Rector Li Hezhang

RESPECTED academician Jamal Deen, teachers, parents and friends, dear students:

Today, amidst the vibrant hues of summer, we gather to celebrate a pivotal moment in the lives of 396 university graduates, 86 master’s degree holders, and 35 international students who are about to embark on their next great journey. Let us begin with a standing ovation — first, for the educators who have devoted countless hours to nurturing your potential, and second, for the families who have silently championed your dreams. Their unwavering support has been the bedrock of your success.

As you stand here today, you embody the fruits of four years of resilience — tempered by academic rigor, shaped by intellectual curiosity, and strengthened by the storms of growth. Recall the message I shared with you years ago: to become SMBUers who ask bold questions, pursue truth with tenacity, and master disciplines with diligence. Now, witnessing your achievements, I am filled with pride.

Among you, Chen Zhuoyuan, Nie Tingjing, and Han Xinyi have won the first-class scholarships for undergraduate studies for seven consecutive times. Gong Wanqing has won the first-class scholarships for master’s studies for three consecutive times. Russian student Zhukanova Alina is the recipient of the Guangdong Province Scholarship for International Students and the Universiade Scholarship for four consecutive years, and has won the first prize at the provincial level and third prize at the national level at a recitation competition.

Meanwhile, 39 students devoted themselves to scientific research and published 42 high-impact papers; 266 students won gold and silver medals in national entrepreneurship and innovation competitions and MCM/ICM; 150 students participated in 152 national/provincial/university innovation programs, and Xie Zikang (Faculty of Engineering) led a Guangdong Province Technology Innovation project during his studies; 49 master’s graduates come from the 2023 undergraduate cohort.

Your future paths are equally extraordinary. Two-hundred-and-forty students will pursue advanced degrees at 60 global institutions. Notably, Wang Zhiliang has earned offers from six world-class universities including Columbia University. Over 60 graduates will join industry leaders such as Huawei, Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, China Mobile, and the Shenzhen Tax Service of State Taxation Administration. Nearly half of you will remain in Shenzhen, contributing to the Greater Bay Area’s ascent as a global innovation hub.

As the book “Xunzi” proclaimed, “With perseverance, even metal and stone can be carved.” Through sweat and determination, you have embodied the ethos of “Hard work pays off.”

Today’s global landscape is undergoing seismic shifts, marked by the profound realignment of governance systems, intensifying geopolitical tensions, and sweeping economic restructuring. Technological innovation lies at the heart of this evolution and is a core driver of global progress and the defining battleground of international competition.

Over recent years, breakthroughs spanning artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G communications, biotechnology, renewable energy, and intelligent manufacturing have catalyzed a new industrial revolution, fundamentally redefining the world’s scientific and economic landscapes. Central to this paradigm shift are young innovators, who are spearheading groundbreaking advancements and disruptive breakthroughs. Consider the trailblazing teams behind ChatGPT (average age 32), Unitree Robotics (30), and DeepSeek (28), these youth-driven collectives are revolutionizing industries and lifestyles at an unprecedented pace.

To all who dare to shape tomorrow: cultivate patriotism as your compass, adopt a global mindset as your lens, and pursue lifelong learning as your engine. Let collaboration, resilience, and visionary ambition propel you to rise to global challenges, pioneer solutions, and emerge as pioneers and trendsetters of our era.

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(From Page 1) I hope that all of you will study diligently, think deeply, and remain true to your original aspirations, courageously striving for the heights on the journey of exploring the unknown realms of humanity. As the saying goes, “Seek the truth to acquire knowledge, investigate things to understand knowledge.” Knowledge is not merely the accumulation of information; it is a powerful engine that drives human civilization forward.

“Hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron” — these elements of the periodic table have been indispensable knowledge since middle school chemistry courses. Before Dmitri Mendeleev discovered the periodic law of elements, the elements in the universe existed separately and without apparent connection. In 1869, at only 35 years old, Mendeleev compiled the world’s first periodic table of elements and constructed a complete, interrelated system. Guided by the periodic law, he successfully predicted elements yet to be discovered, accurately estimating their properties and atomic weights. The periodic table not only became the cornerstone of chemical research but also an essential tool for humanity’s exploration of the material world. Mendeleev’s contributions extended beyond this; he made significant advances in chemistry education, petrochemicals, and fertilizer manufacturing, laying the foundation for modern chemical industry development.

Currently, scientific research is constantly breaking through traditional disciplinary boundaries, forming new patterns of interdisciplinary integration and global sharing. I hope you deeply grasp the essence of knowledge, perceive the origin of the world in the pursuit of the unknown, and understand both the diversity and commonalities among different civilizations and technological systems, so that your personal growth resonates in harmony with humanity’s progress. Remember this: “Your depth of thought determines the height of the world’s future.”

I hope you embrace diversity and inclusiveness, shouldering responsibilities in advancing global development. As the saying goes, “All things grow together without harming each other; different paths run in parallel without conflict.” Openness and tolerance are not only the magnanimity of individuals, but also vital forces for social progress and world prosperity. In today’s wave of globalization, cross-cultural exchanges and multinational cooperation have become the new norm for innovation and entrepreneurship. I believe many of you have TikTok on your phones — the average age of its R&D and operations team is just 27 years old. The team brings together elite talent from over 60 countries and regions, inviting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in product development and innovation. Utilizing an “algorithm-driven + short video content ecosystem” model, TikTok has created a disruptive technological innovation paradigm. It now covers more than 150 countries and regions worldwide, with 1.58 billion monthly active users globally.

In today’s world, globalization advances relentlessly, while exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations deepen continuously. I encourage you to maintain an open and inclusive mindset, leverage your proficiency in Chinese, Russian, and English, as well as your professional expertise, to draw wisdom from cross-cultural communication. Explore win-win paths in a diverse and interconnected world, deeply understand the unique values of different peoples, ideologies, and technological systems, and jointly promote the leap forward of innovation ecosystems in China and worldwide. Remember this: “Your openness and inclusiveness determine the breadth of the world’s future.”

I hope you persevere with unwavering strength and strive forward courageously at the forefront of your era. “The difficulty of ambition lies not in surpassing others, but in surpassing oneself.” Struggle is not only a cultivation of personal character but also the driving force behind social advancement. I want to share with you the story of academician Wang Xiaomo, an alumnus of the Beijing Institute of Technology known as the “People’s Scientist” and the “Father of China’s Early Warning Aircraft.” In 1961, when he was only 23, Wang began radar research at the Ministry of Defense’s Tenth Research Institute. At 46, he led the design of the “383” radar, China’s first automated three-coordinate radar. At 54, he headed the development of China’s first generation of airborne early warning systems. After more than 20 years of dedicated research, the airborne warning and control system on the KJ-2000 (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft set nine world records in early warning aircraft history, overcame more than 100 critical technological challenges, and won nearly 30 major patents. In 2022, at the age of 83, he launched a new mission, leading the Wang Xiaomo Air-Space Technology Laboratory to tackle challenges and opportunities in building network information systems.

Dear students, struggle is the steadfast pursuit of ideals, the fulfillment of responsibility, and resilience and transcendence in the face of global competition, social transformation, and life’s adversities. I hope you integrate your personal efforts into the great tide of national and human development. Dare to explore uncharted territories and pursue excellence even in ordinary roles. Remember: “Your pragmatic actions determine the beauty of the world.”

The Russian writer Gogol once said, “Youth is happy because it has a future.” Dear students, youth is like the morning sun; life is at its prime. As we part today, even if mountains are high and rivers far, the bond between teachers and students will not be severed. No matter how vast your future may be, your alma mater’s gaze will always follow your steps ahead. In the years to come, may you maintain good health, nurture love, continue mastering Chinese, Russian, and English, refine your professional expertise, design a splendid life blueprint, and achieve magnificent accomplishments. May we meet again, all full of vigor and vitality.

Dear students, congratulations on your graduation!