(彭教授致辞节选) As you prepare to step beyond this hall, allow me to share three stories of curiosity, proactivity, and leadership-that l hope will light your way. Let’s begin with curiosity. The question “why?” is your talisman. It’s what compels us to take apart radios as children, and to challenge every shortcut and “that’s just the way it is” as students. Take Bob. Bob was the sort who took apart the TV remote just to see how it worked. At university, this relentless “why” became his forte. During a group project, when their software produced strange results, Bob kept asking, “Why are these numbers off?” Instead of blaming the algorithm, he dug into the data and discovered that different sources defined “active user” differently, and some entries were inconsistent. By questioning every step, Bob uncovered flaws in the data collection. Fixing these made the team’s analysis accurate and fair. Curiosity, you see, is not only the engine of innovation, but a matter of responsibility. Never lose your appetite for asking “why.” The world needs your persistent, hopeful inquiry. Curiosity leads to questions, but it is action that brings answers to life. The world is full of those waiting for instructions, following manuals, standing politely in line. But the future belongs to the map-makers. Meet Stuart. On his first day at a new job, Stuart was handed a thick manual and told, “This is how we do things here.” Most would nod and carry on. Not Stuart. He noticed a process that took hours and thought, “Couldn’t this be automated?” Instead of waiting for permission, Stuart tinkered after hours, adjusted the batch size and used an efficient optimiser, and turned hours into minutes. At first, people were skeptical. But soon, they were lining up at his desk, eager to learn. Maps are useful only until you reach the edge of the known world. Beyond that, it is up to you to sketch the mountains, chart the rivers, and-if you are bold-sail off the edge. As you journey onward, you’ll discover the road is not meant to be travelled alone. Here, let us turn to Kevin—a leader not by title, but by spirit. Kevin led a capstone project with a team more chaotic than Gru managing his minions. Meetings were noisy, ideas collided, progress stalled. But Kevin was the listener. He asked his teammates what they cared about, what kept them up at night, what made them dream. Slowly, trust blossomed. The project came together, not because of a single genius, but because Kevin led with empathy and patience. Leadership is not about barking orders or dazzling with brilliance. It is about nurturing a culture where every voice matters and every contribution is valued. Let us be candid: not every question yields a neat answer, and not every experiment ends in triumph. Failure will visit you often. Welcome it. Each misstep is a stepping stone; each disaster a story you’ll retell with a smile. And remember: you are never alone. Behind every graduate stands a constellation of supporters—family, friends, mentors, and the occasional stranger who handed you a coffee at just the right moment. Most importantly, never forget to be grateful for the unconditional love and support from your family—their encouragement and faith in you have been the bedrock that allowed you to pursue your dreams, even on the toughest days. So, to all graduates, step boldly into the world—light in hand, curiosity in your pocket, and a hopeful heart. Let “why” be your compass, proactivity your path, and empathy your guide. Lead not by decree, but by example. Act not from fear, but from hope. The world awaits—sometimes impatiently—your ideas, your courage, and your curiosity. Make your journey unpredictable, your failures instructive, and your triumphs uniquely your own. Congratulations, and thank you! |