President Kao Encourages NTHU Graduates to Get One Percent Better Each Day
2023.06.10
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan held commencement ceremonies for its doctoral, master, and bachelor degree students on June 10, 2023. In his congratulatory speech, President W. John Kao (高為元) encouraged the 5,106 graduates to consistently make small, incremental improvements each day. As long as they keep striving forward, their efforts will come to fruition and lead them to the future they envision.
Chair and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Lisa Su (蘇姿丰), who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by NTHU, also extended her heartfelt congratulations to the NTHU graduates via a video clip, in which she encouraged them “to run towards problems.”
This year, a total of 2,338 students received bachelor's degrees, 2,545 received master's degrees, and 223 received doctoral degrees. With the pandemic finally coming to an end, the ceremony returned to the gym on campus, allowing more graduates to participate in this grand event. From the entrance gate to the lawn and the shores of Lake Success, the campus was filled with students wearing graduation gowns happily taking photos with their families, capturing precious moments while creating lasting memories.
President Kao: Getting one percent better each day
“If there were a magic crystal ball that could show you a glimpse of the future, what would you like to see?” asked President Kao. He stressed that NTHU students have infinite possibilities, and they should keep in mind that there is always more than one way to achieve their goals.
Furthermore, they are their own masters of their lives and fates; their future is shaped by each choice they make. Even if they choose a road less taken, they will still learn and experience something different.
President Kao also encouraged the students to get one percent better each day. He explained that if every day is the same as the previous one, you will find yourself spinning your wheels, stuck in the same place over and over again. However, if you get one percent better each day learning a skill or a subject for one year, you will be 37 times better in that domain, bringing you 37 times closer to your goal. Over the course of ten years, this number becomes even more astounding. That's the power continuous improvement has to kickstart a future of unlimited possibilities.
President Kao conveyed his best wishes to all the NTHU graduates and hoped they would be able to discover the courage within themselves to fuel them towards their goals and create a life full of possibilities.
Eric Wang (王秀鈞): Embrace change and take risks
This year, Dr. Eric Wang (Department of Electrical Engineering, 1986), was invited as guest of honor to deliver a speech at the ceremony for graduate students. Wang is managing partner of GRC SinoGreen and one of the recipients of the 2023 NTHU Outstanding Alumni Award.
A venture capital fund manager, Wang shared five pieces of advice with the NTHU graduates—embrace change, take risks, develop your unique advantages, build your connections, and be a positive influence. He explained that embracing change allows people to discover opportunities for growth and advancement. In addition, he said that students should not be afraid to “take risks.” Wang recalled working at a Silicon Valley semiconductor company 30 years ago; however, he had the courage to step out of his comfort zone and join an investment bank on Wall Street, which led him to the career he is now passionate about.
Wang also shared his experiences studying at Stanford University for his Ph.D., where he worked hard to overcome numerous challenges, learn about American culture and find a suitable research topic. At the same time, he went through a gradual process of self-discovery and self-development. He expressed hope that all the graduates would strive for excellence based on their own talents and strengths, and he urged them to develop irreplaceable advantages by making the most of their unique life experiences.
Wang encouraged the graduates to build strong and meaningful connections with people. He mentioned that the best investment opportunities he has come across were introduced to him by his friends. He also shared the keys to building effective connections: integrity, sincerity, mutual trust, and mutual assistance for mutual benefit. Last but not least, Wang expressed hope that the graduates would be a positive influence in society and recognize their responsibility to help others in need.
Paul Peng (彭雙浪): Use AI wisely for lifelong learning
In the ceremony for undergraduates, Chairman of AUO Paul SL Peng was invited as guest of honor to address the assembly. In his speech, titled “Lifelong Learning in the Era of AI,” Peng encouraged the graduates to develop fundamental skills while cultivating humanistic sensibilities and critical thinking skills. This, he felt, would enable them to ask the right questions and attain the capability to assess and utilize the content generated by AI when working with it. He also emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards and being grateful. By harnessing the power of AI and using it wisely, the graduates will certainly make meaningful contributions to society.
Peng also encouraged the graduates to maintain lifelong connections with their friends, as they may lend a helping hand at critical junctures in their lives. He then concluded his speech with the following message to wish the graduates every success in their future endeavors — “As the tide settles and the shores widen, it's time to start your voyage and explore the world!”
Lisa Su: Allow yourselves to believe you can change the world
In Dr. Su's video clip, she encouraged the students to dream big, go out there, and really change the world. She mentioned that when she was a young engineer, one of her first mentors advised her to run towards problems. “Not walk, but run!” She emphasized that the harder the problem is, the more one can make a difference.
Su pointed out that the world is really starving for new ideas and for great leaders to champion these new ideas. She added that the education NTHU gives its students provides an incredible foundation for addressing these types of challenges. “I encourage all of you to follow your passion and also allow yourselves to believe you can change the world,” Su noted.
Chi-hsien Wang (王祺嫻): Chartering the unknown with the NTHU spirit
Representing the graduating students, Chi-hsien Wang, a Ph.D. student from the Department of Chemical Engineering, highlighted in her speech that, since the start of her undergraduate studies, she has spent a total of nine years at NTHU. She expressed deep pride in NTHU, as it has continuously impressed her by providing various cutting-edge courses, strong connections with various industries, and opportunities to collaborate with top universities worldwide. NTHU's commitment to innovation and progress in both hardware and software, technology, and the humanities is remarkable. “It is my earnest hope that as we leave the campus, we will be able to adapt to the ever-changing world with the NTHU spirit,” Wang stated.
“We are not without choices, and we are certainly not limited to being chosen.” Wang has seen her senior classmates starting their own businesses during their graduate studies and others transitioning into careers as pilots or film directors. She expressed hope that all the graduates would stay curious and never stop learning. Whenever or wherever they are, she encouraged them to find the light inside themselves. She also emphasized the importance of having the courage to pause and listen to their internal voices when pursuing progress and excellence.
Ten recipients of the Yi-Chi Mei Memorial Medal
This year the Yi-Chi Mei Memorial Medal—NTHU's highest academic honor—was awarded to ten students: Yu-Hsin Weng (翁玉芯) from the Department of Computer Science, Chien-hao Yeh (葉建豪) from the Department of Chemistry, Heng-an Su (蘇姮侒) from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yu-en Ou (歐予恩) from the College of Nuclear Science, Shao-Chi Yu (余紹綺) from the Department of Chinese Literature, Ting-hsuan Lü (呂亭萱) from the Department of Medical Science, Pin-shan Tseng (曾品珊) from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Hui-shan Hu (胡蕙姍) and Chiao-yu Chiang (江巧羽) from the Interdisciplinary Program of Education, and Yu-ting Chiu (邱于庭) from the Department of Kinesiology.
An interdisciplinary student with expertise in mathematics and music, Yu-Hsin Weng entered NTHU's Tsing Hua College through a special admissions channel reserved for individuals with unique talents. She later transferred to the Department of Computer Science. During her spare time, Weng joined the Chess Club and, within just a year and a half, was selected to join the national team and represent Taiwan in various international competitions. Weng particularly expressed her gratitude to NTHU for providing her with opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. With the solid foundation laid at NTHU, she will embark on a journey to pursue a master's degree in computer science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in September.
The NTHU Commencement Ceremony for doctoral and graduate students was held on the morning of June 10.
The NTHU Commencement Ceremony for doctoral and graduate students was held on the morning of June 10.
President W. John Kao (高為元) encourages the graduating students to get one percent better each day.
Dr. Eric Wang (王秀鈞), managing partner of GRC SinoGreen and an NTHU alumnus, encourages the graduating students to embrace change and take risks.
Chairman of AUO Paul SL Peng (彭双浪) encourages the graduating students to use AI wisely for lifelong learning.
AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su (蘇姿丰), who recently received an honorary doctorate from NTHU, encourages the graduating students to run towards problems.
Chi-hsien Wang (王祺嫻) (left), a Ph.D. student from the Department of Chemical Engineering, presents a bouquet of flowers to President W. John Kao (高為元) on behalf of the graduating students.
Representing the graduating students, Chi-hsien Wang (王祺嫻) encourages her fellow graduates to step out into the world with the NTHU spirit.
Recipients of the Yi-Chi Mei Memorial Medal happily taking photos.
One of the recipients of Yi-Chi Mei Memorial Medal, Yu-Hsin Weng (翁玉芯) represents Taiwan in various international chess competitions.
NTHU graduates happily taking photos on the lawn in front of the TSMC Building on campus.
NTHU graduates joyfully leaping on the lawn.
The NTHU Commencement Ceremony for doctoral and graduate students was held on the morning of June 10.
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