Speeches at The 30th Congregation - School of Design
Congregation Speech by - The Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan GBM, GBZ, JP Chairman of the M+ Board
Welcoming Address by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design and Swire Chair Professor of Design, Alex Wong Siu Wah Gigi Wong Fook Chi Professor in Product Design Engineering
Valedictory Speech by Miss Tsang Tsz Ning - AM Session
Valedictory Speech by Miss Yelena Chan- PM Session
Welcoming Address by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design and Swire Chair Professor of Design, Alex Wong Siu Wah Gigi Wong Fook Chi Professor in Product Design Engineering
Good afternoon, esteemed parents, distinguished colleagues, and graduates of the School of Design.
It fills me with immense joy to stand before you today, particularly as we gather to celebrate a very special occasion—the 60th anniversary of our School. We are not merely celebrating your remarkable achievements, but also a proud history of innovation and education that has defined us for the past six decades.
Reflecting on these 60 years, I am reminded of the essence of design itself: the ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire. We have continually embraced new challenges, reforming education and opening new avenues for design education and research. From our humble beginnings to becoming a leader in design innovation, you should be immensely proud to be part of this legacy. Your journey is a continuation of this rich history, and I assure you, the spirit of innovation in education will persist for many years to come.
As you celebrate your accomplishments, I want to acknowledge the important role of some very special people in your journey. I'm speaking, of course, of your family members and professors, whose support and guidance have contributed to both your academic success and personal growth. Let's take a moment to thank them for their encouragement.
Graduation marks not just the end of a chapter but the exciting beginning of a new one. As you transition into this next phase of your lives, it's essential to recognize that the knowledge and skills you've gained here should extend far beyond the confines of our institution. Embrace the chance to broaden your horizons, venture into new fields, and challenge yourselves to step outside your comfort zones. Let your curiosity lead the way, inspiring you to explore, innovate, and discover the vast possibilities that lie ahead.
As you step into the future, I urge you to adopt a more critical approach to design. In an age where AI is becoming prominent, or even dominant, strive to create more human-centered solutions. Consider how your designs can enhance the human experience, making technology work for us rather than the other way around. Work collaboratively across disciplines to tackle increasingly complex design challenges. Be inclusive by embracing the diversity of users—genders, ages, backgrounds—and remember that this inclusivity will enrich not only your designs but also reflect our vibrant society.
Moreover, I encourage you to be entrepreneurial. Take risks; innovate; don’t shy away from failure—it is often a stepping stone to success. The design world is ever-evolving, and the most impactful designers are those who are willing to challenge the status quo and envision new possibilities. Remember that significant breakthroughs often come from those who dare to think differently.
As you embark on your professional journeys, remember that SD is your home. Always feel welcome to return, share your achievements, and even your failures. Our alumni network is a vital resource that can offer guidance and support as you navigate your future. Engage with your fellow alumni; seek mentorship; foster connections that will sustain you throughout your career. The relationships you build here will be invaluable assets as you move forward.
In conclusion, I extend my sincerest congratulations to each and every one of you. Your achievements not only bring pride to our institution but also inspire those who will follow in your footsteps. As you embark on this new journey—armed with creativity and a commitment to lifelong learning—I have no doubt that you will shape a remarkable and transformative future—one that continues to uphold the values and vision of the School of Design.
Thank you, and hearty congratulations to all of you!
Valedictory Speech by Miss Tsang Tsz Ning - AM Session
Good morning, Honourable guests, professors, parents, fellow graduates, ladies, and gentlemen, welcome to the School of Design Congregation.
I am Tsang Tsz, as known as TT, a graduate of Digital Media Design, and it’s my pleasure to stand here as a representative of the graduating class this year. This could never been possible without the help of all the special people.
I would like to thank you, professors, and tutors, for giving us guidance on our paths and showing so much love and care to us. Thank you, administrators, for greatly supporting us in our projects, during the hectic days before project deadlines. Thank you, parents, for the care, belief, understanding and ‘allowing’ us to burn the midnight oil. Thank you, classmates, for spending countless days and nights fighting through intensive deadlines. Thank you, yourselves, for surviving and growing from the challenges and not giving up. A round of applause for yourselves and those who have been part of this journey.
We did it! Together, we have scripted a rich chapter at the School of Design, filled with countless extraordinary moments shared with amazing individuals. It is hard to squeeze every remarkable moment in this speech, but I will try my best not to miss any of them.
I remember the time returning to reality, the time after countless online lessons and stepping into a whole new environment with a room of talented peers. I was a mix of anxiety and excitement, pondering how I would navigate the coming years, am I gonna survive? Yes, I survived, and we all survived with encouragement and tolerance in SD.
Here, We learn, We laugh, We inspire, We stumble, We celebrate, We criticise ourselves at night and questioning our decisions and ideas, only to rise early the next morning for presentations. No doubt that the challenges and efforts we've invested have not only strengthened us but also fostered creativity and deep bonds among us.
We aren't just honing technical skills but also developing essential soft skills that underpin and elevate our creativity. My experience in DM has forged me to be a better creator, storyteller, and skillful person. Apart from regular lessons, there are exposure to diverse animation and film-related insights via sharing sessions, site visits, and overseas study trips, our learning experience has been not just informative but also enjoyable. We've grasped the synergy of content and skills, which has become the cornerstone of our future creations.
In DM, our supportive teachers, including Jae, Step, Amelie, and tutors in DM, go above and beyond to provide guidance and advice to enhance our creations. I extend a special thanks to them for their full-fledged support. Additionally, my caring classmates have always shown genuine interest in my project goals. I am very grateful to my groupmates who collaborated with me on various projects, their dedication and teamwork have been invaluable. Yet, thank you for spending countless nights together in Discord playing catchy music and trying to make the impossible possible.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the School of Design for curating a community of talented individuals. It is within this diverse and inspiring environment that we have had the privilege to engage, communicate, and learn from one another. The opportunities presented to us by the school have not only enriched our educational experience but have also played a pivotal role in shaping us into the creative individuals we are today. Thank you for fostering a space where innovation thrives, and where each of us has been able to explore our passions and talents with unwavering support.
Here we are turning a new chapter of our life. It's normal to feel a sense of loss when facing an uncertain future. The unknown can be daunting, stirring up feelings of anxiety and nostalgia as we leave behind what we know. But within this mix of emotions, there is room for growth and change. Although we may not be able to work together as we did in school, remember the lessons and experiences we have gained that are shaping us now. The world is vast, but design unites us, offering the opportunity to collaborate again someday.
Let’s tackle this journey with purpose, understanding that each small step we take is a building block in our life story. Progress occurs gradually, so keep moving forward. Each tiny step matters. Stay humble, be creative, continue to create, and aim high!
Once again congratulations and wish you all the best in the future, Thank you!
Valedictory Speech by Miss Yelena Chan- PM Session
Distinguished guests, members of the Faculty, professors, my fellow graduates, ladies, and gentlemen, good afternoon.
Today, we gather to celebrate a monumental milestone in our lives as we graduate from the PolyU School of Design. Can you believe it? We made it!
As I stand here, I’m filled with immense gratitude. First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to our professors. Your unwavering support and guidance have shaped us into the designers we are today. Every late-night critique, every brainstorming session, and every word of encouragement helped us grow. You challenged us to think critically and creatively—and occasionally made us question our life choices at 2 a.m.! For that, we are forever thankful.
And let’s not forget our incredible cleaning staff! Thank you for maintaining our studios and ensuring a conducive learning environment. Seriously, after all those late nights, our studios often resembled a tornado-hit craft store! Your hard work frequently goes unnoticed, but we appreciate you more than you know.
To our families and friends—what an incredible support system you’ve been! Your love, patience, and encouragement have been our lifeline. You stood by us during our sleepless nights and stressful deadlines, reminding us of what truly matters: balance and support. Thank you for believing in us when we sometimes didn’t even believe in ourselves. Your faith has carried us through this journey.
Now, let’s talk about our journey. Many of us are taking our first steps today, while some of us also joined in 2022. Despite our different backgrounds and experiences, we’ve become a family here at PolyU. We’ve spent countless hours together—often more than we spent with our own families—pouring our hearts and souls into projects, working tirelessly day and night, and yes, even on weekends.
Let’s be real for a moment. Surviving studio life required some serious hacks! Who here has spent a night in the studio? I see you! We became experts at overnight survival: ready packs of snacks, instant cup noodles, blankets, and even beds. Yes, beds! We learned to hide under tables just to avoid the security guard’s questioning glare. And after those long nights, we’d treat each other to breakfast in the morning, fueling up for the critiques and tutorials that awaited us.
Throughout these years, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons that I will carry with me into the future: spontaneity, efficiency, and persistence.
Spontaneity—the ability to adapt and think on our feet—has been crucial in our design journey. From last-minute project changes to surprise critiques, we’ve learned that flexibility is not just important; it’s essential!
Then there’s efficiency. We quickly discovered that success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about working smart. Juggling multiple projects taught us to streamline our processes—a skill that will undoubtedly serve us well in our future careers.
And let’s not forget about persistence—the champion of our time at PolyU. Design is full of challenges, and we’ve faced our fair share of criticism and setbacks. But each obstacle only made us stronger. We learned that failure is not the end; it’s just a stepping stone on our path to success, and sometimes it becomes the best story to share at reunions!
As we prepare to step out into the world, we’re ready to break free from our comfort zones and face whatever comes our way. Armed with the skills and mindset we’ve developed, we’re ready to tackle real-world problems and make a meaningful impact.
Let’s take a moment to consider the true essence of design. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about balancing art and engineering to solve problems and enhance lives. Our work goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the world. Let’s embrace this principle as we move forward, knowing our designs can shape a better future!
As we wrap up this chapter and turn the page to the next, I encourage each of you to carry with you the lessons we’ve learned and the friendships we’ve forged. Let’s step boldly into the world, confident that we’re ready to make a difference.
Before I finish, let’s take a moment to celebrate ourselves for the hard work and determination that brought us here today. Congratulations, Class of 2024! Here’s to our future and the incredible adventures that await us!
Thank you!
PolyU Design Heritage
School of Design
