On July 3, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) celebrated its Commencement and Degree Conferment for 2025 at Runyang Stadium. Honoring 1,162 graduating undergraduates dressed in their academic gowns, they were surrounded by the warm wishes of mentors, family, and friends in a moment of pride, reflection, and joy.
The ceremony began with flag bearers from the six residential colleges entering the venue. The event was graced by SUSTech’s leadership team, including Hong JIANG, University Council Chairperson; Qikun XUE, President of SUSTech; and other members of the leadership team, such as Ling ZHANG, Wensheng YAO, Hongwei FANG, Li JIN, Jinfeng JIA, and Xiaodong HAN, along with the deans of the various colleges, faculty members, and alumni representatives.
Nearly 350,000 people witnessed the commencement and degree conferment in person and online, which was hosted by Vice President and Provost Hongwei FANG.
Chairperson Hong JIANG announced the recipients of SUSTech’s Top Ten Undergraduates of 2025, with an additional 295 students recognized as outstanding undergraduates. Chairperson JIANG and President XUE presented honors to the Top Ten Undergraduates.
Siqi XU, a graduate student of Shuren College and the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, spoke on behalf of the graduating class. She shared three stories reflecting on her years of study and life at SUSTech.
She referenced the courage the University gave her to flourish freely, the motivation inspired by her peers, and the optimism she hoped to pass on to others. Carrying forward the SUSTech motto of “Virtue, Truth, Advance,” she encouraged fellow graduates to also walk toward the light in their hearts, no matter where life may lead.
Arthur Gabriel, an international student of Shuli College and the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, expressed his admiration for SUSTech’s inclusive environment and outstanding faculty. He described his four years at the University as nothing short of a blessing, during which he observed the dedication of students and faculty members alike and came to understand that “hope” is a choice rooted in commitment and courage. He shared how he learned to embrace change and strive to become the best version of himself.
Haofan CAI, a former graduate of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, spoke on behalf of the alumni association. She recounted SUSTech’s remarkable growth—from its founding years to its current status as a “Double First-Class” university—and on her evolving understanding of making meaningful choices.
She urged students to face uncertainty with courage, persevere through change, and lead with innovation. She emphasized the importance of maintaining an open and inclusive academic mindset and hoped that the graduates would carry forward SUSTech’s spirit of innovation, cutting through technological barriers and exploring uncharted paths with boldness and vision.
Professor Wei ZHANG from the School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing delivered remarks as a representative of the undergraduate mentors. He commended students for their courage in choosing a young, research-driven institution like SUSTech, which has continued to evolve through their contributions.
Sharing reflections, he encouraged graduates to remain open-minded and curious, to resist letting disciplines define their identity, and to focus on personal growth over achievements. He advised pursuing simple joys and passions, and embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technology and tools. Professor ZHANG concluded by wishing the graduates a life of curiosity, exploration, and joy.
On behalf of the University, President Qikun XUE congratulated the Class of 2025 on completing their studies and extended heartfelt thanks to their families and mentors.
Reflecting on their four-year journey, he highlighted key milestones SUSTech has achieved during their time on campus: being named a national “Double First-Class” university, the rapid expansion of graduate programs, entry into the top 1‰ of global ESI disciplines, the arrival of world-renowned faculty including a Fields Medal recipient, the successful approval of a national key laboratory, and the launch of the University’s first satellite, SUSTech-1—marking SUSTech’s first step into space.
He noted that in an era reshaped by AI and rapid technological change, SUSTech graduates represent a new generation of innovative leaders. He urged them to carry the spirit of exploration with them as a source of direction and strength.
President XUE shared three hopes for the graduates. First, to anchor themselves in the “certainty” of knowledge. No matter how fast technology evolves, a solid foundation in mathematics, logical reasoning, and algorithmic design remains the cornerstone of innovation. The solid academic foundation and scientific thinking developed at SUSTech, he noted, will enable them to solve complex problems and generate new ideas.
Second, to embrace the “uncertainty” that comes with exploration. He encouraged them to venture into the unknown, confront emerging challenges in fields like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and clean energy, and chart bold new paths. The future, he said, belongs to those willing to ask big questions and define new paradigms in a world of change.
Third, to cultivate the resilience of true explorers and to stay grounded in values. In an era where algorithms influence attention and computing power can be misused, he stressed the importance of maintaining depth, ethical standards, and social responsibility. He urged graduates to guide their actions with “virtue”, pursue “truth” through science, and “advance” boldly.
As SUSTech celebrates its 15th anniversary and the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone marks its 45th anniversary, President XUE encouraged students to embrace the pioneering spirit of both their alma mater and the city—to define the future while contributing to China and the world.
Afterward, the degree conferment took place as Provost Hongwei FANG announced the decision of the Degree Evaluation Committee. Graduates from Zhicheng, Shude, Zhixin, Shuli, Zhiren, and Shuren Colleges took the stage one by one to receive their degree certificates from the University’s leadership and faculty members.
A highlight of the event was the debut of “Nanke Pangu,” the University’s first humanoid robot developed in-house by the Institute of Robotics Research. It appeared on stage to offer congratulations to the Class of 2025 through gestures like flag-waving, clapping, and giving thumbs-up.
The robot integrates advanced bionic arms and AI, featuring multimodal sensing, large multimodal models, and the ability to perform coordinated dual-arm tasks, navigation, object recognition, smart photography, and human-like social interaction—demonstrating SUSTech’s cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation capabilities.
Before and after the ceremony, short graduation films were displayed on the venue’s large screen. The event also featured performances by several associations and clubs of the University, including the Zhiren Orchestra, the Acapella Vocal Band, and the Wink Dance Club.
