NTU Opening Ceremony: “Where Creativity and Dreams Take Flight”

NTU held the Opening Ceremony on September 1, 2024 to welcome 4,497 new undergraduate students and 5,932 new graduate students. These enthusiastic freshmen and their families participated in the ceremony and watched captivating performances and carefully curated videos. These presentations showcased the dedication, drive, and spirit of service that NTU students embody, inspiring the new students at the beginning of their exciting university journey ahead, filled with creativity and dreams.

The ceremony also showcased lively performances by various student clubs. The event kicked off with a thrilling musical duel between the NTU Chinese Orchestra and the NTU Symphony Orchestra. This was followed by impressive performances from other music and dance clubs. The grand finale featured the NTU Gymnastics, who executed a flawless routine, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

In his opening remarks, NTU President Wen-Chang Chen emphasized the four pillars of a balanced university education in the 21st century: “Academic Excellence,” “Diverse Knowledge Base,” “International Perspectives,” and “Putting Theory into Practice.” He also underscored three key priorities for students to bear in mind: “Build Friendships,” “Develop Resilience,” and “Cultivate the Courage to Pursue Dreams.” To help students pursue these goals, NTU continuously improves its specialized academic modules, undergraduate programs, and honors programs. Additionally, the “NTU Beyond Borders” initiative will be launched during the new academic year, providing students subsidies to participate in internships, work placements, and entrepreneurship programs at top universities, companies, and NGOs abroad during summer and winter breaks. This initiative is aimed at broadening students’ international perspectives, strengthening their interpersonal skills, and promoting interdisciplinary learning.

In addition, President Chen reminded freshmen that while social networks bring convenience, unrestrained and irresponsible comments can cause anxiety and distress to others and society. He also mentioned that growth and learning are full of challenges, but he hoped that students could view setbacks as opportunities that motivate them to build resilience against adversity. In conclusion, President Chen encouraged the new students to learn to work with people of different characteristics and abilities, to develop their own strengths, elevate their lives, and forge lifelong friendships and partnerships.

The ceremony also featured several notable NTU alumni, including members of the Cosmos People band, actors Chien-Pei Yang and Shang-He Huang, and author Shi-Yong Li. In a pre-recorded video, they welcomed the freshmen and encouraged them to not only focus on acquiring academic knowledge but also to identify and develop their own values and maintain a balanced and stable mindset. With such a foundation, students will be better equipped to explore and yet care for themselves while striving toward goals that are bigger than themselves.

In welcoming the freshmen, Student Association President An-Peng Wu, Vice President Kuan-Wei Wang, and Graduate Student Association President Chia-Ying Hsieh shared their personal experiences and encouraged newcomers to not only focus on acquiring academic knowledge but also to identify and develop their own values and maintain a balanced and stable mindset. With such a foundation, students will be better equipped to explore and yet care for themselves while striving toward goals that are bigger than themselves.

The ceremony concluded with videos from several service-oriented student groups, such as the NTU Northern Thailand Service Club and the NTU Homeless Service Society. These presentations illustrated NTU’s commitment to encouraging students to use their talents and skills to help others and exert a positive influence, whether in Taiwan or elsewhere, to foster a better society.