Peking University, June 30, 2026: The Guanghua School of Management celebrated the graduation of the Future Leaders Program Class of 2026 on the afternoon of June 29, highlighting the diversity of Peking University (PKU) as over 100 students and parents from around the world gathered under one roof.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Future Leaders Program, which is a joint bachelor's degree program with partner universities abroad. The Program has nurtured more than 230 students from 35 countries and regions.

During the ceremony, the Class of 2026 graduates received their degrees one by one from Tian Xuan, dean of Guanghua School of Management, along with additional awards in recognition of their academic performance or social engagement. Distinguished guests delivered speeches that offered hearty encouragement mixed with nostalgic recollections.

Tian Xuan, dean of Guanghua School of Management

In his opening speech, Tian Xuan issued three dares to the graduating class: dare to do, to answer, and to wait.

In his first dare, he exhorted the students to apply what they had learned at PKU and use the resources they had accrued to solve real-world problems with an understanding that "business strategy, technological innovation, and ethical responsibility must go hand in hand."

In response to the breakneck development of artificial intelligence, Tian said that human talent will matter not less, but differently.

"Dare to answer with integrity," he proclaimed, emphasizing the need to resist convenient answers in favor of upholding moral clarity—"the work that machines cannot do."

Finally, he stressed the importance of patience in a world obsessed with speed—the spirit that underpinned his third dare. "I have learned that the organizations that create lasting value resist the pressure of short-term thinking."

Student representative Jack Lam told a touching story of overcoming cancer and assimilating to Chinese culture and language. He credited the Program for showing him, through field trips in Hebei, the real workings of a value chain—from factories to marketing. "Guanghua did not only teach us how to do business in China. It taught us how to do business with China."

He also noted that what made his journey extraordinary was the human warmth he experienced in this "melting pot of diversity". Despite differences and disagreements, he said, "we possess mutual respect…we can count on each other to be there…we witnessed each other's kindness." That, according to Lam, is what makes a society filled with contrasting views special.

This message was echoed by Lu Hai, the faculty representative and accounting professor, who stated that friendships and unforgettable memories were equally important takeaways from the students' time in the Program.

He said the Program's advantage lay in its mix of outstanding students from around the world, which endowed them with "the gift of perspective"—helping them appreciate "the complexity of the world and recognize that there are many different ways to think, solve problems, and lead."

Last but not least, Mo Shujun, assistant dean of Guanghua, gave a speech on behalf of the administrative staff. She evoked fond memories by recounting the fun moments spent with the students, with a theme anchored in caring and leadership. "When people feel cared for, they naturally care for others."

She reminded the students that solving the greatest challenges requires more than one culture, one country, or a lone hero. "They require people who can listen, build trust, and bring others together"—a spirit she hoped the students would embody in the future.

At the end of the ceremony, several students volunteered to share their thoughts and gratitude in an open-mic session. A heartwarming moment ensued when the students invited the administrative staff onto the stage impromptu and presented them with gifts, winning appreciative applause and cheers from the audience.

Reported by: Chen Shizhuo
Edited by: Zhang Jiang