Guests attending the ceremony include: Ms. Irit Ben-Abba Vitale, Israeli Ambassador to China; Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology; Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, 2004 Nobel Laureate and Special Envoy of the Technion President to GTIIT; Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT and Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Hao Zhifeng, President of Shantou University; Ms. Wang Xuezhu, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal Government; Mr. Alex Goldman Shayman, Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou; Prof. David Gershoni, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Dr. Rafi Aviram, Technion Executive Vice President & Director General; Dr. Liu Wenhua, Vice President of STU; Mr. Yigal Cohen, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director General of GTIIT; Dr. Frieda Law, Advisor of the Li Ka Shing Foundation; representatives of Shantou government, friendly units, faculty and staff of GTIIT and STU.

The commencement was hosted by PVCAA Moris Eisen and PVC Lin Danming. This year marks the first year of the comprehensive interconnection of the north and south campuses of GTIIT and the 10th anniversary of the signing of the first memorandum of understanding on cooperation in running a school when the school was founded. On behalf of the university, the hosts extended a heartfelt thanks to all who've contributed to the development of GTIIT.

The Class of 2023 includes approximately 240 undergraduates, nine master's degree grads, and one doctoral degree graduate. The graduation ceremony kicked off with a spectacular performance of "Yingge Dance", creating an electrifying atmosphere, and cheering on GTIIT graduates as they set sail on their new life journey.

Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

I hope you remember your experience at GTIIT with each new sunrise. I hope the memories warm your hearts and boost your will to achieve perfection. Technion and GTIIT's doors will always be open to you as you climb the success ladder. Best wishes, dear grads. Continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and use your knowledge for a greater scientific world.

Ms. Irit Ben-Abba Vitale, Israeli Ambassador to China

Curiosity, entrepreneurship, and excellence are all the basic foundations of the Technion academic spirit. "Dream it, do it" is the brand name of GTIIT and we hope that this slogan will be spread all over China.

Introduction of the performances of UG graduates by Prof. Dganit Danino, Dean of GTIIT Undergraduate Studies

Introduction of the performances of the Master and PhD graduates by Prof. Moshe Eizenberg, Dean of GTIIT Graduate Studies

This year, 53.5% of GTIIT graduates who pursued further studies overseas were accepted by the top ten universities in the world, while 95.3% received acceptance letters from universities ranked in the world's top 100. Among them, 10 students received full scholarships for direct PhD programs leading universities such as Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, and Northwestern University. In addition, some were admitted to "Double First-Class" universities including Nanjing University, Soochow University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and South China Agricultural University.

Announcement of the degree granting decision by Prof. David Gershoni, GTIIT Vice Chancellor

Li Yitong, 2023 UG Graduate Representative

I believe that even though we are graduating today, the spirit of "Chutzpah" will always remind us as a GTer and guide us through more obstacles and challenges. What we need to do is to keep confident and try to defend our stand! Hold tight to everything this university and life and the world have taught us and go forth. 

Huang Xiaohang, 2023 Master Graduate Representative

"No risk, no gain." "No action, no reward." It is the past two years at GT that equips me as someone, who is willing to take risks, who acts promptly, and who thinks critically.

Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel Laureate and Special Envoy of the Technion President to GTIIT

We are now walking into a new world. The world is in front of you. You will excel, no doubt about it. But remember that you have a duty. The duty is to the society. 

Ms. Wang Xuezhu, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal Government

Four years ago, you stood at the crossroads of your life and embarked on a journey of learning at GTIIT. Today, four years later, you are about to start with your dreams.

Prof. Gong Xingao, Academician of CAS and Chancellor of GTIIT

Being a GTer is your permanent identity. I hope that in your future journey, you will uphold the GTIIT spirit, embrace the spirit of the "Chutzpah", broaden your world horizon, and become an outstanding representative of GTIIT.

The four years at GTIIT slowly drew to a close. As the chorus brought a soulful performance, Class of 2023 bid farewell to GTIIT, recalling bitters and sweets they experienced with peers and exchanging wishes of everlasting friendship: "May our bonds stay strong and our paths cross again at the pinnacle of our success!"

May you carry the knowledge and confidence gained during your time here with you as you embark on your next adventure. Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for a bright and successful future ahead!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs