Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN, Council Chair Professor Harry SHUM, Court Chair Dr. the Honourable Andrew LIAO, Council and Court members, distinguished guests, members of the Class of 2025, parents, friends and colleagues,

It is my great honor to stand before you as we celebrate a significant milestone in your academic journey. On behalf of the entire university community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you. Today, we gather not only to confer degrees but also to celebrate your years of vigorous study, unwavering perseverance, and the impactful contributions you are already making in your chosen fields. This ceremony honors the exceptional individuals you have become – critical thinkers, visionary innovators, and compassionate leaders who will shape our future.

While today marks the conclusion of your studies, it also signals the beginning of a new journey. In a world driven by technological advancements, we need leaders like you – leaders who will embrace both knowledge and ethical responsibility, connect deeply with the world, and are passionately committed to positive change. Your education has equipped you with the skills to tackle pressing global challenges and create a better future for all.

This past year was marked by a profound loss for our community with the passing of our founding President, Professor Chia-Wei Woo. While he is no longer with us, his visionary legacy lives on with greater force and relevance than ever. Almost 35 years ago, he envisioned a university unlike any other in the city. He foresaw that its graduates would become pioneers, leveraging their knowledge, the dynamic opportunities of this region, and their unique position as a bridge between East and West to create a better future. 

As you, the Class of 2025, step into the world, you are the ultimate embodiment of that vision. Your ambition and your potential, powered by a global and forward-looking mindset, are materializing a dream on a scale that may be even more magnificent than what our founding fathers envisioned.

Just as you embark on a new chapter in your lives, the University is also preparing for a period of transformation and growth as we set our sights on establishing Hong Kong’s third medical school. This is not merely a dream nurtured over the last 30 years; it is a response to the urgent needs of our time. The revolution in artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies is transforming every facet of our lives.

As a leading science and technology university in Hong Kong, HKUST has a unique opportunity — and a responsibility — to harness the unprecedented power of technological advancements for a new era of healthcare. Towards this goal, our vision is to establish an innovative medical school that is technological, humanistic, interdisciplinary, international, and translational — vales central to HKUST’s DNA.  

This endeavor, much like your own journeys, has required immense effort and dedication from our entire community. There have been moments when the challenges seemed insurmountable. But our “One-HKUST” solidarity and unwavering “Can-Do” spirit have illuminated the path forward as we await the decision on our proposal. It is this collaborative energy that makes HKUST special.

Graduates, you have exemplified your “Can-Do” spirit throughout your time here — the courage to pursue bold ideas, the agility to adapt to change, and the perseverance to overcome obstacles. Let it be your blueprint for making an impact. The world needs architects of the future — visionaries who can harness technology with wisdom, synthesize knowledge across traditional boundaries, collaborate widely, and translate discoveries into tangible benefits for society.

As you step into the future, hold onto your curiosity and the spirit of inquiry that has brought you here. Keep exploring, learning, and embracing the unknown. Collaborate with individuals with diverse backgrounds and persist even in the face of uncertainties. Your passion will be your greatest asset as you navigate the complexities of the world ahead.

Class of 2025, as you leave this campus, remember that you are now ambassadors of our shared values and our highest aspirations. Wherever your path leads, strive not only for professional success but for a deeper, more meaningful contribution to humanity. 

Please know that your connection to this community of innovators and thinkers does not end today. Your alma mater will remain your steadfast partner and proudest advocate. We will be watching your journeys with immense anticipation and absolute confidence.

Congratulations once again, Class of 2025. Embrace the challenges ahead with passion and purpose! Thank you.