Delivering the commencement address at National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung City today, Premier Jiang Yi-huah encouraged the graduating class to work hard as they enter society, to show respect for others, to be willing to learn, and to continue seeking life's meaning. He also thanked the university for cultivating a free, liberal academic environment that has produced such fine talent for the country.
The premier said the four attitudes are essential for graduates as they embark on the next phase of life. First, they must become hard-working and responsible members of society. "As long as you embrace this attitude and make your decisions with courage, you can overcome any challenge no matter what field you are in or how long you have worked in it."
Second, it is important to show respect for others. "When you work with many different groups of people in society, you must learn to respect others and their opinions. It will be a great challenge to get along with everyone."
Third, graduates must not cease to learn, the premier said. "There is a limit to what four years of college can teach you, but the future requires a broad range of skills and knowledge, so you must be driven to learn even after graduating. Education is not confined to school; society is a great big classroom. Seize every moment as a learning experience."
The premier said many people become too busy with work to read books or engage in intellectual discussion. This limits their creativity and potential and takes a toll on national competitiveness. He urged the graduates to never lose the passion for learning that they acquired in school.
Last, the premier told the graduating class to continue seeking meaning in life. "Many entrepreneurs donate to charity or volunteer for social causes not for fame but to be a part of something meaningful. Each stage of life is defined by a different meaning, and our lives are only fulfilling if we search for meaning at each stage," Jiang said.