Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) held its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on June 21. Professor Shi Xie, Vice President of SYSU, presided over the ceremony.

In his speech at the ceremony, Professor Song Gao, President of SYSU, extended his congratulations to the graduates on the completion of their academic studies at SYSU.

Emphasizing the milestone significance, he noted that this year inaugurates the University’s second-century journey, making its first batch of graduates carry unique historical significance. He presented three “keys” to the graduates as compasses for navigating the future––nurturing curiosity, upholding innovation, and shouldering responsibilities.

Professor Song Gao, President of SYSU, delivers a speech.

Professor Qi Zhang, Vice Chair of the University Council, announced the commendation of Excellent Graduates and the list of Excellent Doctoral and Master's Theses for 2025.

Yuxuan Liu, from the School of Life Science, spoke as the representative of undergraduates. Qianwen Zeng, a doctoral graduate from the First Affiliated Hospital of SYSU, spoke as the representative of graduate students. Kairan Chen, an alumnus who graduated from the School of Computer Science and Engineering in 2013 with a bachelor's degree and graduated from the School of Software Engineering in 2017 with a master's degree, and currently Founder & CTO of Tungee Technology, delivered a speech as the alumni representative.

Yuxuan Liu speeks as the representative of undergraduates.

Qianwen Zeng speeks as the representative of graduate students.

Kairan Chen delivers a speech as the alumni representative.

At the ceremony, SYSU Azure Percussion Ensemble performed the percussion piece Song of Valencia. Following this, a vibrant medley of graduation-themed songs echoed through the venue, including the graduation song for the Class of 2025 A Letter to You, igniting the air with applause and nostalgic resonance.

President Song Gao announced the decision on the conferral of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Following the Degree Conferment Ceremony, Dr. Kongjun Zhu, Chairman of the University Council, addressed the ceremony on the theme of “responsibility," highlighting the university's founding ethos of commitment to national prosperity.

“Wherever your paths lead,” Zhu concluded, “your commitment carries forward SYSU’s legacy. As you set sail, the alma mater is the wind at your sails; as you take root, it is the rain nourishing your growth; as you venture globally, its support shines like stars, a lifelong guide.”

Here we extend our warmest wishes to the Class of 2025, who now close a transformative chapter of their lives at SYSU. Cheers to these graduates as they carry SYSU’s legacy forward, stepping boldly into futures that blend academic rigor with social responsibility. The alma mater sends them forth with boundless pride—go forth and make your mark!

Photographers: Zhang Yan, Shen Qinghua, Wang Xichen