The University held its 2026 Academic Year Commencement Ceremony at Yunqing Hall (雲青館) on June 13, celebrating the achievements of more than 2,200 graduates. Surrounded by the heartfelt congratulations and best wishes of their families, friends, and faculty members, the graduates marked the successful completion of their university journey and prepared to embark on a new chapter in their lives.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered a special congratulatory video message to the graduating class, encouraging young people to embrace the challenges of a new era with courage and confidence. Renowned Mandopop singer Chuo Yi-Feng (卓義峯) was invited as the finale guest performer, treating the audience to beloved hits including The Great Sun, Destined to Win, and Goodbye Fireworks. Through his powerful and energetic performance, he extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the graduates as they embarked on their future endeavors.
Chairman Tseng Wei-Lung (曾韋龍) encouraged graduates that, whether they choose to pursue further studies or enter the workforce directly, they will ultimately step into society and begin a new stage of life. He urged them to uphold the University’s motto of “Perseverance, Integrity, Sincerity, and Simplicity,” to treat others with kindness, and to cultivate meaningful interpersonal relationships. Chairman Tseng emphasized that, in today’s society, the most valuable and truly wise individuals are those who possess the ability to solve problems. He encouraged graduates to face future challenges with confidence and transform the knowledge and skills they have acquired into meaningful contributions to society.
In his address to the graduating class, President Lee Tien-Hsiang (李天祥) expressed his immense pride and heartfelt appreciation for the graduates’ achievements. He commended students for demonstrating remarkable initiative and a strong commitment to putting their knowledge into practice throughout their time at the University. Whether by supporting themselves through part-time work and scholarships, gaining early industry experience through internships, or developing interdisciplinary expertise, they have truly embodied the distinctive Kun Shan spirit of being both action-oriented and broad-minded.
President Lee emphasized that these years of hard work and perseverance will become their greatest source of strength in the future. He also cited a range of objective indicators highlighting the University’s strong academic foundation and outstanding educational achievements, reaffirming graduates’ confidence in the value of their alma mater.
According to the latest employer survey released by 1111 Job Bank, the University ranks among the Top 2 private universities of science and technology in central and southern Taiwan most favored by employers. It also secured the No. 1 position among private universities of science and technology in central and southern Taiwan in the “Best Cross-disciplinary Competence” category. In addition, the University was recognized by Cheers magazine’s Best University Guide as one of the nation’s Top 4 private universities of science and technology preferred by employers.
In university-industry collaboration, the University has continued to capitalize on Tainan’s robust industrial clusters, achieving another milestone this year by receiving the Outstanding Industry–Academia Collaboration Award from the Chinese Institute of Engineers for the 13th consecutive time. It remains the only private university of science and technology in Taiwan to earn this distinction. The University also advanced to second place among private universities of science and technology in Global Views Monthly’s industry–academia collaboration rankings.
President Lee Tien-Hsiang said with pride that these achievements demonstrate that Kun Shan graduates possess the practical skills and workplace readiness sought by employers. Backed by a global alumni network of more than 150,000 graduates, he encouraged the Class of 2026 to remain resilient, embrace innovation, and confidently seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI era.
Honorary Chair Professor Sung Kuang-Fu (宋光夫), Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Chairman of Chi Mei Foods, shared insights from his own life journey. He remarked that even at the age of 90, when many would be enjoying retirement, he has never dwelt on past accomplishments but instead continues to value every opportunity to contribute to society. Recalling how he returned to Taiwan from the United States at the invitation of Chi Mei founder Hsu Wen-Lung (許文龍), he noted that he had never imagined entering the food industry. Today, Chi Mei steamed buns are enjoyed around the world, yet he continues to live by the principle of “Make a difference.” He encouraged graduates to recognize that the world—like their future—is without limits, and urged them to make the most of the freedom and opportunities before them by pursuing their dreams with courage.
Liao Yen-Hsun (廖彥勛)- Associate Director of Technical Program Management at NVIDIA, encouraged graduates to “always be prepared” so they can seize opportunities whenever they arise. Speaking about the coming era of AI and robotics, he emphasized that AI is not something to fear. Just as the steam engine once replaced horse-drawn carriages while giving rise to entirely new industries, AI will likewise create new opportunities for innovation and growth. He remarked, “AI will not replace humans, but it will replace those who do not know how to use AI.”
He urged graduates not to let uncertainty keep them from learning, adding, “The tide of change is unstoppable. Those who complain about the size of the waves will be swept away, while those who learn to surf will ride the crest of the wave.”
To provide meaningful support for students as they transition into the next stage of their careers, the University has been ahead of the curve since the 2014 academic year by establishing Entrepreneurship (Employment) Scholarships and Graduate Research Assistant Scholarships for postgraduate students. This year, the maximum scholarship award reaches NT$160,000, with total funding expected to exceed NT$6.6 million, helping students pursue further studies, entrepreneurship, and employment with confidence.
The University’s investment in student development is also reflected in its outstanding graduate outcomes. According to a survey conducted by 104 Job Bank, the employment rate of Kun Shan University graduates exceeds 95 percent, while more than half of graduates secure a starting salary of over NT$40,000 per month. The University’s overall employment outcomes and graduate salaries continue to rank among the best among private universities of science and technology in central and southern Taiwan.
During the ceremony, the University presented a number of distinguished honors, including the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, the Mayor’s Award, the Speaker’s Award, the Student Professional Achievement Award, the Outstanding Youth Award for College Students, and the Outstanding and Excellent Overseas Chinese Graduating Students Award, recognizing students for their exceptional achievements in character, academic excellence, physical education, leadership, and overall development.
Among this year’s honorees, Liao Yen-Hsun, a graduate of the Department of Electrical Engineering and recipient of the 20th Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, was recognized for leading the development of NVIDIA’s first AI server, DGX-1, a milestone that helped transform the company into a global leader in artificial intelligence. His remarkable journey of professional excellence and cross-disciplinary innovation serves as an inspiring model for the graduating class.
Notably, before the commencement ceremony, Liao Yen-Hsun personally presented scholarships to members of the University’s baseball team as part of his continued commitment to giving back to his alma mater. In addition to pledging an annual donation of NT$200,000 to support the University’s Division I baseball team scholarship program, he also contributed an additional NT$100,000 to assist the Division II team’s training and development.
One of today’s scholarship recipients, graduating senior Lin Chia-Hsien (林家賢) , was recognized with the Sports Achievement Award for his outstanding performance during his studies and has already been selected to join the Tainan City Baseball Team. He is scheduled to report to the team after completing his military service following graduation. The distinguished alumnus’ meaningful support for his alma mater on this special occasion made his return to campus all the more significant.
The commencement ceremony brought together distinguished guests from government, industry, academia, and research, who gathered to celebrate this important milestone with the graduating class. Among the honored guests in attendance were Ambassador Donya L. Francis of the Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis in Taiwan; Honorary Chair Professor Sung Kuang-Fu, Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Chairman of Chi Mei Foods; Liao Yen-Hsun, Associate Director of Technical Program Management at NVIDIA; Emanuel C. De Guzman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Adam V. Ramilo, Vice President for Administration, both from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines; Chen Shu-Mei, Director-General of the Tainan City Government Land Administration Bureau; Huang Ching-Shu, Chairman of Hendar Group; Fang Yun-Yi, Chairman of E-Nai Machinery Co., Ltd.; Cheng Chun-Ming, Chairman of Nan Tai Color Printing Co., Ltd.; Chou Li-Feng, Chairman of the Tainan Hospitality Education Association; Huang Ying-Yen, Counselor of the Tainan Chapter of the China Youth Corps; Lin Kun-Wei, Head Coach of the Tainan City Baseball Team; Wu Cheng-Han, Chairman of the Kun Shan International School Foundation; Tsai Yu-Ping, Principal of Tainan Municipal Lu-Xin Senior High School; Chen Su-Chen, Principal of Tzu-Yu Vocational High School; Chiu Feng-Yi, Principal of Kun Shan Senior High School; Tsai Pei-Yu, Head of the Department of Fashion Design at National Tainan Chia-Chi Senior High School; and Liang Shih-Chi, Director of Personnel at the Affiliated Senior High School of National University of Tainan.
The ceremony also recognized distinguished alumni who have made outstanding contributions across a wide range of professional fields. Recipients of the 20th Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award are: Chang Ling-Hung, Chairman of Shanhua Industrial Co., Ltd. (Department of Mechanical Engineering); Weng Yu-Jui, Chairman of Yong Jin Technology Co., Ltd. (Department of Mechanical Engineering); Yu Tsung-Ju, Deputy General Manager of Kaodu Automobile Co., Ltd. (Department of Electrical Engineering); Liao Yen-Hsun, Associate Director of Technical Program Management at NVIDIA (Department of Electrical Engineering); Wu Tien-Shu, Chairman of Chan Hui Optical Co., Ltd. (Department of Applied Materials Engineering); Lee Hsi-Chi, Chairman of Crowne Plaza Tainan (Department of Environmental Engineering); Hung Che-Sheng, Chairman of Hong En Group (Department of Environmental Engineering); Chen Ping-Hung, Founder of Win Shang Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (Department of Electrical Engineering); Yang Chung-Cheng, Tainan City Councilor (Department of Business Administration); and Lin Cheng-Yuan, Founder of Guan Ya Feng Technology Co., Ltd. (Department of Business Administration).
Recipients of the 20th Outstanding Young Alumni Award are: Lai Ming-Pin, Ph.D. and Senior Specialist, Environmental Protection and Energy Department, Automotive Research & Testing Center (Department of Mechanical Engineering); Tsai Han-Sheng, Founder of Deviance Studio (Department of Visual Communication); Chiang Yi-Ning, Editor at Zhaba Image Production Co., Ltd. (Department of Visual Communication); Yu Li-Wen, Freelance Art Director (Department of Visual Communication); and Wang Kai-Hsuan, Executive Director of Kenmec Mechanical Engineering Co., Ltd. (Department of Housing Management).
