Landmark ceremony marks ‘Commencement’ for graduating students
The Commencement Ceremony for the graduating class of 2021 is currently underway at City University of Hong Kong (CityU).
“Today is a special moment in the history of CityU because we are holding the Commencement Ceremony in May for the very first time,” said President Way Kuo of CityU.
The occasion, previously known as Congregation, used to be held in November. The changes were made to align with international practices.
In his address, President Kuo said his passionate hope was that this year’s graduating students would carry forward the innovation and knowledge developed on their academic programmes.
He reminded graduates of the many opportunities still available after graduation such as HK Tech 300, CityU’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme that reaches out to aspiring entrepreneurs in the CityU community.
“We are investing HK$500 million to create 300 start-ups in three years,” President Kuo said.
Under the mentorship of CityU’s first-rate faculty and with the support of our partners and the community, HK Tech 300 will become the number one university-based entrepreneurship programme in Asia.
“I am certain many of you here today will benefit greatly from HK Tech 300, and I am excited to think about the kinds of companies that will be created, the ideas that will be generated, and how they will benefit society,” he said.
In addition to setting up a start-up, students have other possibilities to contribute to society, he added. “To be rational, tolerant and understanding are among the most important character traits that we can possess as informed and responsible members of a community,” he said.
“On a day like this, I am heartened to know that we will remain in touch through our alumni networks and through the incredible support for jobs that have been made available through CityU initiatives such as HK Tech 300,” he said.
Thirty-two separate Commencement sessions will be held on campus in a hybrid mode from 22 to 31 May.