On July 10, GTIIT Commencement for Graduates 2023 was held at the Gym of South Campus. Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT, addressed graduates.

Below is the translation of speech:

Today, we gather together for the commencement of Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), to celebrate the graduation of our Class of 2023 students. On behalf of the university, I would like to send my sincere greetings to all the leaders, guests, parents and friends from all walks of life who care about the development of GTIIT; extend my warmest congratulations to all the graduates who are opening a new chapter in their lives; express my heartfelt thanks to all the faculty members who have taught you carefully, to your friends and family members who have cared for you, and to all the hard-working colleagues of GTIIT.

Once again, the summertime has graced us, casting a nostalgic glow upon your fleeting university years, underneath the Mount Sangpu, amidst the cascading blooms of phoenix flowers. The past few days, I saw you busily take graduation photos, capturing every corner of our campus. I saw embraces and heartfelt farewells exchanged with peers and mentors. Countless moments flood my mind. The midsummer farewell brings a tinge of melancholy as you are standing at the crossroads. Looking back, I see all your dedication, proactive participation, talent and sweat. Within and beyond the campus, you have excelled in studies, research and various competitions, showcasing the brilliance of GTers. This is not only your honor, but also the pride of our university.

As you reflect on your cherished time on campus, please remember those who have weathered the storms with you and guided you along the way. Especially your parents, who have always been there for you with love and care without wanting anything in return. 

Now, I would like to invite all the graduates to stand up, turn around, face your parents, bow sincerely, and say “thank you” to them.

Please be seated.

Dear students, you embody GTIIT’s motto of “Dream it, do it”. You arrived here carrying your parents' deep expectations and goals for your youth. You have left your mark of hard work and personal growth. You have continued to pursue new aspirations, and through your perseverance and dedication, you have gained valuable experiences and achieved remarkable accomplishments. With faith in your hearts, you can go far! GTer will be your permanent identity as you transition from students to alumni. I hope you will uphold the spirit of GTIIT in your future journey, grasp the core of the "Chutzpah", broaden your world vision and be an exceptional ambassador of GTIIT.

Dear students, you exemplify the scientific ideals of GTIIT, which is to “pursue science and engineering, embrace diversity”. Our university is far from the bustling downtown, but is close to the profound world of science. Here, faculty and students are also friends, mutually enriching each other. Here, you are heard and seen, which maximizes your inherent creativity and allows you to freely soar in the academic world. I am glad to witness your unwavering curiosity, self-discovery, desire to engage in discussions, bravery in challenging norms, and commitment to pushing boundaries throughout your academic and research journey at GTIIT.

What is the most essential lesson you have taken away from these four years? You may say that you have acquired a solid foundation of knowledge and made many friends, but you go far beyond that. Confidence is the best reward of your university years. You've embraced an innovative culture, embrace the spirit of "daring to challenge authority" and "being willing to try", which is the essence of GTIIT educational philosophy. Your capabilities have substantially improved here. GTIIT provides you with a higher starting point. You’ve created legendary stories of GTIIT themed “soaring high, embracing the future”. It is as the saying goes, “youth ascends, embracing stars and light”.

GTIIT has achieved remarkable results in faculty development, discipline construction, talent cultivation, innovation, and entrepreneurship in just a few years. It has gained recognition from top universities worldwide and has borne fruitful outcomes in high-quality education. I’d like to convey my gratitude to the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial Government, and the Shantou Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, for their unwavering support for this institution. I’d also like to thank the Embassy of Israel in China, the Consulate General of Israel in Guangzhou, and the Li Ka Shing Foundation for their strong support. The Technion and Shantou University deserve special mention for their attentive care. And finally, I’d like to thank all the GTIIT members for their dedication and hard work.

The world is magnificent because of its diversity and fascinating because of its variations. Your presence enriches the world even further. You are living in a diverse world, in an era full of opportunities, hope and challenges. The future holds countless choices for you, and it requires individuals endowed with wisdom and courage more than ever. As you embark on this new journey, I’d like to offer you three nuggets of advice.

Firstly, reflect on the essence of things to keep advancing, and take on responsibilities. You are international and innovative talents. Cherish the opportunities you have been afforded and embrace the responsibility that comes with it. Your education and experiences have equipped you with the tools to make a difference in the world, and it is now time to unleash your full potential. In the years to come, you will play pivotal roles as the driving force behind our nation’s advancement. Rise to the occasion with a heightened sense of civic duty, and respond to the calls of the era. Connect your personal growth with the needs of the world around you, adapt to the ever-changing landscape, and become responsible and dedicated pioneers of our time.

Secondly, pursue ideals without ceasing. University is where dreams take flight. As you graduate, carry your dreams with you and let them bloom! However, the shore of ideal has never been easy to reach. It requires relentless self-improvement and perseverance so that you can conquer obstacles and make a difference. In the face of boundless unknown challenges, I hope you will maintain the passion to fight, persist in your initial ideals, find inner stability and order, and become stronger while navigating through storms. Become dreamers with ideals and practitioners who live up to the times.

Lastly, embrace innovation and be daring pioneers. Today, knowledge and technology are progressing at an unprecedented pace. You must be flexible learners capable of adapting, being curious and always innovating. Prof. Albert Einstein, the eminent scientist and President of the first Technion Society, once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge”. Innovation flows in Israel’s DNA and is imprinted on every GTer. Having received education infused with Israeli innovation, I hope you will continue to forge ahead on the path of innovation, conquering one peak after another.

Dear students, today you have completed your journey at GTIIT. As you venture forth into the world, the path ahead may be long and arduous. Please take with you the love and hopes of your alma mater! I believe you will undoubtedly stand at the forefront of the era. With wisdom and resilience, you will write a life filled with courage and progress. I wholeheartedly wish you all the best, may everything go smoothly for you, may your future be prosperous, may your dreams come true, and may you create brilliance in all your endeavors!

Thank you!

Translation: NPA