Taiwan Tech held its graduation ceremony today (25th) to bid farewell to more than 3,000 graduates. Among them was Zhe-Wu Huang, the founder of Pioneer Machinery Company, who earned his EMBA at the remarkable age of 85. His accomplishment highlights the spirit of lifelong learning, making him a true “senior graduate”.

President Jia-Yush Yen reminded students of the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need to learn how to use AI effectively and ethically, warning that while AI can help modify data, it also absorbs the hard-earned knowledge from research. Yen urged students to master AI without being deceived or manipulated by it. He also encouraged them to give back to society with a supportive and caring attitude, fostering social change and considering how to contribute more significantly.

Taiwan Tech Students joyfully celebrate graduation.

Taiwan Tech President Yan Chia-Yu delivers commencement speech.

Hsin-Chi Lai, the valedictorian and student president, expressed gratitude for the school's emphasis on EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) and the introduction of 16-week semesters. These initiatives not only enhanced their professional and English skills but also made them “masters of time management”. The unique course planning and the three-month-long summer break provided her with practical experience and skills that were more valuable than any thick textbook.

This year, Taiwan Tech also celebrated the graduation of a particularly remarkable student, Zhe-Wu Huang, the founder of Pioneer Machinery Company, who is over eighty years old but still his desire to learn has not diminished at all. He said he was born in a poor family. After graduating from a technical college, he worked in the mechanical design department of a well-known wire and cable company. At 35, he founded Pioneer Machinery Company and led a busy life until his second-generation successors took over, allowing him to return to campus with his hair now grey. Huang shared that, being retired, he had no pressure of career advancement, which allowed him to learn with a relaxed and happy mindset. He also mentioned the respect and kindness from both teachers and fellow students, which made his learning experience enjoyable. although his physical strength and memory are not as good as before, Huang believes that the only way to slow down his decline and expand his social circle is to use his brain diligently and continue to learn, achieving two goals with one effort.

Pioneer Machinery Company Founder Zhe-Wu Huang earns a master's degree from Taiwan Tech at the age of 85.

Zhe-Wu Huang recalled his youth when he used to wake up at 4 a.m. every morning, walk from home to the Yangmei Station, and then take a train to Taipei for school. Although it was very hard, it did not affect his enthusiasm for learning at all. Under his leadership, the company he founded has developed into a globally renowned supplier of wire and cable equipment. In 2014, the company transformed into smart manufacturing, and its business model is very different from before, which requires the adoption of new technological and management concepts to avoid differences and conflicts. Therefore, Zhe-Wu Huang spends his days engaged in physical activity and reading. He dedicates an average of four hours each day to reading news and acquiring new knowledge online. He also encourages young adults to continue learning, maintain curiosity, and communicate with people from different fields, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning. In order to sustain the spirit of diligence and learning, Zhe-Wu Huang donated 500,000 NT dollars to establish the “Zhe-Wu Huang Scholarship” at the School of Management, allowing underprivileged students to pursue their dreams without worries.

Zhe-Wu Huang made special arrangements for his EMBA classmates to visit and exchange ideas at Pioneer Machinery Company.

This graduation ceremony also invited outstanding alumni, Jian-Wei Chen, General Manager of TUL corporation, and Hong-Yi Chen, General Manager of Advanced-Connectek Inc., to extend their blessings to the graduates. Faced with the ever-changing external environment, Jian-Wei Chen hopes that the graduates will maintain optimism and perseverance in dealing with challenges and problems. “It can help you stay calm, and see opportunities in problems, rather than fear and frustration.”

Taiwan Tech's Distinguished Alumnus and General Manager of TUL corporation, as well as the Chairman of the Alumni Association, Jian-Wei Chen, delivers his speech.

Hong-Yi Chen pointed out that graduation from school does not mark the end of learning. He encouraged graduates to continue cultivating their international perspective, and social concern, enriching their humanistic qualities and creativity, as well as their ability to collaborate as a team. “Dreams may not always come true, but the pursuit of dreams will leave behind beautiful and enriching memories in life.”

Hong-Yi Chen, General Manager of Advanced-Connectek Inc. delivers commencement speech.

Taiwan Tech will celebrate its 50th anniversary next March under the theme "Dedication for Fifty Years, Cornerstone of Industry". A series of events will be held to commemorate this milestone. The university will continue its mission in technical education, emphasizing practical application and industry-academic cooperation, to nurture more outstanding talents for society and promote the continuous development of both industry and education.

Grandma warmly embraces her grandson, wishing him a happy graduation.