Speaking at the Taipei ceremony, Acer Chairman Jason Chen urged students to embrace an attitude of optimism, calling it a crucial edge in a rapidly evolving world. Quoting TSMC founder Morris Chang, he shared the memorable line: “Optimism is a competitive advantage.”

Chen encouraged graduates to see opportunities, not just problems, once they enter the workforce. He emphasized the importance of articulation, language proficiency, and intercultural fluency as keys to thriving in global environments. “It’s not enough to be globally mobile — you need a grounded global mindset,” he remarked.

Chen spoke from experience about life decisions: “When facing choices, it’s always a struggle. But looking back, you’ll find that having a choice is always better than having none.” His words resonated with students preparing to navigate uncertain paths in both their personal and professional lives.


Acer Chairman Jason Chen encourages graduates: “Optimism is a competitive advantage.”

Self-Reflection, Empathy, and Planetary Thinking: Daniel Tsai’s Three Pillars

At the Hsinchu ceremony, Fubon Group Chairman Daniel Tsai offered a different triad of wisdom: self-reflection, empathy, and planetary consciousness.

Citing his experience leading the development of Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail project, Tsai highlighted the power of inner dialogue in managing pressure and staying true to one’s values. He emphasized that self-awareness is foundational to realizing one’s strengths, while empathy is essential in building sincere connections — whether with family, coworkers, or friends.

His third principle — planetary thinking — encouraged students to combine their professional expertise with a commitment to sustainability and social good. “Start with yourself,” Tsai urged, “and work toward a better world for everyone.”