The National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) International College recently held its 2026 Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 77 local and international students (including 18 PhD., 22 Master’s, and 33 Bachelor’s students) who successfully completed their academic journeys. The graduating cohort brought together 29 domestic students alongside 48 international students representing 19 countries, including Belize, Brunei, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, the Philippines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Somaliland, Thailand, and Vietnam. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Robert Kennedy Lewis of Saint Lucia and ambassadors and diplomatic envoys from three other nations traveled south to attend the event in person, witnessing a “mini-United Nations” gathering that highlighted Taiwan’s higher education excellence and soft power diplomacy.
In his address, NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang drew upon his personal experience of pursuing a doctorate in Germany, noting that he deeply understands the hardships of studying and living in a foreign land. He expressed his highest respect for the graduates’ remarkable achievements. Addressing the rapid technological and geopolitical shifts of our time, President Chang pointed out that the world is currently facing an educational landscape reshaped by artificial intelligence, alongside energy and economic challenges triggered by global oil crises. He emphasized: “In an era where AI can provide answers within seconds, the truly essential skills are knowing what questions to ask, critically judging the reliability of information, and maintaining independent thought.” He encouraged graduates to internalize “autonomous learning” as a daily habit, leverage digital and AI tools effectively, and stay curious so that they can create a real impact in an uncertain world. He concluded with a warm reminder that “NPUST will always be your home.”
This year’s graduates demonstrated exceptional academic prowess. The top three academic spots in the Bachelor’s program were swept by three outstanding students from Saint Lucia: Ayana Vicquelle Danyella Boodha, Dewayne Zedan Henry, and Creselma Hippolyte, showcasing the academic brilliance of students from Taiwan’s Latin American and Caribbean allies. Meanwhile, the top three spots for the Exceptional Conduct Award went to Chun-An Lei of Taiwan, Yi Leong of Malaysia, and Teresa Tishelle Dias of Saint Christopher and Nevis, and the distinguished Ph.D. graduate representative honor went to Andre Giovanni of Indonesia.
The ceremony concluded beautifully with a warm, interactive group photo featuring diplomatic envoys, faculty members, and graduates from around the globe. The NPUST International College Class of 2026 will now venture worldwide, equipped with Taiwan’s cutting-edge agricultural and technological expertise. The university stated that this group of elite internationals, blessed with cross-cultural communication skills and autonomous learning capabilities tailored for the AI era, will serve as the strongest enduring bridge between Taiwan and the international community.
