On 2 and 3 August 2025, Hong Kong Chu Hai College held its 75th Commencement, conferring a total of 1,559 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees across six sessions. Surrounded by the support and blessings of faculty, family, friends, the Board of Governors, and organisers, the graduates prepared to embark on new chapters in their lives.

The ceremonies welcomed six distinguished, cross-disciplinary leaders as honoured guests: Prof. Chang Hsin Kang, Emeritus President and Chair Professor at City University of Hong Kong; Mr. Shih Wing Ching, Founder and Chairman of Centaline Group; Dr. Jane Lee, President of Our Hong Kong Foundation; Mr. Shum Ka Sang, Chairman of Wah Sang Group; Prof. Cheng Pei Kai, former Director of the Chinese Civilisation Centre at City University of Hong Kong; and Dr. Michael Luk Yan Lung, Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong. These esteemed guests not only offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduates but also inspired them with diverse perspectives for their future journeys.

In his address, Prof. Chang Hsin Kang reflected on the College's history and the regional mission embodied in the name "Chu Hai." Acknowledging the emergence of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the South China Sea as dual hubs of global economic and technological advancement, he encouraged graduates to use their diplomas as keys to establish a foothold in the Greater Bay Area while embracing the broader stage of the South China Sea, thereby writing new chapters in their lives.

Mr. Shih Wing Ching shared his unique "self-scoring" philosophy, recounting how he dedicated himself to studying Hong Kong's property cycle theory after achieving financial freedom within two years of entrepreneurship. He emphasised that graduation marks the beginning of self-directed learning and urged graduates to establish lifelong self-evaluation mechanisms, continuously assess their progress, and create profound value in their lives.

Dr. Jane Lee addressed graduates from six programmes, praising architecture programmes for shaping spaces that embody civilisation, civil engineering programmes for laying the foundations of cities, computer science programmes for driving the world with code, and cultural heritage programmes for safeguarding our national memory. Reflecting on the College's challenging beginnings, she advocated for breaking down professional barriers and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to build a better world.

Mr. Shum Ka Sang offered graduates three valuable pieces of advice: to cherish the College motto in their hearts, to value the bonds of friendship with their classmates, and to cultivate a passionate love for their country. He also presented three keys for life: to use professionalism as a tool to tackle real-world challenges, to embrace innovation as a means to transcend traditional boundaries, and to preserve one’s passion as an anchor for staying true to one’s original aspirations.

Prof. Cheng Pei Kai emphasised that the pursuit of knowledge with unwavering integrity forms the bedrock of personal growth. He advised graduates to leverage their professional expertise as a tool for adapting to today’s rapidly changing global landscape. He encouraged them to fully utilise the city's strategic advantage of being "backed by the motherland and connected to the world" and to actively participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Dr. Michael Luk Yan Lung encouraged the students of the Department of Chinese Literature to carry forward the torch of scholarship. He reflected on the contributions of Professor Lo Hsiang-lin, a pioneer in South China studies, and emphasised the significance of Lingnan as a model of "diverse unity within Chinese civilisation." He urged graduates to seek breadth in their expertise while safeguarding the cultural legacy of Lingnan.

Interim President Ms. Jane Zhang expressed three key expectations for the graduates: to face adversity with courage and resilience, to build interpersonal connections with empathy, and to broaden horizons through reading and travel. She further encouraged them to navigate the era of AI by mastering technology rather than being enslaved by it, balancing personal achievement with social contribution, and boldly stepping out of their comfort zones to explore infinite possibilities.

The first session of the Commencement was authorised by Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Chairman of the Board of Governors, for the Conferment of Testimonials. This year, two outstanding graduates received the "President's List" award: Zheng Zhiqin from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Arcilla Ernestine Joyce from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Interim President Ms. Jane Zhang presented their certificates in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and exemplary character.

The College wishes all graduates a future brimming with limitless possibilities and extraordinary achievements!