July 13, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of GTIIT was held at the Sports Center of the South Campus. Another cohort of students steps from here to the world stage, writing the next brilliant chapter of their lives.

Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng delivered a video address to the graduates. The ceremony was graced by Mr. Eli Belotsercovsky, Israeli Ambassador to China; Prof. Uri Sivan, Technion President; Prof. Mao Junfa, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chancellor of GTIIT; Mr. Tang Rui, Party Committee Secretary of Shantou University; Prof. Hao Zhifeng, President of Shantou University; Prof. Liu Wenhua, former Acting Chancellor of GTIIT and current President of Guangdong Ocean University; Mr. Huang Huiyang, member of GTIIT Board and former Vice Director of Standing Committee of Shantou Municipal People's Congress; Ms. Lin Jian, Second-Level Inspector of Shantou Government Office; Prof. Eli Aljadeff, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Mr. Rami Horesh, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director General of GTIIT; Prof. Gao Jian, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Prof. Lin Danming, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Dr. Frieda Law, Advisor of the Li Ka Shing Foundation; Ms. Michal Vaya, Deputy Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou; Mr. Alon Varod, Spokesperson of the Israeli Embassy in China; Mr. Ben Haimi, Economic Consul at the Consulate General of Israel in Guangzhou; as well as representatives from Shantou municipal agencies and partner institutions, GTIIT Board members, parents of graduates, media personnel, and GTIIT faculty and staff.

The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Moris Eisen and Dr. Queena Yi, Pro-Vice Chancellors of GTIIT.

The Cloth Horse Dance, a Guangdong intangible cultural heritage, galloped onto the stage to open the graduation ceremony with thunderous energy. Dazzling saddles and pounding steps filled the hall with high spirits, delivering a blessing of "success" to the graduates—may they charge forward like steeds towards the future.

Speech by Prof. Mao Junfa, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chancellor of GTIIT

In this uncertain world, may you look to the stars while staying grounded. Carry the spirit of Chutzpah, live by "Dream it. Do it." and take the innovative courage GTIIT has given you to embrace every opportunity beyond your comfort zone. Be the true protagonist of your own story!

Chancellor Mao then asked all graduates to rise and bow to their parents—a Technion tradition that continues with warmth at GTIIT. As they bowed low in unison, the brief silence in the hall said more than any words could.

Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng delivered a speech

This year is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. To act on its call to "encourage first-rate foreign universities of science and engineering to develop partner schools and programs in China," we must make GTIIT a model of excellence. This speaks to the enormous attention GTIIT has garnered. The Chinese Embassy in Israel will conscientiously implement the provisions of the Plan and, as always, provide GTIIT with its full support and assistance.

Speech by Prof. Uri Sivan, Technion President

You have spent your university years at the exact epicenter of a historical hinge -- the dawn of the "Artificial Intelligence Revolution". Artificial intelligence challenges every aspect of our lives. The temptation to surrender to it is great, but in my view, we must resist it. We may rely on it, but we must remember that there is no substitute for human connection, for eye contact, for deep knowledge, for doubt and critical thinking and, above all, for the uniqueness of each and every one of us and for the shared values that define us as a society. I think, therefore I am.

Keynote guest, Israeli Ambassador to China Eli Belotsercovsky, delivered a speech

There is one phenomena that I never cease to be fascinated with and this is the level of technological development in China. I could even talk to a car I bought in China and ask it difficult questions and receive very intelligent answers. This car can even, without any difficulty, park itself. Perhaps this is not surprising taking into consideration that the first ever mentioning of robots in world history was in China, 3000 years ago. And the spirit of innovation carries on to this day. Dear Alumni, don't go for a safe bet, dare to experiment, to develop, to risk. That is the time for it and I am sure that you will be very successful.

Israel's innovation DNA has taken root and flourished on the GTIIT campus. The inaugural "Israel Innovation Prize" and "GTIIT Undergraduate Innovation Prize" presented this year are a testament to this spirit taking shape—woven into the classroom, embedded in the curriculum, and ultimately internalized into the very fabric of GTIIT students' thinking, giving them the confidence to the world.

Feng Jiajun, recipient of the Israel Innovation Prize

Zhang Chuhan, recipient of the GTIIT Undergraduate Innovation Prize

Introduction of UG graduates' performance by Prof. Dganit Danino, Dean of GTIIT Undergraduate Studies

Introduction of the performance of Master and PhD graduates by Prof. Moshe Eizenberg, Dean of GTIIT Graduate Studies

Announcement of the degree granting decision by Prof. Eli Aljadeff, GTIIT Vice Chancellor

According to the latest statistics, the GTIIT Class of 2026 has so far received a total of 635 offers from 110 prestigious universities worldwide. This remarkable track record in graduate admissions stands as the strongest testament to GTIIT's high-quality talent cultivation.

Speech by Chen Mingjie, Undergraduate Graduation Representative

Science is not a straight line of discovery. It is a process of becoming. Not only discovering what is true — but also becoming someone who can think more deeply, observe more carefully, and work more patiently.

Speech by Li Jiayu, Master's Graduation Representative

From undergraduate study to postgraduate research, GTIIT has instilled in me a rigorous scientific mindset: to question the familiar, look beneath the surface, and challenge established answers. Beyond that, it has helped me outgrow my former timidity, step forward with confidence, and speak in a voice that is distinctly my own.

The choir's soulful performance brought the ceremony to the end. The fearless spirit of youth surged through the songs, turning farewell into the opening chapter of a journey ahead.

Graduates of 2026

May you forever keep your curiosity alive

carry the spirit of Chutzpah

that GTIIT has instilled in you

and scale the heights both in life and in science!

Dream it! Do it!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs