The donation ceremony took place during the “30th Anniversary Celebration of Zhenghong.” Guo Chenjian, Chairman and General Manager of Zhenghong, presented the contribution on behalf of the donor, while Professor Wang Hongwei, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and Management, accepted the donation. Key attendees included Professor Cheng Guoping, Associate Dean and Director of the Alumni and Corporate Relations Office (who also serves as Secretary-General of the School’s Alumni Association), and Zhang Yue, Deputy Director of the Alumni Office, both witnessing this significant milestone.

The “Tongji University—Zhenghong Charity Scholarships and Grants” will be specifically designated for outstanding students in Management Science and Engineering—a top-tier discipline at the school. This initiative aims to deepen collaboration in research commercialization and talent cultivation, establishing a long-term framework for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Xing Yue,an alumnus of the school (undergraduate in International Trade,class of 1998;master in Enterprise Management,class of 2002),Vice President of Alibaba,and Chief Strategy Development Officer of Zebra Intelligence,delivered a speech as the alumni representative.In her speech,Xing Yue expressed deep gratitude for the cultivation of her alma mater.She mentioned that from the era of traditional management to the digital economy,it was the thinking mode and cross-border capabilities cultivated by the school that enabled her to navigate career transitions with ease.

She encouraged students to maintain a mindset of embracing change,cultivate cross-disciplinary abilities,and hold fast to their original dreams.She hoped that they would carry forward the thinking mode endowed by Tongji and the spirit of “working together in the same boat” to shine on the road of life ahead!

Distinguished President Lü,Secretary Shi,Dean Xie,dear teachers,classmates,and fellow juniors:

It is a great honor to attend your graduation ceremony today.First and foremost,I extend my sincerest congratulations to all of you.Returning to this familiar campus and seeing your youthful smiles reminds me of the scene when I graduated 20 years ago.Back then,we expressed our reluctance through countless farewell dinners,thinking that parting meant forever.But today,connections in the digital age allow us to stay linked even when miles apart.

Listening to the speeches by university leaders,teachers,and outstanding student representatives,I deeply realize that while we cannot accurately predict what this era will bring,we can be certain that the “underlying algorithm” endowed by Tongji is enough to support us in facing the era’s challenges and finding certainty amid uncertainty.As a graduate of the School of Economics and Management,I am profoundly grateful for this.

When I graduated,I was fortunate to catch the dividends of the era.As a School of Economics and Management graduate,I happened to ride the wave of corporate internationalization,working to help multinational enterprises optimize local management and reduce costs.The most exciting part was traveling the world—my company provided free airfares,allowing me to work abroad. Though full of challenges,it was hugely rewarding.

The company brought together employees from different countries,with remarkable cultural differences.Thanks to the School’s education,I not only understood the operational mechanisms of multinationals but also learned to think from a cultural perspective.This experience gave me more than just textbook knowledge;it was a practical platform to broaden my horizons.Visiting various countries helped me accumulate rich cross-cultural experience,laying a solid foundation for my later work in corporate incubation.Looking back,those days were both fulfilling and joyful.When I transitioned from a traditional office environment to Alibaba,many around me were confused.They questioned:”You’re not a computer major,nor a fresh graduate—why give up a stable local job for the internet?”Even my supervisor initially didn’t support the decision.

But I believe this is exactly the advantage cultivated by our School of Economics and Management—we possess systematic thinking and management logic,understanding both macro strategies and micro execution.This composite ability gave me confidence to master new skills in the fast-changing internet sector.

In fact,my thinking was simple at the time: I wanted to observe and learn why Jack Ma,starting as a small-time translator,eventually built a business empire serving global SMEs.

After 20 years of observation and reflection,I’ve come to realize that management science has undergone three generations of transformation:from Taylor’s scientific management to modern management systems,and now to the era of large models. Each era’s transition is significant because technological innovation always pulls everyone and every industry back to the same starting line—a feeling I know all too well.

Our generation has witnessed too many changes.Especially the great upheavals of the past century—from a market perspective alone,this new era has just begun.Today,the “battle of hundreds of models” is reshaping the financial industry,while algorithms and data are reconstructing business rules.The scale of big data doubles every year,bringing opportunities far exceeding what our generation once imagined.

Looking back on the past 20 years,we have witnessed nearly three generations of technological transformations.From the era dominated by Moore’s Law to the current intelligent revolution represented by OpenAI,the pace of change is astonishing.The data challenges faced by enterprises today far exceed the scope of traditional cognition,and many brands’ data processing capabilities even fail to keep up with the needs of the times.

Beyond these changes,I see more opportunities than challenges.Because every transformation pulls everyone back to the same starting line,creating new possibilities.

On the 20th anniversary of my graduation,as an alumni representative,I am honored to share a few suggestions for your reference:

First,always maintain a heart that seeks change.

In this era of transformation,taking the initiative to embrace change is the only way to turn challenges into infinite opportunities.Today,you have more opportunities than we did back then—whether developing through large platforms or starting your own business,various possibilities are emerging.The key is to stay open-minded and seize the opportunities bestowed by the times in a timely manner.

Second,cultivate cross-border thinking.

I hope everyone has the courage to “break boundaries”.There is no need to be confined to your original major.For example,although I don’t understand computer technology,I have a deep understanding of human needs in internet companies.When engaging in cross-border exchanges,don’t be hindered by management structures or technical jargon.It is the integration of different fields that creates new competitive dimensions,allowing us to inspire and grow together.

Third,hold fast to your original aspiration and perseverance.

In this era full of variables,it is easy to fall into confusion and self-doubt.Various evaluation criteria in the workplace may make us deviate from our original direction.Therefore,it is essential to maintain a childlike innocence and safeguard your initial dreams.Because you are always a unique individual—never lose yourself in the evaluations of others.

Today,each of us has unlimited potential.Whether you choose to develop in a large enterprise or run a community supermarket;whether you focus on a management position or adhere to a practical path;whether you deepen your expertise in a certain field for 20 years or keep trying new directions—the important thing is to maintain a mindset of accumulation,managing your life like a century-old enterprise.

One day,when you look back on your journey,you will find that the world is so wonderful,and every step you take is unique and irreplaceable.As students of the School of Economics and Management of Tongji University,we should move forward with this confidence.We inherit not only professional knowledge such as statistics,engineering,and management but also a way of thinking and values—injecting humanistic warmth into the city and contributing solid values to society with the wisdom of management and the logic of engineering.

This is the spiritual wealth bestowed upon us by the century-old university and the foundation for each of us on the path of growth.Let us continue to move forward with this pride and achieve a better version of ourselves.

Sincerely wish you all the best!

Thank you.

we used enthusiasm as our pen and memories as our ink,

writing a new chapter on this familiar campus.

From the intellectual collisions of industry-academia-research docking

to the warm moments of parent-child reading;

from the exciting encounters at the “blind date blind box gathering”

to the light and shadow art of the photography salon

—every moment has made the identity of “Tongji SEMer” more vivid

and deepened the friendship among alumni.

No matter how far we go,

this place will always be home!

Innovate the Future

AI Empowers,Innovates the Future:”AI + Innovation & Entrepreneurship Seminar and Tongji SEM Alumni Enterprise Demand Matching Conference” Concludes Successfully

In the wave of digital transformation,this event not only built a stage for ideological collisions but also constructed an ecosystem for resource matching.Cutting-edge theoretical sharing from academia and practical experience from industry converged here,while real demands from multiple alumni enterprises were matched with numerous AI solutions.

The event once again proved that the Tongji SEM alumni network is not only an emotional bond but also a value-creation platform.Let us continue to join hands and explore infinite possibilities together on the new track empowered by AI!

Oath-taking for Expedition

The oath-taking ceremony for the 5th China Business School EMBA Football Invitational was grandly held.Many EMBA students,alumni, and football enthusiasts gathered to witness this vibrant event full of competitive spirit.Wang Hongwei,Vice Dean of the School,and Cheng Guoping,Director of the Professional Degree Center,delivered speeches respectively,emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship in business education and encouraging participants to demonstrate the fighting spirit on the field,make friends through football,and promote exchanges and cooperation among institutions.

The China Business School EMBA Football League will officially kick off in June,with teams from more than 20 well-known business schools nationwide competing fiercely.As a participating team,the Tongji University EMBA Football Club will meet the challenge with full enthusiasm and excellent skills,striving to achieve new successes in the competition.

Play with Light and Shadow

As mobile photography evolves into the visual poem of our time,we launched a creative journey of light and shadow exploration together with Huawei.In this “Huawei Imaging Art Salon”,dozens of photography enthusiasts gained profound insights from the professional guidance of senior Huawei Fans lecturers.The subsequent on-campus practical shooting amazed everyone:mobile phones actually conceal creative power comparable to professional cameras!

The most beautiful shots always hide in the unnoticed daily life.This salon not only imparted techniques but also reshaped the way we perceive the world.When technology and art converge in Huawei’s lens,everyone can become a poet of life—the moment the shutter clicks,ordinary daily scenes quietly transform into eternal art.

Seek Happiness

When alumni sentiment meets innovative socializing:What sparks sill fly?

A unique alumni social event was successfully held,centered on “blind box networking&immersive games&youth nostalgia”,allowing alumni to reconnect amid laughter and memories,evolving from “encounter” to “mutual understanding”.

“Encounter” is just the beginning.We look forward to continuing this alumni friendship by launching more themed and diversified social experiences in the future—enabling like-minded souls to meet and letting warm connections thrive endlessly!

Share the Fragrance of Books

The 3rd parent-child reading session of “Time Book Club”,the alumni reading club of Tongji School of Economics and Management,was successfully held in the Smart Classroom 510,Tower A of Tongji Building.As an important part of the 118th Anniversary Homecoming Carnival series of Tongji University,the event attracted more than ten alumni families,jointly launching a warm and meaningful parent-child reading journey.

Hosted by alumni member Shali,the reading session unfolded through lively Q&A sessions,performances,and other interactive forms.Children showed remarkable expressiveness,winning continuous applause from the audience.The venue was filled with joy,childlike innocence,and vitality.

Surprise Lucky Draw

Limited Edition Gifts: Full of Delights!

From Tongji University cultural and creative products to customized souvenirs,every prize carries campus memories.Alumni actively participated,winning not just gifts,but also the touching feeling of revisiting youth.

Charity Bazaar

“Being able to buy favorite items while contributing to our alma mater—such events are truly meaningful!”This sentiment from an on-site alumni member echoed the shared feelings of all present.

Featured products carefully prepared by alumni enterprises drew crowds,with every penny of revenue serving as a heartfelt return to the alma mater.We believe this kindness will take root like a seed,nourishing the growth of more Tongji students.

Tabletop Racing

The “Tabletop Racing Experience” event,meticulously created by the Tongji SEM MBA Automobile Club,ignited passion as alumni transformed into “track commanders,” savoring the joy of precise micro-manipulation through intelligent control systems.Within the confined space,the exquisite art of driving was fully displayed.

New Recruitment Launch

The 2025 recruitment of Tongji SEM Facility Management Club was grandly launched.Club leaders took turns to introduce the club’s profile and extended sincere invitations to alumni.Walk with outstanding peers,break through capability boundaries,and achieve mutual growth!

Intelligent Automobile Enterprise

On the occasion of the 118th anniversary of Tongji University,NIO,a smart electric vehicle brand,provided exclusive anniversary drinks,allowing teachers and students to feel the charm of future mobility in the aroma of mellow coffee.

Class Homecoming

On the occasion of the 118th anniversary of Tongji University,alumni from the 2001 Information Management and Information Systems program of our school gathered at their alma mater to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their graduation.The alumni revisited youthful memories,shared professional achievements, discussed the future of the industry,inherited the Tongji spirit,and deepened the connection between alumni and the school.

Health Management

A team of senior traditional Chinese medicine practitioners provided professional and meticulous pulse diagnosis and consultations,tailoring personalized conditioning plans for each alumnus.The alma mater’s care and blessings for alumni will,like spring rain nourishing the earth,continuously nurture the physical and mental well-being of every student.

Time Apart Only Deepens Our Affection. “Tongji” Memories with You, Welcome Home!

On May 20th, as Tongji University marked its 116th anniversary, we joyfully reunited with our long-awaited “family” — dear alumni! Familiar smiling faces and warm blessings not only brought back cherished memories but also sparked a new journey of “Tongji” reminiscence.

How wonderful to have you here; how wonderful to be home!

Step 1: Check In and Greet

Whenever you wish to return,

Through wind and rain, summer or winter,

We at Tongji’s School of Economics and Management will always be here for you.

Welcome home anytime!

Step 2: Good Luck in Hand

Step 3: Triumph with Intelligence

Step 4: Answer to Roll Call

We hold yesterday in one hand,
and today in the other,
together looking forward to the tomorrow of our next reunion.
Another warm greeting,
another heartfelt hug,
another beautiful memory!

Step 5: Encounter Kindred Spirits

If you couldn’t attend the event but wish to join the alumni club, don’t worry. You can contact the School’s Alumni and Corporate Relations Office at any time to join your preferred organization, meet kindred spirits, and move forward together!

Step 6: Enjoy Delights of the Heart

One Heart, One Mind, Achieving Perfection. The successful holding of the 116th Anniversary Carnival for Economic and Management Alumni Returning to Tongji University is inseparable from the full support and enthusiastic help of alumni.

The meeting received strong support from the university and the school.Lei Xinghui,Deputy Director of the University Affairs Committee of Tongji University,Executive Vice President of the Tongji University Alumni Association,and Former Vice President of Tongji University,attended and chaired the meeting.Shi Qian,Secretary of the School Party Committee,Xie En,Dean of the School,together with representatives of the University Council Members,Members of the International Advisory Committee of the School,and Directors of the School Alumni Association,participated in the meeting to pool wisdom and strength for common development.

Lei Xinghui,Deputy Director of the University Affairs Committee of Tongji University,Executive Vice President of the Tongji University Alumni Association,and Former Vice President of Tongji University,expressed gratitude for the long-term care and concern of alumni.He noted that thanks to the support of alumni,all undertakings of Tongji SEM (School of Economics and Management) have been thriving.At present,Tongji SEM is advancing toward new goals,and he hopes that alumni will continue to work hand in hand with their alma mater to contribute to the development of the school.

Shi Qian,Secretary of the School Party Committee,stated that alumni are precious wealth and resources of the school,as well as a trustworthy and reliable force for the development of the school’s undertakings.In the future,the school will further think about and explore new ideas and methods for alumni work,so as to achieve two-way empowerment between the school and alumni and build a development community between the school and alumni.

Cheng Guoping,Assistant to the Dean of the School,Secretary-General of the Council of the SEM Branch of Tongji University Alumni Association,and Director of the School’s Alumni and Corporate Relations Office,introduced the current alumni work of the school at the meeting,including the organizational structure of the alumni association,the 321 Plan,school-enterprise cooperation,alumni donations,etc., and looked forward to the key points and directions of alumni work in the future.She hoped that alumni would actively participate in alumni work and develop and progress together with the school.

During the alumni exchange session,alumni members delivered speeches centering on college construction,talent cultivation,working mechanisms of the Alumni Council,school-enterprise cooperation,etc.,and put forward many valuable suggestions on the college’s future development and construction as well as how to empower alumni and alumni enterprises.All expressed their willingness to participate in the college’s development with practical actions in various ways,resonating,making joint efforts and moving forward in the same direction with Tongji SEM.

Forty Years of SEM Splendor:Harmonious Coexistence and Shared Joys

In 2024,Tongji SEM (School of Economics and Management) celebrated its 40th anniversary.With deep affection for their alma mater,alumni returned to the campus to attend a garden party.Amid laughter and cheers,their friendship was like fine wine,growing more fragrant with time.Let’s follow the guide of the garden-party map and review the delightful and heart-warming moments of this garden party.

“Come on, let’s take a group photo!”At the beginning of the event,alumni gradually arrived at the lobby of Tower A of Tongji Building.Some came with families,while others called friends,all blooming bright smiles toward the camera to freeze-frame their best wishes for Tongji SEM.After check-in photo sessions,everyone queued up to receive the magical garden-party stamp-collecting cards,eagerly ready to start today’s exploration journey!

SEM Interactive Wonders: With You and Me

“Three, two, one, throw!”Cheers erupted at the scene,creating a lively atmosphere.In the interactive area on the 15th floor of the school,the activities were rich in content,diverse in form,and full of fun.Facing the interesting interactive games,alumni were in high spirits.Some competed with their children,while others took the stage to experience them themselves.Laughter and joy filled the entire homecoming atmosphere.

New Year Bazaar: Let’s Shop with Joy!

“Let’s go to the bazaar!” As the 40th anniversary of the school coincides with the New Year bazaar,the shopping spree is about to kick off!A dazzling array of products,including home appliances,fresh produce,snacks,and beauty items,has ignited the consumption enthusiasm of alumni.While enjoying the fun of shopping,alumni are also contributing to the development of the school in their own way.

Stamp Collection & Prize Redemption: Continuous Good Luck!

Don’t leave just yet after finishing your coffee and redeeming prizes—there’s a major exhibition waiting for you!To fully showcase the “Three Modernizations” achievements of our school,the college has joined hands with renowned alumni enterprises such as SAP,Siemens,Zebra Intelligence,YTO Express,Webasto,and Goldhome Kitchen Cabinet to hold a Digital & Intelligent Achievements Exhibition.The cutting-edge technological achievements and intelligent solutions fully demonstrate the posture and confidence of the college and enterprises in accelerating their “digital” progress.

40th Anniversary Conference of the School

On the afternoon of the garden party,the High-Quality Development Forum for Economics and Management Disciplines and the 40th Anniversary Conference of the School of Economics and Management,Tongji University were held at the January 29th Auditorium in Siping Road Campus. Faculty,students,outstanding alumni representatives from home and abroad,and representatives from more than 10 sister institutions gathered together to send best wishes to the school on its 40th birthday and discuss the path of innovative development for economics and management disciplines in the new era.

The wonderful garden party drew to a close amid warm memories. Reunited on campus, alumni saw their past friendships grow deeper in laughter and cheerful conversations. Every smiling face and every exchange became a precious memory.

Though the event has ended, the touching moments will forever remain in our hearts. Thank you to every alumnus for your participation, which made this reunion even more unforgettable. Your enthusiasm has imbued this 40th anniversary with profound meaning. Looking forward to the next reunion—let’s continue our Tongji bond!

Dr. Wu Ge began by recalling his student days at Tongji University, expressing his deep affection for his alma mater. He noted that Tongji not only provided him with a solid foundation in science and engineering but also cultivated his interdisciplinary thinking ability, which has played a crucial role in his academic research and career development.Dr. Wu then delved into the relationship between the real estate industry and economic development from both micro and macro perspectives. At the micro level, using residents’ basic needs for “food, clothing, housing, and transportation” as a starting point, he explained the core role of real estate in fulfilling material needs and constituting residents’ stock assets. At the macro level, he clearly illustrated the close relationship between real estate and macroeconomic performance, arguing that the real estate sector holds systemic importance within the economic framework.

Subsequently, Dr. Wu Ge provided a detailed analysis of the current challenges facing China’s real estate sector, including weakened expectations, intensifying supply-demand imbalances, and persistent negative growth in macro-level prices. Through comprehensive charts and graphs and drawing on international comparative studies of price control measures in the US and Japan, he demonstrated the strong linkages between housing prices, overall credit, and the economic cycle.

During the interactive session, students actively posed questions on topics such as real estate vs. property tax, consumption downgrading, and population aging, which Dr. Wu Ge patiently addressed one by one.

The “Guohao Forum” is one of Tongji University’s key initiatives to deeply study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, act upon the spirit of the National Conference on Publicity, Thought, and Cultural Work, and advance the development of a “Humanities Tongji.” The forum, grounded in the practice of constructing China’s independent knowledge system, invites renowned scholars from various fields both domestically and internationally to Tongji. Through consistently offering high-quality, general, and diverse academic lectures, it strives to cultivate Tongji students into innovative talents who embrace the “strategic priorities of the nation”, possess both humanistic spirit and scientific rigor, and are worthy of being “national elites”.

Mr. Jiang Zhongping, alumnus of EMBA Class 4, Trustee of Tongji University, and Chairman of Shanghai Dachi Information Industry Co., Ltd., delivered a speech as an alumni representative at the ceremony.

In his address, Alumnus Jiang Zhongping interpreted the meaning of the “Pioneering the Future” (“Kai Lai”) inscription on the National Pillars, fondly recalled his “joyful immersion” (“Kai Xin”) during his studies at Tongji SEM and illustrated the potential for “sudden enlightenment” (“Kai Qiao”) through learning at Tongji. He encouraged the new students to embrace Tongji’s spirit of serving the nation and society, to respect their esteemed teachers, forge friendships with worthy peers, and become new ambassadors for Tongji SEM.

Full Text of the Speech:

Respected faculty members, dear fellow students and juniors,

It is a great honor to participate in the school’s opening ceremony today as an alumni representative. Before coming to the auditorium, I made a special visit to the two National Pillars standing in the central lawn on either side of the statue of Chairman Mao. These pillars are inscribed with the phrases “Inheriting the Past” (“Ji Wang”) and “Pioneering the Future” (“Kai Lai”). The calligraphy, derived from the style of Wang Xizhi, is revered as the “Ornamental Pillars” of Tongji University, symbolizing the institution’s “Pillars of the Sky.”

Today, on this opening day, we are fortunate to encounter excellent teachers for learning and worthy friends for companionship—undoubtedly an excellent atmosphere and environment. I believe this is the perfect moment for us to experience and understand the profound meaning of “Pioneering the Future” inscribed on the National Pillars.

Several years ago, President Chen Jie mentioned these pillars on the CCTV program “Open Lecture.” He expressed his hope that Tongji students would inherit the university’s ethos of “Benefiting People, Benefiting Society, Benefiting the World” and bravely shoulder responsibilities. As a member of Tongji, I have always carried this sentiment in my heart.

Standing on this solemn podium to speak with you today fills me with both happiness and trepidation. I am merely an ordinary business owner, without remarkable achievements or lofty status, and I fear I may not live up to your expectations. However, recalling my time studying in EMBA Class 4 in 2004, the faculty always taught us that even small business owners should possess the vision of great entrepreneurs. This embodies the true spirit of Tongji and is the best interpretation of “Pioneering the Future” on the National Pillars.

Reflecting on my study period, I always felt immense joy. The opportunity to reunite with classmates from all corners of the country and world in the classroom for shared learning was an invaluable experience. Our cohort was wonderfully diverse — students from Shanghai, other provinces, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas; with varied professional backgrounds including state-owned enterprise executives, public institution leaders, and private entrepreneurs like me. I am sincerely grateful to Tongji SEM for the learning opportunity, which significantly enhanced my knowledge, experience, and way of thinking.

Having mentioned “Pioneering the Future” and “Joyful Immersion,” I would like to add another term: “Sudden Enlightenment” (“Kai Qiao”).

I recall a classmate who was then a leading cadre in a prefecture-level city government unit. During our overseas study module, he suddenly decided to resign. He told me that his studies at Tongji had brought him sudden clarity, helping him find his true direction. When we met again two years later, he had become a successful entrepreneur.

This classmate’s story illustrates that once you immerse yourself wholeheartedly in learning at Tongji SEM, you might experience a moment of sudden enlightenment—like a martial arts protagonist unblocking their meridians. Such stories unfold around us and have proven successful.

To the newly joined students, partners, and talented young individuals, I encourage you to study diligently at Tongji SEM, respect your excellent teachers, build friendships with worthy peers, and strive to elevate your personal horizons. When your perspective broadens, your vision will expand, and your path in life will become increasingly wide. We, the older generation of Tongji SEM, will become the “Inheriting the Past.” Only you, the new force, are the “Pioneers of the Future.”

Thank you.

Liu Chunsong, alumnus (Bachelor of Business Administration 2001, MBA 2013), Standing Director of the Tongji University Alumni Association, President of the Alumni Association’s Investment and Financing Chapter, and Managing Partner of Jieli Fund Management, delivered a speech as an alumni representative.

In his address, Liu Chunsong fondly recalled his own academic journey at Tongji SEM. He encouraged the graduating students, upon entering society, to master the principle of “teaching a man to fish” beyond the foundational “giving a man a fish” provided by the school. This, he urged, would enable them to “inspire a man to desire” when facing the future and change, aspiring to light and ultimately becoming light on their life’s path.

Alumnus Liu also shared his reflections on future development trends and wished all graduates that their own efforts and choices would pave the way for a splendid and poetic life journey.

Full Text of the Speech:

Respected President Lü, esteemed faculty members, dear fellow students and juniors：

It is a tremendous honor to participate in the graduation ceremony of my alma mater and home school as an alumni representative today.

Professor Shi mentioned reuniting in twenty years. Nineteen summers ago, in this very hall, I received my bachelor’s degree from the faculty seated here. Nine years ago, I also received my master’s degree in this same place. Sitting here today feels like an instant flashback, transporting me back to my own undergraduate graduation year, sitting below, listening to the professors’ earnest teachings on stage—a moment filled with profound emotion.

Today’s ceremony is particularly memorable and unique. As Professor Shi suggested, imbuing the graduation with the spirit of a celebration, the combination of performances and speeches truly creates a festive atmosphere. I was genuinely moved and delighted when a student proposed marriage earlier. I offer you my sincerest blessings and hope your journey together lasts forever.

First and foremost, congratulations to all my fellow juniors present. You have completed your studies and graduated successfully amidst the early summer cicadas’ song. Starting today, your identity, like mine, will be that of an alumnus/alumna. Once you step outside the Siping Road gate, you are no longer students; you are alumni. As a Standing Director of the Alumni Association, I also welcome you all on behalf of the Tongji University Alumni Association.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to share a few insights:

All of you, fellow students, entered this harbor named “Tongji” four years ago as perhaps bewildered youths, or two or three years ago as confused professionals. Over these years, guided by the faculty of SEM, we first acquired knowledge—the fundamental gift this institution provides: “giving a man a fish”.

Particularly in our SEM, we emphasize liberal education, enabling us to better enrich ourselves and adapt to professional changes. I believe most of you have gained diverse professional knowledge. At the very least, no one will forget the challenging problems in Statistics or the classic cases in Project Management—experiences perhaps unique among business schools. Most undergraduate students and many postgraduates here hadn’t studied economics or management before enrollment. Over these years, you have witnessed the excellence of SEM’s professors.

While Tongji SEM might not be the traditionally top-ranked business school, its recent achievements—securing all four major international accreditations, rising university rankings, the Double First-Class discipline development, and especially the sustained leadership of Management Science domestically—undoubtedly make it a top business school with remarkable highlights. SEM’s vision is “to become a globally renowned business school cultivating outstanding management talents and promoting sustainable development.” As the cultivated talents, the “fishermen” who entered this harbor four years ago, what have you loaded onto your small fishing boats upon departure? I believe this is reflected in your final transcripts—the most basic harvest from the school as you graduate.

We live in an era of unprecedented transformation in a century. International politics is fraught with uncertainty, and economic development paradigms are constantly shifting. Once you sail out of this Siping Road harbor, you enter a sea full of unknowns and changes. As Professor Shi noted, you face life’s impermanence—a state where you may constantly encounter problems and setbacks.

The social environment, technological innovation, enterprise development, and industry changes we encounter are breaking so-called Moore’s Law, constantly updating, iterating, being updated, and being iterated. The knowledge you accumulated over four, two, or three years faces the same fate. This demands that we move beyond simply “giving a man a fish” to understand and master the skill and essence of “teaching a man to fish”. Mastery of methods, not just existing knowledge, is crucial, especially for fields you will encounter in future work and life.

Starting today as alumni, you will step into society tomorrow, facing a paradigm of abilities and an environment entirely different from the classroom. No one will constantly remind you; you will rarely encounter the meticulous guidance of patient teachers. Instead, you will face concise directives from leaders and work situations requiring independent handling. Here, mastering rapid learning and adapting to environments becomes paramount.

The school environment is relatively calm; teachers tell you where the fish are, even cast the net for you—your task is simply to haul it in. But entering society means sailing your fishing boat into stormy seas. Whether you have learned and mastered the skill of casting nets will directly determine your harvest, its size, and even whether your boat capsizes.

A popular TV drama in recent years, “The Knockout,” featured a classic line: “The rougher the storm, the more valuable the fish.” Whether you can catch big fish in the tempest depends on whether you merely received “a fish” or truly mastered “how to fish” during your time here.

Facing the future and change, is this enough? I believe not. “Teaching a man to fish” equips us with learning methods and problem-solving skills. Then comes the age-old question: What kind of person do we want to become? In recent years, you’ve likely often heard the term “lying flat”. Can lying flat help you face future storms? Can you endure it? Can you accept it? Especially after years of hard study in Tongji’s gardens, nurtured by Sanhaowu. At yesterday’s Tongji University graduation ceremony, President Zheng stated that “lying flat” has never been part of Tongji’s vocabulary. Therefore, building on moving from “giving a man a fish” to “teaching a man to fish,” I share four more words: “inspire a man to desire”.

What is “desire”? It is humanity’s most fundamental yearning. As Professor Shi suggested, it is our drive—the fisherman’s desire for a bigger catch, the proposing student’s desire for future happiness, the student’s desire for good grades, the scientist’s desire for innovation, the entrepreneur’s desire for business success, and the desire of all faculty here for your smooth sailing and overcoming future difficulties.We often speak of having light in our eyes. Today, at graduation, I believe many of you have that light—not just the tears of farewell mentioned by Dean Zhong, but also gazes filled with anticipation, confusion, or even resignation for the future.

I want to tell you: let your eyes hold not just light, but desire, aspiration. Aspire to light, become light. If you pursue further studies, have desire for academics and research. If you enter the workplace, have desire for work and career. If you start a family, have desire for life and happiness. This desire will sustain you when work is tough, support you when research yields no results, and remind you during difficult times and moments of future uncertainty that “this little pain in the storm is nothing—I still have dreams and hope.” Tiny streams converge into the ocean; our individual droplets of desire, pooled together, can propel society forward. I believe all my fellow juniors here, like me, will return to campus in twenty years and feel the progress and harvest brought by this desire.

My work is in venture capital. Over nearly 20 years, accompanying China’s market economy and enterprise development, I have witnessed and supported thousands of companies. Behind every success and failure lies the growth and journey of an entrepreneur. I’d like to briefly share three thoughts:

First. Accept changes in the macro environment. Many lament the challenging macro and economic environment of recent years, wishing for “better times.” Yesterday, someone told me something quite impactful: “The macro is macro, and you are you.” None of us can change the macro environment. Facing it, all we can do is accept it. Black swans and gray rhinos have become the norm. Mere lamentation is futile. The only certainty about the future is uncertainty. What tests us is how we accept this and make our own choices and efforts.

Second. Make wise meso-level industry choices. While the macro is something we must accept, the direction we choose—whether pursuing further studies, studying abroad, choosing an industry, accepting a job offer, or choosing a life partner—requires careful consideration. Plan before acting; seek shared aspirations and aligned paths. Identify sunrise industries, sectors with long-term potential (“long slopes and thick snow”), and partners worthy of lifelong commitment. Just as I recently initiated the Tongji Alumni Angel Fund to invest in future industry startups, how we choose and position ourselves matters greatly—for funds and for individuals.

Third. Exert micro-level personal effort. This is what each of us can control most. I often tell the entrepreneurs I invest in: “For us as individuals in these times, the most important thing is to become anti-fragile.” This concept, from Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of “Antifragile,” is something I share with you. What is anti-fragile? Imagine lighting a candle at the entrance of the 129 Auditorium. Winds can blow from any direction, at any time, with unknown force. The candle faces three outcomes: blown out; flickering precariously; or burning brighter, fueled by the wind. I hope all my fellow juniors here, when facing future uncertainty, can harness the wind to burn brighter. Remember: Be the fire that craves the wind’s touch, not the flame extinguished by the first gust.

Graduation is a grain of sand, Tongji is a chapter of youth, and life is a scroll of poetry and painting. After today, that grain of sand slips through your fingers, but this chapter will forever reside in your hearts. Your life’s scroll is just beginning to unfurl. Whether you paint it with bold strokes or pencil sketches, it will be your most cherished masterpiece. How you paint it depends entirely on your current desire, choices, and efforts. I congratulate and wish you all to find your own answers on this canvas and paint the most beautiful picture you envision.

Finally, I leave you with a quote from Taylor Swift: “I have some bad news for you: life is now entirely up to you. But I also have some good news: life is now entirely up to you.”

Thank you.

Reunion Time

In the name of reunion, we answer the call of youth.

Class gatherings are full of splendor,

Yet the timeless years keep our hearts as young as ever.

Let’s revisit the green days of youth,

Meet again on the lush campus,

Wander once more through the long-missed beauty of Tongji,

Savor a hearty nostalgic lunch,

Experience a unique academic exchange…

Together, let’s continue to write splendid chapters,

Witness the development of our alma mater,

Pool our strengths to create new glories.

Our alma mater always welcomes you.

Alumni returning “home” is a mutual yearning.

Not just on anniversary days—

Whenever you wish, whether with family, friends, or alone,

Our alma mater always opens its doors to you.

Parent-Child Time
Big hands hold little hands, wandering the alma mater together.
The scent of books nourishes childhood,
As shared reading accompanies growth.

When alumni return to their alma mater
And open a book with their children,
They pass on not just knowledge,
But also the gift of love.

Through shared reading,
Alumni and children grow together,
Sharing the touching moments and joy of books,
Quietly planting the seed of reading in the hearts of “Tongji second-generation” youth.

Brainpower Time

Mental Challenges and Wisdom Tests

Playing Guandan with Friends, Move by Move

Alumni gather here,

Bringing wonderful contests of wits.

Not fixated on winning or losing,

They savor the joy of participation, integration, and friendly competition.

Intellectual Games, Endless Fun

Within the square inches of the chessboard,

It’s a contest of intelligence and courage,

A battle of boldness and willpower.

Time for Ancient Style

Elegance of Chinese Art, Shared with You

In prosperous times, traditional costumes shine—

Chinese traditional attire has become the “top trend” leading fashion.

Wearing Hanfu to celebrate the university anniversary,

Where fashion meets tradition,

Youth resonates with antiquity,

Together presenting “Chinese-style romance”.

When sugar painting meets the anniversary,

It’s definitely a “hot favorite”!

Lines form in front of the sugar painting stall,

As people wait for the master to use a spoon as a brush,

Turning sugar into ink, wielding the spoon with a flick of the wrist.

The perfectly boiled sugar syrup,

Wrapping blessings and evoking sweet memories for Tongji people.

Dear alumni,

Because of you, this day in May has become extraordinarily beautiful!

Tongji, Tongji, happy 117th birthday!

Looking forward to meeting again in the next clear and bright May, with even more joy!