On July 13, the 2026 Commencement of Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) was held at its South Campus. Prof. Mao Junfa, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chancellor of GTIIT, stepped onto the podium for the first time as a "new member of the GTIIT family," offering heartfelt and powerful words to the graduates.

In his address, Chancellor Mao traced the students' journey from green youths to vibrant young adults, lauding their diligence and tenacity in the pursuit of knowledge. He encouraged them to stay true to their convictions, drive innovation amid a changing era, and boldly claim their role as the true protagonists in their lives.

The translation of the address:

In the height of summer, with farewell songs in the air, we gather at the South Campus of GTIIT to witness the solemn and stirring "coming-of-age" commencement for the Class of 2026.

First, please allow me, on behalf of the university, to welcome our distinguished guests, congratulate our graduates as they set sail, and pay high tribute to our devoted faculty and steadfast parents.

It is my great privilege to step onto this commencement stage for the first time as your new chancellor, and to share in this moment of youthful radiance with the Class of 2026. Thank you—you have given me, a newcomer to this role, the warmest and most brilliant opening.

Looking at you all, full of energy and ambition, I see sparks of innovation ready to light up the world. Though I wasn't here to witness every step of your progress, but every corner of this campus speaks of you—the endless experiments, the fiery debates, the spark of clarity after weeks of struggle. These are the most beautiful marks you've left on this young university. They are what I, as the new chancellor, want to hold close—and they are the very tokens that keep GTIIT moving forward.

At GTIIT, you have learned with passion, explored with courage, and let your talents shine. Every step you took was firm; every day you lived was vibrant. You are not mere vessels of knowledge—you are sparks of innovation. What this institute has given you is not just formulas and theorems, but a way of thinking—one that dares to break conventions and challenge the unknown. You have transformed from seeds into saplings, from green youths into vibrant young adults. What you have earned is not merely an accumulation of knowledge, but a forging of mind and character; not just a line on your diploma, but wisdom, resilience, and responsibility etched into your very being.

At GTIIT, you have worked hard for your goals and achieved remarkable success. Your exceptional graduate placements speak volumes: over 95% of you received offers from top-100 universities, nearly 40% from top-10 institutions—with admissions to Stanford, Yale, and other world-renowned institutions seeing a significant increase. Your accomplishments have added great luster to GTIIT's mission and value.

Now, I invite all of us here today to give a resounding round of applause to every exceptional GTIIT graduate!

Dear graduates, as you cheer for yourselves, don't forget those who have always been there for you—your parents and families, who have guided and supported you behind your flourishing growth. Now, please rise, turn around, face them, bow deeply, and say "Thank you" with all your heart.

Graduates, your success today is built on your own sweat—and on the fertile ground of innovation this university has provided. After years of hard work, we've come to a season of harvest. From its founding vision to the vibrant campus we see today, GTIIT has come a long way. We've watched our research capacity grow from scratch to a flourishing landscape of discoveries, and seen our students develop into young talents with both Chutzpah and scientific rigor. GTIIT now stands firmly at the forefront of Sino-foreign cooperative universities and shines as a gem of China-Israel educational cooperation. This young institution, with its strong academic foundation and global outlook, is fueling innovation into our nation's development. As we enjoy the fruits, please always remember not to forget the roots. Here, I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Israel, the Israeli Embassy in China, and the Israeli Consulate General in Guangzhou—their support has allowed our cross-cultural collaboration to thrive. I also want to thank the Technion and Shantou University for their steadfast partnership. And above all, to every GTIIT staff member—your devotion and hard work have built today's glory and will shape tomorrow's promise.

Dear graduates, you are entering a world more dynamic and complex than ever—a world reshaped by data and algorithms. Generative AI, quantum computing, AI for Science, humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, new energy revolutions—opportunities and challenges have never been more intertwined. And you have been equipped with both scientific rigor and humanistic depth amid this relentless tide. As your chancellor, as you embark on your journey, I would like to offer you three pieces of advice—in the hope that they will help you ride the waves and chart a steady, lasting course.

First, stand firm before uncertainty with the power of questioning.

In today's world, many problems come with no standard answers. From climate crisis to geopolitical shifts, from AI ethics to biosecurity, the challenges ahead are unprecedented. But remember, graduates—the unique training you've received at GTIIT has equipped you to tolerate ambiguity and pursue verification. Feynman once said, "I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned." And Einstein—one of the founding fathers of the Technion—believed that formulating a problem is often more important than solving it. To question boldly and verify rigorously—that is the most valuable skill you have honed in the lab. You may face pushback or even failure, but every sharp question is the starting point of progress.

Second, embrace AI and keep your humanity at the core.

AI can write papers, design experiments, and generate code—but it can't feel. At GTIIT, you've worked with frontier tech while staying grounded in everyday lives. The heart of science is not just logic and reason, but a deep care for humanity. As machines become more like us, we must hold on to what makes us distinct: empathy, creativity, and conscience. Use tools wisely, but do not be defined by them; pursue efficiency, but never lose your warmth; embrace change, but remember where you came from. Amid the torrent of algorithms, be a scientist with a soul and an engineer with a heart. Remember: technology tells you how to do—but only you can answer why to do.

Third, accept failure and the ordinary—and persevere to find your true self.

Life isn't a straight line on paper, and success comes in many forms. In the world of innovation, failure is far more common than success. But failure isn't who you are—it's just the setup for your next move. Einstein's special theory of relativity was once met with cold silence, but he kept his curiosity burning and went on to change the world with general relativity. Go at your own pace—as long as you're moving in the right direction. Every step counts. Accepting failure is a sign of maturity; accepting ordinariness is a quiet strength that only the truly strong possess. We want you to shine—but more than that, we want you to be healthy, kind, alive, and real.

Dear graduates, you are masters of science and mathematics, dreamers equipped with the power of algorithms. 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!

And now, you are ready to set sail. The journey is long—but never forget:

Wherever you go, GTIIT will always be your home—the shore you departed from, the harbor that shelters you in every storm. Our lights will always shine for you.

Go forth! Scale the mountains, sail the seas, and be the rising tide. Do not drift with the current—use your wisdom and courage to chart its course.

May your journey be filled with vision, direction, conviction, and fulfillment.

Thank you!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs