Tainan, Taiwan, June 4th, 2011

The 2011 National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Commencement Ceremony was held on June 4th honoring more than 5,200 students, including 2,300 undergraduate students, 2,700 master students and 280 doctoral students.

The Legislative Yuan of Republic of China President Jin-Pyng Wang, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation Chairman Chin-Der Ou, Tainan Major William Lai, and alumni who have graduated over 40 to 50 years attended the ceremony.

In his congratulatory speech, NCKU President Hwung-Hweng Hwung encouraged the graduating students to live each day with a positive attitude because only with happiness and health can one lead a successful life.

He also expected them to contribute to the society with empathy and love so that they can be worthy of the name of NCKU.

“In the past 80 years, many successful people who have made contributions to Taiwan, especially in Southern Taiwan, are graduates of NCKU,” said Jin-Pyng Wang. “NCKU graduates are recognized by their professional accomplishments and have been selected as the enterprise’s favorites for consecutive years.”

Wang also quoted the words from Four Tenets of Chung Tai to encourage the students, “To our elders be respectful. To our juniors be kind. With all humanity be harmonious. In all endeavors be true.”

Tainan Major William Lai was probably the most joyful guest in the ceremony because his son is also graduating from the Department of Electrical Engineering this year.

He wished the graduates to be well employed and make their alma mater proud.

Chairman Chin-Der Ou also expressed his joy in returning to his alma mater, where he not only completed his studies but also found his life companion.

He suggested students to make career decision by their interests and by what they can learn from the job rather than by the salary the job can entail.

Take himself for an example. Ou said he struggled concerning whether or not he wanted to return to work in Taiwan from the US because of the income differences. However, his decision of coming back proved rewarding since he has not only contributed to various groundbreaking construction projects in Taiwan but also to those in Singapore and Indonesia as well.

After the guest speech, the College Deans referred their graduates to President Hwung-Hweng Hwung who conferred their degrees.

In addition, the performance of Folk Dance Club, Guitar Club, Harmonica Club, Magic Club and Choir of NCKU has lighted up the commencement ceremony for students, parents and guests.