Drawing from his 30 years of experience in the United States, Ching-Yung Lin encouraged graduates to have the vision to become the best in the world, to pursue precision in all endeavors without tolerating even the slightest errors, and to utilize the internet to build interdisciplinary knowledge and connections. He emphasized that Vision, Precision, and Networking should be key elements for a successful life.



James S. C. Chao expressed gratitude to the parents of each graduate and the university, encouraging graduates to be humble and thankful and to cherish the setbacks and lessons learned during their growth. Elaine Chao also shared the life story of her father, James S. C. Chao, and his efforts in the United States, describing his life as fearless determination and calm resilience. She offered four pieces of advice to the graduates: work for a cause bigger than yourself, be a good person, contribute to society, and remember that relationships between people are the most important. With this, she encouraged the graduates as they step out into the world.



Wen-Yong Hou shared insights on “What Matters More Than Hard Work,” discussing finding answers. He noted that real-world demands are constantly shifting in a rapidly changing era, making critical thinking and adaptability even more crucial after leaving the campus. He urged graduates to focus on seeking questions rather than just pursuing answers.

Additionally, the ceremony incorporated various cultural elements, showcasing the diversity of the campus. International student representative Jardene Marie Gensaya De Leon from the Philippines delivered a speech in traditional Filipiniana attire, displaying cultural confidence. Chen-Hao Hung expressed gratitude in fluent Taiwanese and Hakka, highlighting respect for local languages.

Maria Lenotieva from Ukraine, who enrolled through NYCU’s Ukraine Project during the war, thanks Taiwan for its support. Her outstanding performance earned her the Optica Women Scholars Award from the Optical Society of America (OPTICA), making her the first student in Taiwan to receive this honor. (Read more: First Student from Taiwan in Three Years Awarded Optica Women Scholars! Mariia, a Ukrainian Student at the DEE, was Recognized for Outstanding Performance in Electrical Engineering and Photonics)


The local student speech representative was Chen-Hao Hung from the School of Medicine (left), the international graduate speech representative was Jardene Marie Gensaya De Leon (center), and the tassel-turning representative was Wonder Nathi Dlamini (right).

NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin delivered a speech on the challenges faced by Generation XYZ. He noted that while the knowledge and skills learned in his generation’s classrooms could last for 20 years, today’s graduates may find that their four years of education might only be relevant for two years.

President Lin quoted biologist Charles Darwin, saying, “It is not the strongest or the smartest who survive, but those who can adapt to change,” to encourage Generation Z graduates to find their place in these rapidly changing times.