-Kaohsiung Medical University-

Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) held its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on June 13, celebrating graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. This year's ceremony featured a special commencement address by former President Tsai Ing-Wen, who joined faculty members, students, families, and friends in commemorating this important milestone.

In her remarks, former President Tsai offered graduates three words of encouragement. She urged them to maintain the ability to learn and adapt in an era of rapid change, not to define themselves by temporary successes, failures, or external labels, and to take care of their physical and mental well-being while believing that their expertise and actions can become a force that supports society. She also reminded graduates that knowledge should serve the people and that professional expertise should respond to societal needs. Regardless of the field they pursue, she encouraged them to connect their learning with society and create meaningful impact through action.

To commemorate her visit, Eric K. Chen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kaohsiung Medical University, and Ming-Lung Yu, President of KMU, presented former President Tsai with a special KMU graduation bear. The bear wore a KMU hoodie embroidered with the letters "YBSG," a playful reference to a recent internet trend while also echoing President Tsai's heartfelt blessings for the graduates, adding warmth and humor to the ceremony.

Chairman Eric K. Chen encouraged graduates to remain committed to lifelong learning in medical science and their respective professional fields while maintaining strong critical-thinking skills. No matter what challenges lie ahead, he urged them to cultivate broad perspectives and a global outlook, continue learning, embrace innovation, make effective use of technology, and listen attentively to others. By leading with compassion and placing people at the center of their work, he said, graduates can apply their knowledge to every corner of society and create irreplaceable value through their professions.

President Ming-Lung Yu inspired graduates with the story of Dr. Thomas Starzl, the pioneer of organ transplantation, encouraging them to "embrace challenges and define the future." He emphasized that advances in medicine are made possible by those willing to continue exploring what once seemed impossible. In a rapidly changing world, he reminded graduates that "impossible" is not the end of the journey. He encouraged them to maintain the courage to explore the unknown, continue learning, and boldly pursue new possibilities. By doing so, they can become individuals who understand life, respond to society's needs, and connect with the world, while joining KMU in realizing its vision: "KMU of the Future, Leading the Future."

Representing the graduating class, student speaker Ms. Wang noted that the theme of this year's commencement ceremony was "The Record of Time." She described the university experience as a youthful symphony that captures the growth, memories, and achievements accumulated throughout the years. She expressed gratitude to faculty members, family, classmates, and the patients and families who provided valuable learning opportunities during clinical training, all of whom enriched this chapter of life's song. Although university life is now reaching a temporary pause, she hoped that every graduate would cherish and appreciate their own unique "Record of Time."

As the tassel-turning ceremony commenced, graduates marked a significant milestone in their university journey amid the blessings and congratulations of faculty members, family, and friends. This proud moment, symbolizing growth and achievement, will become a treasured melody within each graduate's personal "Record of Time."

KMU emphasized that graduation is not an ending but the beginning of new responsibilities. The University encourages its graduates to carry forward the professional expertise and humanistic values cultivated during their studies, continue making meaningful contributions in their respective fields, and embrace a future filled with broader opportunities and greater impact.

▲Former President Tsai Ing-Wen delivers the commencement address.

▲Kaohsiung Medical University 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

▲Chairman Eric K. Chen presents a commemorative gift to former President Tsai Ing-Wen.

▲President Ming-Lung Yu presents former President Tsai Ing-Wen with a KMU graduation bear embroidered with the letters "YBSG."