News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

　　The graduation season unfolds with golden shower trees blossoming in full glory and cicadas singing their symphony. The National Chiayi University’s graduation ceremony for the graduating classes of 2023 took place at the Auditorium (Zuei-Suei Guan) on the Lantan campus on the morning of May 27th. The ceremony featured videos of President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President Lai Ching-te, and alumna Nini Wei, who were invited to send greetings to the graduating students. The ceremony was presided over by NCYU President Han Chien Lin and live-streamed across campus, allowing all the graduating students to witness certificate and award presentation, and turning of the tassels, and listen to and be inspired by congratulatory words and best wishes from the teachers.

　　The graduation theme this year, “Hi-Story: Embrace Memories of Youth and Walk in the Light,” was conceived by the Graduate Student Association. It traces the journey from the awkward “Hi” in the freshman year, through the “Story” of companionship of teachers and friends, to the “History” after graduation. As the story of their college life has been woven over the past four years, the beautiful moments were inscribed on their memory in this midsummer season. In the reunions that follow, they will recount again and again their wild, youthful days. Their journey at the university might have concluded, yet the memories will remain etched in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

　　In his speech, President Lin encouraged the students to broaden their horizons in the future in accordance with the NCYU’s motto. Sincerity: be honest with your self-expectations, carry on with memories, and align with future aspirations. Action: enrich your life and face the challenges of the careers or academic pursuits in the future with what you have learned. Innovation: work with the fellow students or alumni to try new things and explore the infinite possibilities of the future. Service: be a person who is willing to give and help others, assume responsibilities and contribute to the society and the country. He wished great success to all the graduates, and encouraged them to “be proud in every step you take, embrace your memories of youth, walk in the light, and write your own history.”

　　 There were 2,615 graduates this year, including 2,076 with bachelor’s degrees, 527 with master’s degrees, and 12 with doctoral degrees. Among them, 51 were international and overseas Chinese students. During the ceremony, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Lee Tien-chi, President of the Vietnam Alumni Association. President Lee, who has made enormous contributions to the development of international timber industry, has been repeatedly honored by the Vietnamese government for his exceptional export performance. As President of the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam and President of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, he has been assisting the NCYU's Alumni Center and Office of International Affairs in faciliating international cooperation and internships abroad. The aim is to enhance students’ competitiveness in the job market and the bond among Vietnamese alumni, so as to create a win-win situation for the alumni and their alma mater.

　　Honorary Dr. Lee Tien-chi advised the students who encounter difficulties related to finance, culture or daily life when pursuing careers worldwide after graduation to seek help from local chambers of commerce, Taiwan's representative offices, or NCYU Alumni Association to ensure their own safety. In addition, he encouraged everyone to recognize that the companies nowadays are striving to strike a balance between profitability and environment-friendly processes, so as to achieve sustainable management. Therefore, ESG is worth learning and deserves further attention and development in the future. He urged the students to emulate Kano’s spirit of perseverance and create their own remarkable lives.

　　During the ceremony, representatives of graduates from the Lantan, Minghsiung, and Sinmin campuses delivered their words of gratitude, and gave their blessings to all the graduating students. AINUN NAFISAH, an Indonesian recent graduate of the Global Master Program of Teaching Profession, Teachers College, expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff of NCYU for their assistance and support, which has made them stronger and braver than before. Lastly, HO SIN TING, a recent graduate from Hong Kong who finished her studies at the Graduate Institute of Marketing Management (Department of Marketing and Tourism Management), said, "The knowledge, experience, and friendships we have gained here will become priceless assets in our lives. I hope that all of you will fulfill your dreams and make the most of your strengths in your future. Let us walk out of this door with gratitude and welcome each day ahead.”