Taiwan Tech held its 2026 Commencement Ceremony today (May 23), celebrating the achievements of 3,410 graduates. Among them were 2,019 master’s graduates from 27 countries and 140 doctoral graduates representing 30 countries. The ceremony featured a keynote address by Shen-Hsien Chen, Chairman of Sinotech Engineering Consultants Ltd. and a distinguished Taiwan Tech alumnus, who offered encouragement and inspiration to the graduating class.

Taiwan Tech held its 2026 Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 3,410 students.

In his commencement address, Taiwan Tech President Jia-Yush Yen quoted the famous opening line from “A Tale of Two Cities”: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. He noted that today’s graduates stand at a similarly paradoxical yet opportunity-filled moment in history. President Yen emphasized that in the age of artificial intelligence, society needs individuals who can turn ideas into action, confidently operate various technologies and equipment, and instinctively solve problems through practical experience. He stated that NTUST’s education equips students with precisely these strengths and the confidence to face future challenges.

Taiwan Tech President Jia-Yush Yen quoted “A Tale of Two Cities” in his commencement speech.

President Yen also encouraged graduates to remember their responsibility to give back to society after achieving success. He reminded students that many scholarship opportunities at Taiwan Tech exist because of the generosity of alumni and urged graduates to carry forward the same spirit by contributing to a better world in the future.

Shen-Hsien Chen, Chairman of Sinotech Engineering Consultants Ltd. and a distinguished Taiwan Tech alumnus, delivered the keynote address.

This year's (2026) graduation ceremony featured a keynote speech by Mr. Shen-Hsien Chen, Chairman of Sinotech Engineering Consultants Ltd., a distinguished alumnus of Taiwan Tech. In his speech, Chairman Chen shared that every individual is blessed with unique talents and strengths. By identifying and developing those strengths, remaining committed to one’s goals, and working diligently, anyone can achieve meaningful success. He emphasized the importance of holding on to values and principles that endure throughout life, noting that success can take many forms but ultimately should lead to a better quality of life.

Yu-Wen Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Tech Alumni Association, also addressed the graduates, expressing pride in being part of the Taiwan Tech community.

Chairman Wu stated that being a member of the Taiwan Tech family is something to be proud of. He reminded graduates that life after university will not always be smooth and that truly successful people are not those who never fail, but those who learn how to rise again after setbacks. He encouraged graduates with the message: “You may not be able to determine the length of your life, but you can determine its depth and brightness”. He urged them not to fear making mistakes but instead to fear never taking the first step.

Michael Santoso, a graduating student from Surabaya, Indonesia, delivered the student representative speech.

Michael Santoso reflected that not everyone has the opportunity to study abroad, nor does everyone have the chance to graduate from Taiwan Tech. He noted that privilege and good fortune also come with responsibility. According to Santoso, graduation is not only about finding employment but also about becoming a bridge between cultures, a solver of global challenges, and proof that one’s starting point does not determine one’s ultimate destination. He encouraged fellow graduates not only to walk through the doors opened for them but also to reach back and help others access similar opportunities. “Transform the life-changing opportunities you have received into opportunities that change the lives of others,” he said.

Among this year’s graduates, Tzu-Hao Chang from the Department of Design achieved a remarkable accomplishment by receiving a government-sponsored scholarship through the Ministry of Education’s Elite Study Abroad Program for Arts and Design. Ranked first nationwide in the Product Design category, he was admitted to Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin in Germany. Chang expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Education’s support, noting that the scholarship was awarded after nearly a year of rigorous evaluations and multiple rounds of review by domestic and international experts. The funding will allow him to pursue his studies abroad without financial concerns and fully dedicate himself to realizing his aspirations.

Taiwan Tech design graduate Tzu-Hao Chang was admitted to Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin as the top-ranked recipient of the Ministry of Education’s Elite Study Abroad Program for Arts and Design in Product Design.

During his upcoming year in Germany, Chang hopes to immerse himself in innovative design thinking and advanced design methodologies while gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences. He plans to bring these insights back to Taiwan and share them with future generations of designers. He also expressed his desire to contribute to Taiwan’s design industry and design education sector, helping promote educational innovation and industrial advancement through design.

The 2026 Taiwan Tech Commencement Ceremony marked not only a farewell to campus life but also the beginning of a new chapter.

The 2026 Taiwan Tech Commencement Ceremony marked not only a farewell to campus life but also the beginning of a new chapter. From the encouragement offered by faculty members and alumni to the aspirations and commitments expressed by graduates themselves, the ceremony reflected the defining characteristics of Taiwan Tech students: practical competence, global perspectives, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Equipped with the courage, knowledge, and skills cultivated during their time at Taiwan Tech, graduates will now embark on journeys across the world, contributing to diverse fields and responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing era with confidence and purpose.