Remarks to Graduates of Yuan Ze University

The only thing that is constant is change.——Heraclitus
　

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The wisdom from Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus has stated: “The only thing that is constant is change.”  Reflecting on the history of human developments, the evolvement of automobile is the best example.  In the earliest stage of transportation, wagons were pulled by manpower and horsepower.  Following the industrial revolution in the West, steam powered automobiles significantly enhanced the efficiency of transportation.  In 1886, the first gasoline car was launched and quickly became popular.  Twenty years later, Ford produced the affordable Model T, 16.5 million cars were sold globally, making automobile the most common transportation vehicle.  Till this day, the dynamic advancements of eco-friendly technologies such as battery powered electric vehicles have been flourishing.  In the future, the human-driven cars will be replaced by the software-driven autonomous vehicles.

The present world is similar to the evolvements of automobiles that is constantly changing at an accelerating speed.  Under Moore’s Law, technologies have been advancing rapidly, computing efficiencies have been significantly enhanced, the cost of data storage continues to drop; with the latest communications network technologies, it not only brings connectedness, but the whole world is intertwined to form a digitalized and globalized market.  While seeking modernization, mankind has also negatively impacted on the environment, resulting in natural disasters and extreme weather to endanger the world economy.  To achieve sustainability, we must be more environmental-conscious.  The above-mentioned technology advancements, digital and global markets, climate changes are the three major sweeping forces, changing our accustomed living model and economic pattern.

During this extraordinary era of the “New Economies,” data has become the core of business and social activities.  The demand for traditional labor has dropped significantly, which is replaced by knowledge workers with the focus on analytical and creative skills.  Under this new era, the common applications of cloud computing, Internet of Things, 3D printing, robotics have become popular, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in particular is the most disruptive.  Currently, AI is integrated everywhere in our daily lives, including personalized merchandise recommendations, planning of transportation routes, smart assistants, smart home, smart banking, etc.  These applications are still in the starting stage; however, the future possibilities are unlimited.  Therefore, we must rethink through the relations between mankind and machine, how to effectively connect human brains with computers, so as to change and optimize our future lives.

Facing with the ever-changing “New Economies” era, I would encourage you to learn to be an “adaptable” person.  Being adaptable is the ability to respond to the world changes, the key is innovation and transformation.  After graduation, I would strongly encourage you to continue to pay attention to the technology advancements, follow up on the development of major trends, understand market dynamics, and frequently exchange ideas with friends from different fields.  Always learn more, absorb more, and reason more to internalize this knowledge as your own unique and innovative capabilities.  Upon accumulating various capabilities, when encountering challenges, you will be able to adapt it in a broader sense than others; when important opportunities approach, you can seize them more quickly than others.  Undoubtedly, on the future path, you will face many unexpected changes and challenges, please remember not to refrain yourself but think outside of the box, be brave to transform, be well prepared at any time, adjust your mindset, not afraid to make changes, but think how to turnaround.

While graduation means the end of your academic life, it is the beginning of lifelong learning.  Schooling is only one small step of your life, to get a firm step on this will place you at a better position on the starting point than others.  I believe Yuan Ze University has trained you well to be equipped with competitive edge ahead of peers.  However, a successful life requires your own cultivation.  Hope that you will not be complacent of the momentary achievements, as there will not only be one growth curve in life.  The success of each stage is just a process, you should remain humble, continue to improve so as to seek for the next growth curve and climb to the peak.

My best wishes for marching toward your success with courage starting from today!＃