Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) held its 18th Graduation Ceremony and Honorary Fellowship Conferment Ceremony on 20 and 21 June 2026, celebrating the achievements of more than 2,200 undergraduate and over 1,300 postgraduate students from the Class of 2026 while welcoming five distinguished individuals into its Honorary Fellowship community.
Addressing the graduates, BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi extended his heartfelt congratulations and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with confidence and purpose. In a world of rapid change and uncertainty, he urged students to stay true to their passions and remain steadfast in their values.
“As you venture outward, you will carry BNBU forward,” he said. “Your courage, your choices, your achievements will become part of our continuing story.”
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi addresses the students
This year, BNBU conferred Honorary Fellowships upon Prof Huang Zhen, Prof Peh Yun-lu, Dr David Wong Yau-Kar, Prof Yu Gang and Prof Efim Zelmanov in recognition of their outstanding achievements in education, science, public administration and other fields, as well as their support for the University. Their accomplishments inspire graduates to pursue excellence and contribute their talents to society and human progress.
Speaking on behalf of the Honorary Fellows, Fields Medal laureate Prof Efim Zelmanov reflected on the qualities that remain indispensable in the age of artificial intelligence.
“We live in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, but no technology can replace creativity, critical thinking, or a deep understanding of fundamental principles,” he said. “Continue to build a strong foundation, stay curious and embrace lifelong learning. These are the qualities that will help you adapt, innovate, and thrive in a world that is constantly evolving.”
BNBU newly conferred Honorary Fellow Prof Efim Zelmanov addresses the audience
BNBU senior management congratulate students' on their graduation. They are President Prof Chen Zhi, Provost Prof Patrick Chau, Vice President (Academic) Prof Zhou Yongming, Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing, Vice President (Research and Development) Prof Pan Jianxin, and Associate Vice President (Global Engagement) Prof Huang Yu
Deans and representatives from all faculties and schools also offered their best wishes to the graduates. They are Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Prof Adolf Ng, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof Tang Beibei, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Prof Yang Jian, Dean of the School of Culture and Creativity (SCC) Prof Eugene Ch'ng, Associate Dean of the School of General Education Prof Shi Lei, Associate Dean of FST Prof Xuanyuan Zhe, and Associate Dean of SCC Prof Matthew Sansom
As of June 2026, many BNBU graduates pursuing further studies had secured admission offers from prestigious institutions around the world, including Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the National University of Singapore, Yale University, Carnegie Mellon University and more. Graduates entering the workforce have likewise embarked on diverse career paths, joining leading organisations such as Tencent-affiliated companies, the Big Four accounting firms, and major state-owned banks. Some have also begun their careers in Hong Kong through the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) scheme.
For many graduates, the most valuable lessons gained at BNBU extend far beyond academic knowledge. They spoke of the courage to embrace uncertainty, the resilience to overcome challenges, the broad global outlook fostered by a liberal arts education, and the support of teachers and friends who accompanied them throughout their university journey.
Chen Jiayi from the Faculty of Science and Technology said BNBU’s liberal arts education had enabled students to grow academically, intellectually and personally while broadening their international perspectives through diverse learning experiences.
Her fellow graduate Kong Huijue reflected that the true purpose of university education is not to make everyone the same, but to help each individual discover their own path and find unique answers in life.
Wang Yi from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences noted that liberal arts education is not about getting every answer right, but about becoming a well-rounded person with self-awareness, emotional strength and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
For He Yilei from the Faculty of Business and Management, university life offered much more than disciplinary knowledge. It also provided opportunities to develop communication skills, teamwork, responsibility and the ability to grow through challenges.
Laxmi Khatri from the School of Culture and Creativity described her BNBU experience as a transformative journey that has shaped who she is today and laid a solid foundation for her future development.
Among the postgraduate graduates, Zhang Yunpeng from the Master of Arts in Communication (Sports, Health and Communication Concentration) said that perhaps the most enduring gift of a liberal arts education is the courage to say “why not give it a try?” when facing an uncertain future or pursuing something one truly loves.
Jin Huizi from the Master of Arts in Communication (Media Management Concentration) added that graduation marks the beginning of a new mission: to apply the knowledge and experiences gained at BNBU to create meaningful value for others and for society.
Student representatives share their thoughts with the audience
Held alongside the graduation celebrations, the Honorary Fellowship Conferment Ceremony underscored BNBU’s commitment to recognising excellence while inspiring future generations. As one cohort embarks on new journeys and five distinguished Honorary Fellows join the BNBU family, the University continues to advance its mission of liberal arts education and cultivate talents equipped to make a positive impact on the world.
From MPRO
Photo by Hanna He
Video by Season Li, Owen Li and Cecilia Yu
Editor: Cecilia Yu
