Recently, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) held its fourth graduation ceremony. Prof. Gong Xingao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chancellor of GTIIT, delivered a heartfelt speech to the graduating students who are about to embark on their new journeys.

Below is the translation of the speech

Distinguished leaders, esteemed guests, teachers, parents, and our cherished graduates: 

Good afternoon！

The midsummer sun brings the most passionate day of the year. Again, we come to the moment of singing a "Farewell" song.

Today, we gather on South Campus to celebrate "the turning of the tassel ceremony" for the Class of 2024. On this unique campus, each of our graduates has spent four years learning that "self" is not just a noun, but also a verb. I believe every student at GTIIT has found their goals in this soil full of innovative spirits and strength, and has been able to put them into practice. Therefore, I would like to propose that we give a warm round of applause to the achievements of every outstanding student at GTIIT and wish them well on their journey ahead!

I am often amazed by the production of Chinese porcelain, how it turns a humble lump of "clay" into a piece of marvelous artwork; I have also marveled at the smelting of steel, how it turns a pile of "sand" into the cornerstone of skyscrapers. Later, I realize that both "clay" and "sand" can be valuable as long as you have the right furnace to make them grow. We must admit your college entrance exam scores were not particularly outstanding. However, now, in the eyes of GTIIT, in the eyes of your parents, in the eyes of every friend of GTIIT, and in the eyes of world-renowned universities, you have become the "works of art" and the “pillars of society”.

Graduates, your achievements today are inseparable from the guidance of your teachers, and more importantly, the insight and dedication of your parents. It is time to express our heartfelt gratitude and respect to them, for their silent support and diligent work. I hope you will stand up, turn around and bow deeply to your parents, to express gratitude for their nurturing kindness.

The thunderous applause is not only a recognition of your achievements over the past four years, but also an expectation for your next journey. The ever-changing times have endowed young people with greater identity and responsibility. GTIIT has equipped you sufficiently well with free thought, tolerant mind, an independent personality, and the courage to embrace the world. Living in such unprecedented time, you are destined to ride the waves of our days. The baton of the future has already been passed to you. Go for what you want! The genes of 'Chutzpah' are flowing in your blood. Pursuing truth and exploring the unknown is not only your responsibility but also your future.

At this moment when you are about to set sail, I would like to offer three pieces of advice to you.

一、Face challenges, dare to make mistakes, and steadily climb upwards

Einstein once said, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Exploring the unknown is like climbing a rock face, where every step requires tentative groping, accompanied by risks and challenges. Meanwhile, every step is a step forward because it also requires full courage and belief, abundant wisdom and strategy. Graduates, just think about what you have learned over the past four years. Besides knowledge, the courage to face challenges may be another gain. Boldly apply your knowledge and courage to draw a more colorful trajectory in your lives. Whether you want to explore the world or transform it, I hope you can always maintain your eagerness to learn and grow.

二、Uphold the pursuits of truth and science, and grasp the nettle

Graduates, face challenges head-on, but don’t behave recklessly because you possess something more important than knowledge and courage - the scientific spirit. This is the belief in daring to question and explore, the light of reason. The power of the scientific spirit is boundless. With it, knowledge can be transformed into a source of innovation, continuously inspiring fresh ideas. With it, we can objectively fathom the mysteries of the world, rationally analyze the essence of problems, and make clear understanding and profound insight possible. Questioning comes with a cost, requiring not only time and patience but also relentless argumentation and exploration. However, questioning also brings rewards. It not only drives the progress of society and science but also leads to personal achievement. Graduates, don’t doubt tomorrow due to temporary gains or losses. Don’t give up on your dreams because of current difficulties. Strive to do your best at each stage, live your own brilliance with a scientific attitude and approach, and write your own legend!

三、Tolerate failure, accept yourself, and achieve true self-awareness

Poet Li Bai once said, "Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use." One thing he didn’t mention is what use can we achieve. What makes a winner in life, and what makes a successful life? In my opinion, the answer lies in self-awareness. Be aware of it and achieve it, as the value of artwork is to shine in museums, as pillar is bound to stand tall in buildings. Challenges always come with failures, but overemphasizing perseverance would be unpractical. Therefore, when faced with failure, one should not doubt life, nor should one rely solely on temporary courage. The right way is to seek the true self from failure. In Chinese history, we have the famous poet Xin Qiji, with grand ambitions of being well-versed in both literature and military affairs. We also get Wang Wei, a prominent idyllic poet who embraced “lying flat”. The poem he wrote, “upon coming to the end of water flow, I would sit down to behold white clouds float”, carries paramount wisdom. Just accept who you are. Self-recognition can only be realized by strong and interesting souls. Tolerating failure is not about giving up but rather a form of self-awareness and a prelude to innovation.

Graduates, no matter what life you choose, you will encounter useful, interesting, and valuable knowledge and skills. I hope everyone can maintain a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the unknown, gradually forming your own cognitive system. Keep interesting souls in the face of challenges and hold refreshing passion for knowledge in your career. Serving as a mere "brick mover" in scientific research, you can also choose to be a forever "mountaineer" climbing toward the unknow.

An ancient Chinese verse reads: "Someday, with my sail piercing the clouds; I will mount the wind, break the waves, and traverse the vast, rolling sea." Farewell is always bittersweet. As the wind rises and the sail unfurls, it’s time to depart onto the next adventure. With the dream nourished at GTIIT, may you go further, climb higher, and see wider. One day, we will meet at the peak.

Thank you!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs