National Cheng Kung University

06/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2026 19:33

[2026 Commencement] Qisda Chairman Peter Chen Encourages Graduates to Embrace AI and Innovation, and Explore Their Own Path Through Strong Will

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[2026 Commencement] Qisda Chairman Peter Chen Encourages Graduates to Embrace AI and Innovation, and Explore Their Own Path Through Strong Will

Written by Hsu Tsu-Yueh. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
Peter Chen, Chairman of the Qisda Corporation, was invited to deliver the commencement speech at NCKU's 2026 commencement ceremony, encouraging graduates to embrace AI and innovation and to explore their own path through strong will.
Peter Chen, Chairman of the Qisda Corporation and President of the NCKU Global Alumni Association (Class of 1985, Department of Electrical Engineering and recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award), was invited to deliver the commencement speech at National Cheng Kung University's Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on June 6. The speech focused on four main themes: "the happiness of being an NCKU graduate," "the challenges of the AI era," "the spirit of innovation," and "life planning." Peter Chen encouraged graduates to carry the spirit of NCKU with them as they step courageously into the world. He also shared his favorite saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way," as a message of encouragement for the graduating class.
Chen began by congratulating the graduates on reaching this important milestone in their lives. He also warmly reminded them that graduation is not the end of learning, but the beginning of a new life journey. The honor of graduation belongs not only to the graduates themselves, but also to all those who have supported them along the way. As an alumnus, a business leader, and someone who has long supported NCKU's development, Chen shared four values and ideas to encourage graduates to face the future with courage.
1. We Are Fortunate to Be NCKU Graduates: Cherish the Identity and Confidence That Come with Being Part of NCKU
Chen said that NCKU's motto, "Veritas et Conscientia (Pursuit of truth through exhaustive reasoning)," is not only about academic pursuits, but also a way of approaching life. It represents a willingness to look beyond surface-level answers, to continually explore the essence of problems, and turn knowledge into the ability to make judgments and take action. NCKU graduates have long boasted a strong reputation in the industry for being "practical, down-to-earth, willing to work, and eager to learn." They may not always be the best at self-promotion, but they are often the people whom industries trust most and are willing to entrust with important responsibilities. NCKU provides students with more than professional knowledge, but also gives them the confidence to face the world. This confidence comes from the abilities and attitudes developed through training and hands-on practice. Chen said, "NCKU is a very special university. It is not only a school, but also a brand." Chen also noted that NCKU's global alumni network serves as an important platform for resource sharing and mutual support. He encouraged graduates to stay connected with alumni associations, make good use of alumni resources, and, when they are able, give back to their alma mater and support younger students. Together, they can further strengthen NCKU's influence and impact.
2. The Rapid Rise of AI Brings Both Opportunities and Challenges
Speaking about the rapid development of AI, Chen said that today's graduates are standing at an unprecedented turning point in history. AI is reshaping industries across manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education, with every field under impact. He reminded students not to focus on the question, "Will AI replace me?" Instead, the more important question is, "Can I use AI to make myself more valuable?" He pointed out that AI can help collect information, analyze data, and improve efficiency. However, it cannot replace human judgment, insight, empathy, or values. He said that the most competitive people in the future may not be those with the strongest technical skills, but rather will be those who can combine professional knowledge with technological tools to really solve problems. This, he noted, is an opportunity for NCKU graduates, as NCKU has long emphasized interdisciplinary learning, hands-on practice, engineering thinking, and problem-solving skills. Graduates are reminded to view AI as a basic skill for the future, and by continuing to learn new tools, they can use technology to support their own growth and development.
3. Innovation Matters, and It Is Not Out of Reach
Chen said that innovation is not something distant, nor does it always come from groundbreaking inventions. "Sometimes innovation is simply thinking one step further and doing one step more than others," he said. Thinking one step further means seeing the real problem behind a problem. It means asking "why" one more time and considering whether there is a better way. Doing one step more means being willing to take action after identifying a problem to make improvements. It is not just about pointing out problems, but proposing solutions; it is not just about having ideas, but testing them, refining them, and completing them. Chen emphasized that the competitiveness of many companies comes from continuous small improvements, and that this spirit is the heart of innovation. He also noted that the NCKU Phoenix Fund is built on the same spirit. Through an innovative model, it creates a positive cycle among alumni resources, alma mater's development, and start-up energy. This approach has already provided meaningful support to the alma mater NCKU and has influenced other universities across Taiwan.
4. Plan Your Life and Career
Chen reminded graduates that after leaving campus, they will enter a world with greater freedom, and that greater freedom also means greater responsibility. "There is no standard class schedule in life, so it is even more important to make your own plans." He encouraged graduates to think about the kind of person they hope to become in five or ten years, and that through continuous learning and practical actions, they can move toward their goals step by step. Since career planning is not about wishful thinking but a process of continuous adjustment and refinement through action, the best plan is not one that never changes and instead is one that maintains a clear core goal while adapting to changing circumstances and finding new ways to move forward.
Chen also shared his favorite English proverb, "Where there is a will, there is a way." He used this message to encourage graduates. He said that in the path of life, what often determines success or failure is not talent, but whether a person is willing to keep moving forward when facing setbacks and difficulties. The real test is not intelligence, but willpower.
In his closing remarks, Chen told the graduates, "The alumni association is your strongest support." He also reminded them that when they are able, he hopes they will return to support their alma mater and help younger students. In this way, the positive cycle can continue to grow. He said, "To build a world-class NCKU, every generation of NCKU members must work together."
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-06-12
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National Cheng Kung University published this content on June 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 12, 2026 at 01:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]