cheng-hung, Director of the Digital Content Research Center, the avatar engaged in a humorous, cross-spatial dialogue with the physical master of ceremonies on stage. This integration of virtual and real elements showcased the university's tech-savvy edge and approachable spirit, instantly energizing the crowd.

In his address, President Chen noted that this year marks the 26th anniversary of NUK’s founding. In recent years, NUK has consistently ranked first among medium-sized universities in Cheers magazine's "Companies' Favorite University Graduates" survey, demonstrating strong achievements in sustainable development, industry-academia collaboration, talent cultivation, and international exchange. He emphasized that the diploma the graduates hold today represents not just an academic credential, but a validation from a university highly recognized by both enterprises and society.

Elaborating on his three expectations, President Chen pointed out that AI and technological innovations are reshaping the world at an unprecedented pace. "The future does not belong to the most perfect, but to those who are willing to learn and keep growing," he said. He urged students to respond to societal needs with their expertise, face life's challenges with a sense of responsibility, and exert a positive influence to make society a better place. He emphasized, "Professional competence determines how fast you can go, but a sense of responsibility determines how far you can go. A truly valuable life is measured not by how much you gain, but by how much you give."

Lin Tian-yu, General Manager of the Energy Business Group at AUO Corporation, was invited as the commencement speaker. Sharing that he has children of similar age to the graduates, Lin expressed deep empathy for the younger generation's mix of excitement and anxiety upon graduation. Looking back on his 30-year career—which spanned transitions from the tech industry to the renewable energy sector—he candidly admitted that life rarely goes according to plan. Instead, career development is akin to a navigation system constantly recalculating routes, where paths once thought to be wrong turns often become vital nutrients for future growth.

Facing a rapidly changing era, Lin pointed out that from the rise of the internet and smartphones to the boom of artificial intelligence, the world is changing faster than ever. Therefore, the most crucial ability is not predicting the future, but cultivating the courage and resilience to adapt to change. He encouraged graduates to stay optimistic, embrace lifelong learning, and prioritize mental health and social responsibility. He urged them to pursue personal achievements while continuing to create a positive impact on society, urging them to dream big and avoid setting early limits on themselves.

Li Zong-ming, Chairman of the NUK Alumni Association, also offered his words of encouragement, noting that graduation marks both a new chapter in life and the moment they officially become NUK alumni. He reminded graduates that a diploma proves not just four years of academic results, but the ability to learn continuously and solve problems. In the era of AI, he emphasized the importance of developing independent thinking, critical information assessment, curiosity, a passion for learning, and a kind heart.

Representing the graduating class, Hsu Hsiao-chiao from the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature took her peers on a nostalgic journey through their four years on campus. From riding bicycles across campus to find classrooms as freshmen, to witnessing the completion of the Activity Center, the opening of Louisa Coffee on campus, and making memories at the lawn music festivals and Christmas markets, every moment has become a cherished memory. She compared growth to a video game, viewing their college years as a process of accumulating skills and experience points. Reassuring her peers that every attempt and challenge would fuel their future, she encouraged them to trust their choices and step into the next phase of life with courage and confidence.

The ceremony also featured a rich international atmosphere. The Office of International Affairs welcomed over 60 international parents who traveled to Taiwan to witness their children's graduation. Notably, Tan Jia Ni, an Indonesian student graduating from the Department of Finance, was awarded the prestigious "Chairperson's Award of the Overseas Community Affairs Council," an honor given to only 50 students across Taiwan, highlighting the outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements of NUK's international students.

The commencement concluded with the turning of the tassels, the conferring of degrees, and the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates. Witnessed by faculty, parents, and friends, the event joyfully celebrated the graduates as they completed a major milestone in their lives.

National University of Kaohsiung 23rd Commencement Video Resources：National University of Kaohsiung 23rd Commencement Video Resources

President Lai Ching Te’s Graduation Message and Expectations：https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sOftdQcnGBGrTvoBWRcxDba7fMm7HFnr/view

23rd Commencement Highlights Video Summary：https://youtu.be/kl0_YzcZVMI

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