At the fourth graduation ceremony of Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), Professor Uri Sivan, President of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, delivered an insightful speech, encouraging the graduates to embrace changes and head towards brilliance.

Below is the full text of the speech

Good afternoon, everybody.

I can't tell you how moved I am to sit here in China, thousands of miles away from home, and listen to the two anthems, played one after the other. It is truly a very moving moment for me. And I'm sure for many here in the audience.

It is my great honor and pleasure to be here today to celebrate this momentous occasion with the Class of 2024. You have come a long way to reach this moment, beginning your college life with the Covid-19 Pandemic back in 2020, not knowing how long it’s going to last and how much it’s going to impact your study. But you have made it through with dedication, commitment and perseverance. Today, we are here not only to celebrate your academic accomplishments, but also the extraordinary journey that has led you to this pivotal moment of your life. So please give yourself a big round of applause!

At the beginning of my term as a president of the Technion, I was asked by somebody, what seemed to be a very innocent question. What is the university? Actually, it took me some time to figure out the answer to this question. Because there is the standard definition——there are buildings, and there are research facilities, and there are classes and so on and so forth. But having thought about it, eventually I came to the conclusion that university is not about buildings as beautiful as they are. And university is not about research facilities, no matter how advanced they are. A university is about the people that spend time there. Each one of them touches the university in his or her own particular way.

To the 4th cohort that graduate from GTIIT, I want to say, cherish the moment because decades from now, 100 years from now, when they ask you or your children or your grandchildren about your time in GTIIT, you will be proud to say, we were there where it all started, we are the 4th cohort. And you should be very proud of it.

As we gather here to honor the graduating class, we are reminded of the profound vision and wisdom of the leadership in both China and Israel that made GTIIT dream come true. Although thousands of miles apart and difference greatly in size and history, China and Israel share a common, ancient culture of scholarship and valuing knowledge. Each nation has cultivated a passion for intellect innovation, evolving independently for thousands of years in different geographies under different conditions.

Now, imagine the incredible potential when two such cultures meet. This was the vision of the founding fathers of GTIIT and this is a shining example of how two people can come together to create something truly remarkable by fusing two ancient cultures towards the same vision, building a state-of-the-art university dedicated to innovative research, environmental conservation and social prosperity for the benefit of Guangdong, China, Israel and eventually, all mankind. Class of 2024, you are the best proof of the significance of this great endeavor. You are the testament of what can be achieved when minds and hearts converge in pursuit of a greater good.

Dear graduates, welcome to join the prestigious Technion Alumni Club from today on. Whether you will continue to pursue your next degree in the academia or start your career in the industry, you have earned one of the best entrance tickets to the world, a Technion degree. Among the 130,000 members of this very exclusive club, you will stand alongside some of the brightest mind around the globe, including Nobel laureates, inventors of the data compression algorithms, used each time you surf the internet, pioneers who embedded WiFi for the first time in mobile devices and connected us all humanity, the team that invented the Pentium architecture, the inventors of the memory stick, and the inventor of drip irrigation, which feeds over 1 billion people worldwide, especially in dry areas. You will join leading figures in high tech companies who are shattering glass ceilings such as our alumnus, Johny Srouji, who has all hardware development in Apple. You will join those who are driving stock markets and creating cutting edge technologies that benefit mankind.

This year marks the centennial anniversary of Technion’s first class back in 1924. As we reflect on the Technion’s glorious legacy, starting from the historical building located in the Hadar neighborhood to its current standing as a world-renowned institute, Technion has been a beacon of innovation, excellence and academic rigor, playing a pivotal role in preparing countless individuals to shaping the future of Israel and the world as dedicated scientists, researchers, visionary entrepreneurs, pioneering innovators and brilliant engineers. And now you are joining this club. As we look towards the future, let us draw inspiration from the past century of achievements and envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead for each and every one of you. The Technion has always been at the forefront of transformative change, and I have no doubt that the next century will be marked by even greater breakthroughs, discoveries, and advancements, with the contributions of talents just like these young men and women graduating this year from GTIIT.

The world we live in today is evolving faster than we could ever imagined, presenting both challenges and opportunities for all. The threats of inequality, poverty, climate change, the geopolitical complexities and the ever-changing technological landscape - these are issues that require bold and innovative solutions. I may add to that it also requires a deep commitment to address these challenges. Here at GTIIT, you have been provided with rigorous and interdisciplinary education with Technion academic standards that are essential in the 21st century. You have also been equipped with a global vision and innovative spirit that are critical in addressing the complex challenges of our time. As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, remember that you are not just graduates of GTIIT – you are heirs to a legacy of excellence and a tradition of innovation that spans across a century, from Albert Einstein, who established the first Technion society, to each one of you. Carry forth the values and ideals instilled in you and let them be your compass as you navigate through the uncharted waters of the future.

Science and technology is a language that transcends borders between countries and breaks barriers among people. In the past decades, we have witnessed the magical power of science and technology in bringing people together, fostering collaboration on a global scale, driving revolution in communication, healthcare, and various industries, showcasing its potential to reshape our world. I encourage you to harness this powerful tool, to choose the right way, the good way, with imagination and responsibility. As you step forward into a world that is more interconnected than ever before, remember that with great power comes great responsibility. The skills and knowledge you have acquired are not just tools for personal success but are also instruments for global improvement. You can do wrong and you can do good with the same tools. And it is up to each one of you to choose his or her own way. Use them to innovate for a future where science and technology enhances human capability and creates opportunities for all, not just a few.

In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. You have worked tirelessly, overcome obstacles, and now stand poised to make your mark on the world. The future is yours to shape, and I have no doubt that with the foundation you have built at GTIIT, you will go on to make remarkable achievements, knowing that the Technion and GTIIT community will always be here to support and inspire you as you continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. May you continue to dream big, aim high, soar to new heights, and make the world a better place for all. This is our legacy and commitment. You are now part of that legacy and of that commitment.

Thank you, and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors. Do good. 

Thank you！