From 7 to 8 June 2025, as BNBU celebrates its 20th anniversary, the university held its 17th Graduation Ceremony, marking the commencement of over 2,000 undergraduates and nearly 1,300 postgraduates of the Class of 2025.
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi addressed the graduates with a powerful message built around three key words: Choice, Diligence, and Creativity, each illustrated through stories of inspiring alumni: one followed her dream of becoming a pilot over a prestigious academic offer; one pursued long-term research in African studies; and a third built a start-up rooted in empathy and execution. Prof Chen encouraged graduates to carry these values forward, embodying BNBU’s spirit: “‘Be Novel, Be Unique’ or ‘Be Novel, Be You’.” Ultimately, he reminded the students that the university would always be a home and haven for their minds. (Read more: President Chen Zhi’s Address at the 17th Graduation Ceremony: Choice, Diligence, Creativity: Be Novel, Be Unique!)
This year’s ceremony also featured the conferment of Honorary Fellowships to five distinguished individuals in science, education, and culture: Nobel Laureate in Economics and Member of the US National Academy of Sciences, Prof Robert John Aumann; Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chairman of the Chinese Society for Probability and Statistics, Prof Chen Songxi; American Sinologist and Emeritus Professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Prof William H. Nienhauser, Jr.; National Advanced Individual in Poverty Alleviation, and Founder of the Adream Foundation, Ms Pan Jiangxue; and Founder of SML Group and Founding President of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole Fan Club, Dr Simon Siu Man Suen.
Prof Robert John Aumann
Prof Chen Songxi
Prof William H. Nienhauser, Jr.
Ms Pan Jiangxue
Dr Simon Siu Man Suen
The conferment ceremony was chaired by Chairman of the BNBU Council and Executive Vice President of Beijing Normal University Dr Wang Shoujun. Chairman of the Council and the Court of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Dr the Hon Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, and HKBU President Prof Alexander Wai attended the ceremony.
A press conference was organised after the ceremony, where the Honorary Fellows shared insights on game theory, statistics, classical studies, charity, and talent cultivation with well-known news outlets, including China News Service, Economic Daily, Southern Daily, 21st Century Business Herald, Southern Metropolis Daily, Guangdong Television Station, Zhuhai Media Group and Jornal “Va Kio”.
This year, as the graduates step into the next chapter, many have already received offers for further studies from world-renowned universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, ETH Zurich, UC Berkeley, Yale, Columbia, University College London, the National University of Singapore, Carnegie Mellon, and other top institutions in China, including Xiamen University, Jilin University, Hunan University, Central University of Finance and Economics. Others are joining leading employers such as ByteDance, Gree Electric Appliances, the Big Four accounting firms, and Shenzhen Customs.
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi presents a graduation certificate to a graduate
BNBU Provost Prof Patrick Chau presents a graduation certificate to a graduate
BNBU Vice President (Academic) Prof Zhou Yongming presents a graduation certificate to a graduate
Party Secretary of the College Party Committee and Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing with a graduate
BNBU Vice President (Research and Development) Prof Pan Jianxin presents a graduation certificate to a graduate
BNBU Associate Vice President (Teaching and Learning) Prof Huang Yu with a graduate
BNBU Associate Vice President (Student Development) Prof Stella Cho presents a graduation certificate to a graduate
Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Prof Adolf Ng presents the yearbook to a graduate
Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof Tze-ki Hon presents the yearbook to a graduate
Dean of the School of Culture and Creativity Prof Eugene Ch'ng presents a yearbook to a graduate
Associate Dean of the Graduate School Dr Ricky Hou presents a yearbook to a graduate
Acting Dean of the School of General Education Prof Guo Haipeng presents a yearbook to a graduate
Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Prof Deng Yuhui presents a yearbook to a graduate
Seven student representatives from across disciplines shared their growth stories at BNBU, from turning doubts into lifelong passions, to finding purpose in creativity, from sleepless nights of study to building leadership through teamwork. Their reflections revealed the unique, liberal arts-driven education that BNBU offers, a place where students are empowered to cross disciplines, embrace uncertainty, and grow holistically.
Chen Zhangjing from the Faculty of Science and Technology: “BNBU is not a place that teaches students to follow a standard answer. It’s a place that encourages students like us to raise questions—and to look for answers that are our own.”
Chen Ziye from the School of Culture and Creativity: “One of the best parts of being here was having so many chances to participate…These experiences taught me how to express ideas, work with others, and take responsibility—not only as a student but also as a communicator.”
Mo Wei from the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM): “At BNBU, I discovered the power of knowledge and mentorship…learning that leadership means listening, adapting, and uplifting others.”
Wu Chuyao from the FBM: “The campus life at BNBU has truly been the most brilliant chapter of our youth…these moments sparkle in our memories like stars, reminding us where we've been and lighting up where we’re going.”
Long Wenwei from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: “The liberal arts education and international opportunities at BNBU have empowered each of us with the courage to explore across fields and given us the global perspective to face the world with confidence.”
Kan Mengqi from the Graduate School (MA in Communication - Sports, Health & Communication): “I have acquired interdisciplinary knowledge in the classroom, engaged in enriching campus activities, and forged connections with remarkable individuals.”
Wang Jianing from the Graduate School (MA in Communication - Film, TV & New Media): “As we leave, let’s carry BNBU’s spirit: curious like a filmmaker’s lens, brave like a screenwriter’s first draft, and kind like a team’s late-night snack sharing.”
At BNBU, there is no standard path; just a lasting spirit of curiosity, courage, and discovery. Be Novel. Be Unique. Be You.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photographer: Hanna He
Videographer: Season Li, Owen Li
Editor: Season Li
