On the afternoon of 23rd June, the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025 Graduates of the Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, NPU, was held at the Ao'xiang Student Centre on the Chang'an Campus. Song Baowei, President of NPU, and Colin Bailey, Principal of QMUL, attended the ceremony and delivered addresses. Attendees included Yang Yixin, Vice President of NPU; Wen Wang, Vice Principal of QMUL; heads of relevant departments from both institutions; the entire class of QMES 2025 graduates; and representatives of their families and friends. The ceremony was presided over by Fan Xiaoli, Dean of QMES.
Song Baowei, President of NPU, extended heartfelt congratulations and sincere expectations on behalf of Li Yanrong, Secretary of the NPU Party Committee, and the entire NPU community to the graduating students who have completed their studies. He also paid high tribute to QMES and QMUL faculty, who dedicated their efforts to NPU's development and student growth, as well as to the students' parents. He stated that both institutions shoulder the significant responsibility of advancing higher education. For the graduates, Song put forward three key expectations: first, to nurture a profound bond with their homeland while embracing a global vision, and stepping forward courageously to fulfil their mission in building a strong nation. Second, to break free from outdated norms and pioneer new paths, striving to lead at the frontiers of scientific and technological innovation. Third, to uphold openness and inclusivity, fostering mutual learning among civilisations and leading the way in shaping the future through global engagement. Song Baowei urged the graduates to keep in mind the "fundamental interests of the nation", aligning their aspirations with the grand cause of national rejuvenation. He encouraged them to apply their solid academic foundation and innovative spirit to cutting-edge scientific research and to engage the world with a broad perspective and cross-cultural competence. Finally, he wished the graduates bright futures, hoping they would frequently return to their alma mater to write new chapters in Chinese-British educational cooperation jointly.
Colin Bailey, Principal of QMUL, extended his warmest congratulations to the graduates and expressed his sincere gratitude to their families, friends, and teachers. He highlighted that the collaboration between the two institutions has effectively integrated top-tier educational resources from China and the UK, creating a distinctive educational platform for students. Graduates, he said, have not only acquired extensive knowledge but have also developed cross-cultural communication skills, a nuanced understanding of global affairs, and adaptability to diverse international contexts, which are all crucial elements for their future success. He encouraged the graduates to seize the opportunities presented by the times and contribute their strengths to societal progress.
Zhang Yuxiang, a graduate of the Class of 2022 and currently a PhD student at the National University of Singapore, spoke as an alumni representative. She stated that during her four years of undergraduate study, QMES's internationalised education had nurtured her critical thinking and self-directed learning abilities, which are all the competencies that have since emerged as core strengths in her academic research. Urging her fellow graduates to move forward confidently, she emphasised, "Wherever your future paths may lead, carry forward the problem-solving skills and cross-disciplinary thinking nurtured by our university, and face challenges bravely."
Ma Zhiheng, a student from the Materials Science and Engineering programme, delivered a speech for all graduating students. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude and respect to his classmates, family, and alma mater. Admitting that his four-year academic journey had been filled with joy, challenges, and growth, he noted that "Enjoy" now stood as the most fitting term to encapsulate these formative years. He concluded by saying, "We have grown into interdisciplinary talents equipped with global competitiveness, an innovative spirit, and cross-cultural communication skills. The world is our classroom, and the future is ours to shape!"
Honorary certificates were presented during the ceremony, including the NPU Outstanding Graduate Award, the QMUL Principal's Prize, the Best Dissertation Award, and the Most Improved Student Award.
Subsequently, graduate representatives presented bouquets to representatives of their class tutors, grade advisors, and QMES administrative staff.
During the QMUL degree conferral segment, Dai Fuping, Secretary of the QMES Party Committee, read out the list of graduates and their degree classifications.
Song Baowei and Colin Bailey jointly presented degree certificates and turned the tassels for the graduates. Principal Bailey also specifically presented QMUL degree certificates and turned the tassels for the dual-degree graduates.
Before the commencement of the graduation ceremony, Song Baowei held a cordial meeting with a delegation led by Colin Bailey. During the discussion, both sides shared reflections on the longstanding ties between the two institutions, engaged in in-depth exchanges on educational practices, and explored prospects for future collaboration.
Both parties unanimously agreed that cooperation between the two institutions has deepened significantly in recent years. This meeting, they noted, would further strengthen their deep-rooted collaborative partnership in the field of education, laying a solid foundation for cultivating high-calibre talents with a global perspective and injecting fresh impetus into the joint advancement of educational endeavours.
It is reported that 87% of the 214 QMES graduates of the Class of 2025 will advance to further study, setting a new record high for QMES. Among them, 73 students plan to pursue advanced degrees at world-leading universities such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the National University of Singapore. A further 110 students will enter prestigious domestic institutions, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University. Meanwhile, a portion of graduates have chosen to enter employment or start their businesses, aiming to contribute their strengths to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Text: Ma Huili and Wang Cuiping
Photo: Guo Youjun, Lu Di, and Han Zhenyu
Translator: Shen Xinyi
Reviewer: Fan Xiaoli, Dai Fuping, and Ma Xiping
