—Igniting individual sparks, shining brighter together
On July 11, ShanghaiTech University celebrated its 2026 Commencement, marking the graduation of 429 bachelor’s, 541 master’s, and 325 doctoral students as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.
The commencement keynote address was delivered by Zhu Min, former deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, former deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, and former vice president of Bank of China. University leaders, representatives from the Shanghai Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and partner institutions, invited guests, faculty, staff, and graduates’ families gathered to celebrate the occasion. The ceremony was presided over by Yin Jie, executive vice president and provost of ShanghaiTech.
From “I” to “we”
In his commencement address, titled “Igniting individual sparks, shining brighter together,” Feng Donglai, ShanghaiTech president and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reflected on the accomplishments of the graduating class in scientific research, innovation, community engagement, industry practice, volunteer service, and campus life, before sharing his thoughts on the relationship between the individual and the collective.
Feng encouraged graduates to remain independent thinkers while recognizing that meaningful growth comes through collaboration. He noted that true leadership is measured not by proving oneself stronger than others, but by enabling everyone to become stronger together. He urged graduates to pursue excellence with a strong sense of responsibility, integrating their personal aspirations with the needs of society and the nation.
“To ignite one’s own spark is to remain true to one’s unique potential; to bring our sparks together is to light the way forward for others as well,” he said.
Believe in yourself, believe in the future
In his keynote address, “Believe in yourself, believe in the future,” Zhu Min reflected on more than five decades of academic and professional experience, sharing his perspectives on navigating change and uncertainty.
He described “believing in oneself” as a confidence grounded in self-awareness, continuous learning, and practical experience, while believing in the future means embracing uncertainty with a long-term perspective, a sense of responsibility, and the courage to act. As technological advances continue to reshape the world, he encouraged graduates to remain open-minded, resilient, and forward-looking as they chart their own paths.
Finding purpose through growth and exploration
Student and faculty representatives also shared reflections on learning, research, and innovation.
Undergraduate representative Zhao Haotian ’26 from the Institue of Mathematical Sciences spoke about his journey from pursuing academic achievement to pursuing genuine passions, expanding his horizons through mathematics, football, literature, and volunteer service. Doctoral graduate Zhang Ying ’23 MS, ’26 PhD, from the School of Physical Science and Technology reflected on overcoming self-doubt in research and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace uncertainty with perseverance and curiosity. Faculty representative Professor Chen Baile from the School of Information Science and Technology urged graduates not to simply follow popular trends, but to pursue emerging frontiers that align with their own interests and strengths.
Professor Chen Baile delivers his address as faculty representative.
Embarking on the next chapter
During the ceremony, the university recognized Outstanding Graduates and recipients of the ShanghaiTech President’s Award. Graduates then moved the tassels on their caps from right to left, marking both the completion of their studies and the beginning of a new chapter.
The ceremony also unveiled “Liuming,” a light installation created collectively by the graduating class. Composed of 1,536 illuminated lights, the artwork symbolizes each of the 2026 graduates shining individually while connected to one another as part of a greater whole. In addition, 49 graduating students and 24 alumni were appointed as alumni liaisons, further strengthening the lifelong connection between graduates and ShanghaiTech.
University leaders and graduating students unveil and light the “Liuming” installation.
From President Feng’s reflections on the relationship between “I” and “we,” to Zhu Min’s message of believing in oneself and the future; from graduates’ stories of growth and discovery to the unveiling of “Liuming,” the ceremony conveyed a shared message: in a world shaped by both uncertainty and opportunity, independent thinking and intellectual curiosity are inseparable from collaboration, responsibility, and a commitment to serving something larger than oneself.
Carrying that spirit forward, the 2026 graduating class now leaves ShanghaiTech to begin the next stage of its journey.