Peking University, July 3, 2025: Peking University (PKU) held its annual commencement ceremony for the Postgraduate Class of 2025 at the Khoo Teck Puat Sports Complex on July 3, proudly conferring degrees to a new cohort of master’s and doctoral graduates, following a commencement for undergraduates on the day before.
In recognition of academic excellence, a total of 2,803 doctoral degrees and 6,035 master’s degrees were awarded, and 100 Outstanding PhD Dissertations were honoured. The university also named 1,083 students as PKU Outstanding Graduates, while 346 were recognized as Outstanding Graduates of Beijing Institutions of Higher Education.
Before the formal proceedings, the complex was filled with celebration as student representatives, the Peking University Affiliated Primary School, and other PKU-affiliated groups presented a series of lively musical and dance performances.
Children from PKU Affiliated Primary School and PKU student representatives presented a riveting performance
The ceremony was officially chaired by Qiao Jie, Executive Vice President of PKU, President of the Peking University Health Science Center, and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
Keynote Reflections: Students, Scholars, and Alumni Share Insights for the Future
During the ceremony, several speeches offered heartfelt reflections and timely insights.
Graduate student representative Hu Wenfei from the School of Intelligence Science and Technology shared how his greatest growth at PKU came not from the number of papers he published, but from learning to navigate unexpected paths in life without a "high-precision map."
Hu Wenfei
He likened his experience to real-world problem-solving, which includes adapting, iterating, and becoming resilient in the face of uncertainty.
"We are no longer novices. PKU has equipped us with the critical thinking, perseverance, and optimism to face a complex world head-on," he said.
Reflecting on her eight years at PKU, graduate student representative Zhou Qingqing from the PKU First Hospital spoke of how medical science and choral singing taught her about harmony, collaboration, and empathy.
Zhou Qingqing
Her journey from fearing needles as a child to becoming a compassionate physician was shaped by shared experiences across disciplines.
"Medicine is an art as much as it is a science. May we always approach life and our patients with both precision and warmth," she said.
In a keynote address on the age of artificial intelligence, Professor of Applied Economics at Guanghua School of Management Zhou Li-An emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and adaptability.
Zhou Li-An
“In a world of accelerating technological change, human creativity and critical thinking matter more than ever,” he said.
He urged graduates to resist academic silos and embrace cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“Whether you studied literature or computer science, your unique perspective can shape the next breakthrough,” Zhou emphasized.
Alumni representative Huo Zongliang, who is also Principal Scientist at Yangtze Memory Technologies, reflected on the long arc of his career from his nine years of study at PKU to over a decade of innovation in China’s semiconductor industry.
Huo Zongliang
“Choosing to align with national needs gave my work lasting meaning,” he shared, recounting the challenges and triumphs of helping develop China’s 3D NAND flash memory technology.
He encouraged graduates to hold fast to their values, embrace hardship, and commit fully to their chosen paths. “Our achievements are forged through trials. If you’re willing to endure, you’ll find it’s always worth it.”
Finally, Gong Qihuang, President of PKU, sent his hopes and wishes for the graduates.
He first praised the graduates for their diligence in acquiring knowledge and serving the community, saying that they shoulder a great role in carrying forward the PKU spirit and driving national cohesion.
Gong Qihuang
He then gave them three pieces of advice: Be confident, self-reliant, and brave—imploring the graduates to tie their own ambitions into those of China, and brave any difficulty on their way to achieve breakthroughs and contribute to national revitalization.
“I hope you can ride the wave of the new era with confidence, self-reliance, and bravery, and make your indelible mark in China and beyond.”
Amid the formal addresses and heartfelt farewells, the spirit of the graduating class was perhaps captured in the words of one master's graduate, who was interviewed by PKU News.
Qian Yizhu from the Yenching Academy of Peking University said the ceremony marks the end of an era.
“Let’s forever cherish our shared memories. Though our paths may diverge, we share the same spirit. As the poem says, ‘千里自同风’. Wherever life may lead, I eagerly await our future reunions and the brighter chapters ahead,” Qian said.
Qian Yizhu (left) and Dong Qiang (right), Dean of Yenching Academy
A Moment of Gratitude
The ceremony also included a special thank-you segment recognizing the dedication of PKU staff, including librarians, security personnel, cafeteria staff and other behind-the-scenes heroes, whose work supports the university community year-round.
The event concluded with the singing of “Yanyuanqing” (燕园情), an anthem celebrating the enduring spirit of PKU.
Written by: Sean Elijah Tan
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Photo by: Wang Tiantian, Li Xianghua, Song Baining, Yan Linlin, Cao Mengyao, Zhu Chengxuan, Wang Ziqian, Chu Zhaohan, Guo Mengjiao, Li Yijie, Xu Zhiquan, Lu Zan, Ma Chao, Zheng Tao
