Mr. Chairman, President Ng, all faculty members, students and honorable guests,

Thank you!

First, I would like to express, on the behalf of all Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) Honorary Fellows, our deep gratitude to UIC for awarding us the honour. It is a privilege to be named an Honorary Fellow at this rapidly growing and well-recognized international college.

UIC offers a new model for advancement in higher education. The genesis and the development of the institution represent the internationalization and modernization of Chinese higher education. We appreciate greatly the educational philosophy of UIC and admire the friends and the fellow stakeholders who have established and have continued to contribute to the growth of the institution. You are the true pioneers in the development of Chinese higher education. Being the Honorary Fellows of UIC allows us the opportunity to witness the continued development of this new model university. We would love to contribute our particular talents to the sustained growth of UIC as a pioneering institution. I believe all of us here are proud to celebrate the bright future of UIC.

Today is your graduation ceremony. I congratulate you on the completion of your study and on the receipt of your diploma. Today is a great occasion in the journey of your life. Your undergraduate life has become history, but I believe that this journey of study will accompany you throughout your life. I hope that you will never forget the gifts that UIC, your alma mater, has bestowed on you. What does alma mater mean to you? It represents a search for knowledge, a quest for truth, and most importantly, the commitment to achieving these ideals.

We strongly endorse the UIC mission to achieve a “whole-person” and “liberal arts” education. These ideals should not be restricted to the confines of your college experience but should become your lifelong pursuit. All UIC graduates should be honest and upright: possess a global vision, an empathetic heart, and a lofty mission but, above all, be down to earth. These are the characters for a true intellectual and the requirements for all UIC graduates. I hope that you will all remember the expectation of your alma mater. Work tirelessly to contribute to the society, to our country and to the world in order that your achievements will add to the reputation of your alma mater and to the Chinese people.

I cordially and enthuastically offer my congratulations on your graduation and wish you all great success! Thank you all!