On the morning of June 29, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of the Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS) was held at the Auditorium of the International Campus. More than 240 graduates from the Class of 2026, representing the iMBA, iMF, iMFA, iMDS, MCS, and GCM programs, gathered to celebrate one of the most memorable milestones of their academic journey.
The ceremony was attended by Qu Haidong, Vice Dean of International Campus; Chen Liang, Vice Dean of International Campus; Lin Xiao, Deputy Director of the Office of Global Engagement, Zhejiang University; Chen Ye, Vice Dean of International College of Zhejiang University. Also in attendance were distinguished industry mentors including Xu Xun, Vice President of Transfar Group, and Wu Xin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Leadership Group of the Haining Bureau of Commerce and President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade[1] , Haining Committee, and Xie Xiaoyun, Dean of ZIBS. They were joined by leaders from administrative departments across the International Campus, ZIBS industry partners, representatives from government and business sectors, all ZIBS faculty and staff, and family members and friends of graduates from nearly 30 countries worldwide.
As the audience solemnly sang the Zhejiang University anthem, the graduation ceremony officially began. Program flags were lowered as graduates gently waved star-shaped lights. Countless tiny lights merged into a sea of stars, illuminating the aspirations that will guide them toward the future.
Words of Wisdom for the Journey Ahead
Qu Haidong | Vice Dean of International Campus
On behalf of the International Campus, Qu Haidong extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class and shared three hopes for their future. He encouraged graduates to remain committed to Zhejiang University's spirit of seeking truth while embracing innovation with curiosity and courage.
Highlighting the importance of building consensus in an interconnected world, he called on students to engage with the global community through openness and inclusiveness, fostering understanding across cultures. As the world undergoes profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence and other global changes, he encouraged graduates to respond proactively to the challenges of the times, nurture their humanistic values, and grow into leaders with both global competence and vision.
Xie Xiaoyun | Dean of ZIBS
Dean Xie Xiaoyun expressed his sincere appreciation to all faculty, staff, and the families of graduates for their unwavering support. He also shared his best wishes with the Class of 2026. Reflecting on today's evolving global landscape, he encouraged graduates to embrace the mission of "Changing the World, Leading the Future" by actively contributing to a new era of globalization and promoting the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. He also urged them to uphold the principle of business for good, using the power of business to create positive social impact and contribute to the well-being of communities around the world, while demonstrating the responsibility and vision of a new generation on the global stage.
Faculty Representative
Li Chao | Program Director, iMDS
Speaking about today's rapidly changing world, Li Chao emphasized that the ability to integrate diverse perspectives, adapt through continuous iteration, and pursue truth through critical thinking has never been more essential. He offered graduates three pieces of advice for journey ahead: remain curious and committed to lifelong learning while pursuing what you truly love; stay humble and never hesitate to challenge and update your own assumptions; and always hold on to your integrity and kindness, moving forward with a strong sense of responsibility.
Industry Representative
Xu Xun | Vice President of Transfar Group and ZIBS Industry Mentor
Drawing on years of industry experience, Xu Xun shared practical advice with the graduating class. He encouraged students to stay grounded, believing that excellence is built through consistent dedication to everyday work. He also urged them to step beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in frontline business practice, where real growth comes from hands-on experience. Finally, he reminded graduates not to be constrained by conventional "right answers," but instead to analyze challenges from multiple perspectives, identify real problems, and create meaningful solutions.
Setting Sail Toward the Next Chapter
The ceremony also featured an awards presentation recognizing recipients of the Zhejiang Provincial Outstanding Graduate Award, Zhejiang University Outstanding Graduates, and Outstanding International Graduates. Certificates were presented by Chen Liang, Vice Dean of the International Campus; Ai Ni, Director of the Office of Planning and Advancement; Gu Yingjie, Director of the Office of Academic Affairs; Liu Fengyi, Director of the Office of Student Affairs; and Mo Shenjiang, Vice Dean of ZIBS.
The Class of 2026 includes graduates from nearly 30 countries, further strengthening ZIBS' global alumni network. To foster lasting connections across regions, the School has appointed regional alumni coordinators to support alumni communities throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and beyond. During the ceremony, ZIBS Vice Dean Chen Jingyan presented appointment certificates to the newly appointed coordinators.
Outstanding Graduate Representatives
Rajomarison Alicia Mirindra
"From an island, I came to discover a world."
"I traveled from Madagascar to study at ZIBS. Over four years in the GCM program, I have grown into a bridge—connecting cultures, linking business and communication, and building pathways between my home country and the wider world. The intercultural competence and ability to connect with others that I gained at ZIBS will stay with me for a lifetime."
Dong Dong
"Finding direction and sailing forward amid uncertainty."
"Two years ago, I entered the iMBA classroom as a working professional. At ZIBS, I gained far more than business knowledge. I learned how to stay grounded and find direction in uncertain times—a mindset that has become the key to navigating complex business challenges."
Renee Theresa Johannes Paulussen
"Not everything has to last forever in order for it to be special."
"Driven by my curiosity and admiration for China, I came from the Netherlands to pursue the MCS program at ZIBS. Over the past two years, hands-on learning experiences have given me an increasingly rich and multidimensional understanding of China. Although this chapter is coming to an end, the experiences I have gained here will always remain an inseparable part of who I am."
Wang Pingqian
"We capture light through the lens, and tell stories through creation."
"During my three years in the iMFA program, I grew into a creator, researcher, and project operator all at once. At ZIBS, my creative vision came to life, and my dreams flourished here at Zhejiang University. My heartfelt thanks go to every mentor and friend who believed in me and supported me along the way. As our journey together comes to a close, I'll leave you with the words: "Good morning, good afternoon, and good night."
Thuillier Antoine Henri-Thomas
"Here, finance became a language that connects the world."
"As I look back on my years in the iMF program, it is the everyday moments shared with classmates that made this journey truly unforgettable. I came to realize that finance is far more than numbers—it is a language that connects markets, cultures, and people. Leaving ZIBS, I move forward into the world with confidence and courage."
Gao Yan
"Finding my own answers between data and reality."
"When I first joined the iMDS program, studying entirely in English was one of my greatest challenges. Throughout my journey at ZIBS, I learned through challenges, grew through practice, and found balance between cutting-edge data science research and real industry needs. Along the way, I also came to truly understand the meaning behind ZIBS' vision of 'Changing the World, Leading the Future.'"
Let Every Dream Shine Bright
As See You Again filled the auditorium, its familiar melody carried memories of shared classrooms, late-night discussions, and a heartfelt promise to meet again.
When We're All in This Together began to play, GCM graduates in their academic gowns took to the stage, dancing together in celebration of the friendships and unwavering support that had defined their journey.
《岁月如歌》 transformed everyday campus memories into a gentle melody, inviting everyone to look back on the road they had traveled together.
Then the touching performance of Slipping Through My Fingers revisited countless moments at ZIBS, preserving precious memories that graduates will carry with them wherever life leads.
The graduation song medley continued with 《凤凰花开的路口》 celebrating the beauty of youth; 《朋友》 honoring lasting friendships; and A Million Dreams, sending graduates toward the future with passion, ambition, and hope.
As warm melodies lingered in the air, graduates stepped onto the stage with smiles, embracing their professors, posing for photos with family members, and standing shoulder to shoulder with lifelong friends, capturing memories that will forever belong to their time at ZIBS.
Though the graduation song must come to an end, the journey ahead knows no boundaries. With Zhejiang University's motto forever engraved in their hearts and the sea of lights bidding them farewell, may every graduate move forward with the courage and confidence to Change the World, Lead the Future. May they travel across continents with open minds, embrace the richness of diverse cultures, pursue their dreams through dedication and action, and create lasting impact wherever they go. No matter how far the road may lead, ZIBS will always remain a place to call home.
Source: ZIBS Wechat Public Account,《2026毕业季 | ZIBSer们，即刻启程，破浪摘星！Sail the Seas, Reach the Stars》（Editing: TU Jiaruo; Editing in Charge: HONG Zhenzhen; Reviewer: CHEN Qilisha; Final Reviewer: CHEN Jingyan）