2026-06-06

National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) held its 23rd Commencement Ceremony on June 6. In his commencement address, President Chi-Ren Chen encouraged graduates to maintain a lifelong passion for learning and the courage to explore the unknown amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence, ongoing industrial transformation, and growing global environmental challenges. He urged graduates to embrace three guiding principles as they move forward: embracing change, taking responsibility, and creating impact.

This year’s ceremony introduced a new technology-themed opening performance. Reflecting the university’s commitment to digital transformation, President Chen made a surprise appearance as a virtual Avatar in NUK’s metaverse campus. The segment, planned by the team led by Professor Cheng-Hung Wang, Director of the Digital Content Research Center, featured humorous interactions between Chen’s virtual avatar and the live host on stage. The blend of virtual and physical elements showcased both technological innovation and the president’s approachable personality, energizing the audience before the formal ceremony began.

President Chen noted that 2026 marks the 26th anniversary of NUK’s founding. He highlighted the university’s continued achievements in sustainability, industry-academia collaboration, talent cultivation, and international engagement. He also pointed out that NUK has consistently ranked first among Taiwan’s medium-sized universities in recent editions of the Cheers magazine survey of employers’ favorite universities.

He reminded graduates that the diploma they receive today represents more than academic achievement—it reflects the reputation and recognition earned by a university respected by both industry and society.

In his address, Chen elaborated on the three expectations he hopes graduates will carry into the future:

• Embrace Change: In an era shaped by AI and technological innovation, success belongs not to those who are perfect, but to those willing to continue learning and growing.
• Take Responsibility: Graduates should use their expertise to address societal needs and face life’s challenges with integrity and accountability.
• Create Impact: True success is measured not only by what one gains, but also by what one contributes to society.

He emphasized that professional competence determines how fast a person can advance, while responsibility determines how far they can go.

The commencement keynote speaker, Tien-Yu Lin, General Manager of the Energy Business Group at AUO Corporation, shared reflections from his more than three decades of professional experience. As the parent of children close in age to the graduating class, he expressed empathy for the mixture of excitement and uncertainty many graduates feel when entering a new stage of life.

Drawing from a career spanning the technology and renewable energy sectors, Lin explained that careers rarely unfold exactly as planned. Rather, professional development often resembles a navigation system that continually recalculates routes. Many experiences that initially seem like detours ultimately become valuable opportunities for growth.

Reflecting on the rapid pace of technological change—from the rise of the internet and smartphones to today’s AI revolution—Lin stressed that the most important skill is not predicting the future, but developing the courage and resilience to adapt to change. He encouraged graduates to remain optimistic, commit to lifelong learning, care for their physical and mental well-being, and contribute positively to society while pursuing personal success.

Tsung-Ming Lee, President of the NUK Alumni Association, also addressed the graduates. He described graduation as both the beginning of a new chapter and the moment students officially become NUK alumni. He encouraged graduates to stay connected with their alma mater and emphasized that a university education represents not only accumulated knowledge but also the ability to continue learning and solve problems throughout life.

In the age of AI, Lee noted, independent thinking, critical evaluation of information, curiosity, and kindness remain essential qualities for long-term success.

Representing the graduating class, Hsiao-Chiao Hsu from the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature reflected on four years of university life. She recalled memorable experiences ranging from cycling across campus in search of classrooms during her first year to witnessing the completion of the Student Activity Center, the opening of the campus Louisa Coffee shop, and participating in events such as the Grassland Music Festival and Christmas Market.

Using the metaphor that “life is a game,” Hsu compared university education to a process of continuously gaining skills and experience points. She encouraged fellow graduates to trust their choices and move confidently into the next stage of life with courage and self-belief.

The ceremony also highlighted NUK’s increasingly international campus community. The Office of International Affairs welcomed more than 60 family members of international students who traveled to Taiwan to celebrate their children’s graduation.

Among the distinguished graduates was Jiani Chen from Indonesia, a student in the Department of Finance, who received the prestigious Overseas Community Affairs Council Chairperson Award, an honor bestowed upon only 50 students nationwide. Her achievement reflects the outstanding academic performance and campus engagement of NUK’s international students.

The commencement ceremony concluded with degree conferrals, tassel-turning ceremonies, and recognition of outstanding graduates. Joined by faculty members, families, and friends, graduates celebrated the completion of a significant milestone and the beginning of a new journey.

Related Resources

• 23rd NUK Commencement Ceremony Livestream
• President Lai Ching-te’s Message to Graduates
• 23rd NUK Commencement Ceremony Highlights Video

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@Office of Student Affairs & Events