NSD and ISSCAD Commencement Grandly Held
Jun 25-2024
On June 22, 2024, Peking University National School of Development (NSD) and Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) jointly held a commencement for 2024 graduates at PKU Centennial Lecture Hall. NSD’s MBA graduates and their peers from other programs of the two schools, including undergraduate, dual-degree, postgraduate and Ph.D. in Economics, EMBA and DPS, as well as ISSCAD Ph.D. and postgraduate, were joined by their families and faculty members in the grand ceremony.
After taking group photos, the ceremony got going with the opening speech by Prof. Lei Xiaoyan, host of the ceremony and NSD CCP Secretary and Director of Academic Committee. A proud chorus of the national anthem then followed.
In his address, Prof. Huang Yiping, Dean of the NSD, congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to value ‘patience’. He stressed that patience is both an ability and a character, especially in this era when economic growth is transiting towards an innovation-led mode. Rather than compromising with the real world, patience comprises a positive and proactive attitude. Preserving patience is highly difficult. He advised the graduates to analyze problems from multiple perspectives, especially during challenging times. What buttresses patience are responsibility, passion, and aspiration, he pointed out.
As teacher representative, NSD Associate Professor Huang Wei shared his three expectations centering on the theme ‘return’ in his speech. Firstly, return to oneself and dare to change in the ever-changing society. Secondly, return to the basics and safeguard original aspirations in the complexity-laden era. Thirdly, while pursuing excellence, return to society and serve the motherland. He hoped that the PKU spirit and NSD teachings will be beacons to constantly guide and accompany all students in their life journey.
Student representatives, including Mr. Wang Zhiqiu from the MBA program, also took to the stage to share their thoughts, plans, and gratitude.
Mr. Zhao Fengtao, Vice Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, and Mr. Xu Kai, Vice President of Academy for International Business Officials, MOFCOM, then addressed ISSCAD graduates and encouraged them to contribute to the making of a global community of shared future and of a harmonious and wealthy world.
Mr. Chen Dongsheng, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Taikang Insurance Group, was the special guest at the commencement. In his speech, he shared three personal stories to illustrate his continuous efforts to stay true to his original aspirations and work towards his ideals.
Following the speeches was the degree-conferring ceremony, in which each and every graduate went on to the stage to receive their diplomas and had photos taken with teachers. As 2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the NSD, a video was played for all those present to look back at the deep footprints and enormous changes over the last thirty years.
