The Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs of Tamkang University held the 2026 International Student Graduation Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on June 4 in the Chang Yeo Lan International Conference Hall of the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center. Vice President for International Affairs Hsiao-Chuan Chen, Dean of International Affairs Chien-Mu Yeh, faculty members from various colleges and departments, and more than 200 family members attended the event to celebrate the achievements of 146 international graduates from around the world as they completed their studies and embarked on a new chapter in life. The ceremony not only marked the culmination of their academic journeys but also symbolized their readiness to step onto a broader international stage with the courage and knowledge they gained in Taiwan.

In her remarks, Vice President Chen emphasized that while graduation signifies an ending, it is, in essence, a new beginning. She reflected on the challenges international students faced when they first arrived in Taiwan, including language barriers and cultural adjustment. Through perseverance and determination, however, they overcame both academic and personal obstacles, making Taiwan and Tamkang University an integral part of their life stories. She reminded graduates that although they would soon leave campus, Tamkang University would always remain their home in Taiwan. With more than 330,000 alumni and 151 alumni associations worldwide, the University's extensive alumni network would continue to serve as a strong source of support. She encouraged graduates to apply what they had learned to contribute to society and the world and to become future leaders and innovators.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of Student Club Leadership Awards, Outstanding Service Awards, and diplomas. Faculty members took turns presenting awards, conferring degrees, and conducting the tassel-turning ceremony. Two overseas compatriot students from Indonesia delivered remarks as representatives of the graduating class. Shiena Chailand from the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering and Cathleen Fiona Mallian from the Department of Business Administration shared how they had arrived in Taiwan with a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity and initially felt lost in a new environment. However, through participation in international exchange programs and student organizations, they developed independence, adaptability, and a strong sense of belonging. Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, they encouraged their fellow graduates with the words: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” They expressed hope that wherever life may take them, they would continue to create positive change in the world.

Representing international students, Jean-Francois Morin from Canada, from the graduating class of the Department of Banking and Finance, opened his speech with humor, noting that he was often mistaken for a professor. He recalled arriving at Tamkang during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students were required to quarantine in designated hotels upon entering Taiwan. He described the experience as a test of commitment and perseverance. Looking back on his four years at Tamkang, he said the experience had fostered empathy that transcended national boundaries and taught him how to face uncertainty through collaboration. Family members and friends traveled from near and far to attend the ceremony, many dressed in traditional attire from their home countries, adding vibrant multicultural colors to the event. The ceremony concluded with a commemorative video presentation, bringing this meaningful chapter of academic life to a heartfelt and memorable close.

Hananta Suryajaya from Indonesia, a graduating student of the Department of International Business, shared the story behind his decision to study in Taiwan. With a smile, he explained that the opportunity originated from his father’s “strict requirement.” Having studied in Taiwan himself during his university years, Hananta Suryajaya’s father insisted that each of his children pursue higher education abroad to broaden their horizons, while limiting their choices to Asia for cultural reasons. He noted that Taiwan has long been a popular destination among Indonesian students. The warm support of fellow Indonesians and Taiwan’s welcoming environment made his overseas study experience far less lonely and filled it with many happy memories.

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