Speeches at The 31st Congregation - School of Design
Congregation Speech by Mr Nicholas Leung, Chief Operating Officer of Steve Leung Design Group
Welcoming Address by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design and Swire Chair Professor of Design, Alex Wong Siu Wah Gigi Wong Fook Chi Professor in Product Design Engineering
Valedictory Speech by Miss LAM Tsz Yau - AM Session
Valedictory Speech by Miss GONG Yanni - PM Session
Congregation Speech by Mr Nicholas Leung, Chief Operating Officer of Steve Leung Design Group(on behalf of Mr Steve Leung, BBS, Founder of Steve Leung Design Group )
Good afternoon, Professor Lee, esteemed guests, faculty members, dear parents, and most importantly, our brilliant graduating class of the PolyU School of Design.
It's a true honour of mine to be with you today on this memorable occasion.
Looking out at all of you today, feeling your energy and creativity … it reminds me so much of my own early days, over 50 years ago.
Let me tell you my story. It was back in 1974. I was a Form 6 student, and a friend of mine was in her final year at the Swire School of Design.
She was telling me that she was very 騰鷄, a very local way to describe that mix of anxiety and desperation before a big deadline.
She asked me to help with her final-year interior design project.
I was indeed very eager to assist, so I became one of her many “山包” meaning helper or assistant. The term comes from the traditional Cheung Chau Bun Festival, where people work together to reach the top. That’s exactly what I was doing, helping a friend reaching her goal.
We spent many long days and nights at the school’s early premises in Quarry Bay. I still remember the smell of paper and glue, the sound of scratching tracing paper… and the shared focus when you’re working towards a common goal.
That experience is still very dear to me. It’s incredible how much time has passed. Yet, the spirit of innovation and collaboration I felt then remains as vibrant as ever here today.
Around that same year, I almost became one of your alumni here. I met Professor Peacock from the Industrial Design Department during the Polytechnic Graduate Design Show. He spoke to me with such passion about the curriculum, about designing for the real world. He looked at my work and encouraged me to enrol.
Somehow, I didn’t end up joining PolyU as a student. But looking back, my connection to this university never stopped but only grew stronger, in different ways.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to know and work together with a lot of your outstanding alumni, talented creators like Tino Kwan, Dennis Chan, Freeman Lau, and Patrick Leung, just to name a few. Their works have inspired me a lot and our friendship is considered a gift from god.
And of course, many PolyU graduates have joined my company over the years. For more than three decades, their talent and dedication have been an important cornerstone of our growth.
So, even I have never sat in your classrooms, the spirit of PolyU has been a constant presence in my life and work, shaping the design landscape here in Hong Kong and far beyond.
Graduates, you are stepping into a world where design is changing faster than ever. When I started, we drew everything by hand. Today, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and a deep sense of social responsibility are reshaping why and how we create. The problems you are being called to solve are more complex and more important than ever.
Design is no longer simply about aesthetics or function. It is a powerful tool for solving real human challenges - from creating more livable cities to supporting mental well-being and building inclusive spaces for everyone.
The world now needs designers who are not just makers, but problem-solvers and visionaries. It needs your empathy, your innovation, and your courage.
As you begin this exciting journey, let me share a few thoughts - less as advice, and more as principles I’ve seen hold true over my long career:
First, stay curious. Ask questions. The best ideas come from a curious mind that is open and wondering.
Second, be friends with failure. This is a difficult one, I know. But in our profession, failure is not the opposite of success; it is a vital part of it. Failure is part of learning. Every mistake teaches you something valuable. Some of our best projects at my company started from an idea that was first rejected.
Third, collaborate with others. The most interesting solutions always happen at the intersections—where architecture meets storytelling, or where product design meets social science. Talk to people from different fields. Listen to their perspectives. The best solutions often come from mixing different ideas. You will be surprised at how it transforms your own.
And through it all, never forget the human being at the centre of your work. We are not designing for awards or for magazines. We are designing for people. Their daily lives, their comfort, their joys—this must be your true north.
Finally, build your resilience. The world will bring surprises and challenges. New technologies will emerge, clients’ needs will shift, the world will change. There will be challenges. Your ability to adapt, to stay strong, and to hold on to your core values… that is what will sustain you for the long journey. It will define not just your career, but your impact on the world.
Dear graduates, this is your moment. You stand on the shoulders of a great institution, armed with new ideas and a passion that has brought you here. The future is full of possibilities.
With your heritage, your drive for innovation, and your passion, I’m excited to see your journeys ahead. You have the power to shape a better world.
Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. Today is yours. Keep going forward, and create with courage.
加油! Thank you
Welcoming Address by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design and Swire Chair Professor of Design, Alex Wong Siu Wah Gigi Wong Fook Chi Professor in Product Design Engineering
Good morning, esteemed parents, distinguished colleagues, and the graduating class of 2025.
Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of our students, their families, and our dedicated faculty. Congratulations to each and every one of you! This moment is not merely a recognition of your achievements; it is a heartfelt testament to the hard work, passion, and commitment you have all demonstrated throughout your journey here at the School of Design.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to our teachers and staff. Your tireless efforts have shaped this school and empowered our students to reach extraordinary heights. Thanks to your dedication, the School of Design has flourished—achieving awards, grants, and accolades that reflect the incredible talent nurtured within these walls.
As you stand on the threshold of graduation, remember that this is not an end but the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in your lives. While your time here has equipped you with invaluable skills, the world outside is a vast landscape full of possibilities. It is a realm where you will need to creatively apply everything you’ve learned, adapting to new challenges and seizing opportunities.
In this ever-evolving landscape, creativity is key. You will need to dance gracefully with technology, particularly AI, to foster innovation. Embrace it as a partner in your creative endeavors, not as a competitor. The future belongs to those who can blend human ingenuity with technological advancements. Consider how your designs can enhance the human experience, making technology work for us rather than the other way around. Collaborate across disciplines to tackle the increasingly complex design challenges that lie ahead.
As you step into the world, remember that we are part of a larger ecosystem. It is essential to consider our climate and the impact of our designs. Advocate for those who are unprivileged and ensure that your work serves a broader purpose, reflecting the values we hold dear.
Commit to lifelong learning as you embark on this journey. The world is constantly changing, and your fresh curiosity will be your greatest asset. Ask questions, seek knowledge, and remain open to new experiences. You are not alone; a vast network of alumni, teachers, and colleagues is ready to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance whenever you need it—our doors are always open. You are always welcome to return to share your achievements and challenges. Engage with fellow alumni, seek mentorship, and foster connections that will sustain you throughout your career. The relationships you build here will be invaluable treasures as you move forward.
I extend my warmest congratulations to each of you. Your achievements not only bring pride to our school but also inspire those who will follow in your footsteps. As you embark on this new journey—armed with creativity and a commitment to lifelong learning—I have every confidence that you will shape a remarkable and transformative future, one that continues to uphold the values and vision of the School of Design.
Thank you once again to our teachers for nurturing such exceptional students. Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates but also the entire community that has lovingly supported them along the way.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Embrace the future with courage, creativity, and an open heart. Your unique voices have the power to inspire change. Thank you.
Valedictory Speech by Miss LAM Tsz Yau - AM Session
Honorable guests, teachers, fellow schoolmates—ladies and gentlemen, My name is Leah, and it is my great honor to speak for our graduating class of 2025.
First of all, happy graduation to all of us. We have just reached another milestone in life.
I’m so excited today! You might find it hard to believe, but when I was invited to give this speech, my first thought was to decline it as quickly as possible. Giving a passionate on-stage speech has always felt like a distant dream of mine.
Let me tell you a secret: I have played the “thank-you speech” game in front of my bathroom mirror since I was child. I figured the only reason l got invited was that the mirror told the truth.
We sometimes doubt ourselves before we start new challenges and feel anxious about moments that haven’t happened, even though we already have perfect strategies in our minds. Like I have imagined thousands of times that I got success.
I used to worry about my age. I know many of you here today are mature adults, and you might see me as a kid. But I would like to invite you to recall your twenties—let’s see if we can connect together.
I think being in our twenties is such a cool stage because it is legal to do so many things. As a result, we begin to take different paths from our peers. When my friends began to settle into stable jobs and even start families, I chose to return to school. Then I found myself wondering: was I too old to do this?
In many Asian cultures we often value the “right timing”—finish our studies, jump straight into a job and then become the top player; any deviation from the path may be criticized.
A Korean actress, Miss Seo Hyun-jin, once shared a thought that inspired me a lot: no matter if you are 22 or 26 — it is never too late. Go where you want to go. Learn what you want to learn. Today is the youngest day of your journey.
It makes me realize that what matters most is not the exact moment we begin, but the willingness to begin at all. It’s never been late to start!
It reminded me of two years ago, when I overcame age anxiety and had an interview for the IM program.
Professor Jeffrey, I don’t know if you remember, but you were one of my interviewers. That day you did everything you could to guide me with questions, giving me every chance to show my true self.
In these two years of SD life, you and the other faculty have remained the same—patient, encouraging, and thoughtful.
We design students may have a little “artist temperament.” Professor Hua Xin is like a super-strong calming pill to that. If I ever become a parent, she will be my role model.
I haven’t forgotten you, my warm and loving IM family. Being part of IM has shown me that confidence and positivity are contagious.
I'm amazed at how united we gather around a tiny component and bring out our best skills together. I believe the friendships we've formed will last a lifetime.
Honestly, two years are not enough to explore the entire Innovation Tower.
A school with so many facilities—that help us bring a new invention to life. This place is a dream factory.
We even joked about starting our own businesses right here and solving the “fresh graduate” problem at the source.
After the wonderful time on campus, we're now entering society. We ask another question: will our passion ever pay off?
SD has encouraged us to see the world differently, and I got the answer during our overseas study trip to Tokyo, where we witnessed how design is evolving in the modern world. What we see as fancy designs were once only imaginative ideas in comic books.
My tutor, Professor Jane, and I have discussed life this way: our efforts don’t always bear fruit immediately, and that’s okay.
We’re not failing; we’re rooting for ourselves.
We often mistake improving for failure, and realize later that every small step was moving us forward.
Progress isn’t a straight line, and we plant a seed, sometimes it will blossom, sometimes it will become a sturdy tree, and sometimes it might not sprout at all—but it will still become a sweet nut.
We understand the current market is challenging, but let’s stay passionate—we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side, just like we always have! Who knows what surprises the future will bring?
Up to this moment, we have surprised ourselves and we have done more than we expected.
At the end, to my schoolmates: be proud of your courage. To our teachers and staff: thank you for your guidance. To our supportive families and friends: grateful for your love and patience.
Beginning today. Learn as we go and the future will follow.
Thank you, and happy graduation once again!
Valedictory Speech by Miss GONG Yanni - PM Session
Dear guests and faculty members, families and my fellow graduates of the Class of 2025 – Good afternoon.
My name is Yanni, though many of you know me as Coco, a graduate in Environment and Interior Design.
Each of us will carry our own unique reflections from our time here. So, It is an immense honour to stand before you today sharing mine.
The first thing I wish to express is gratitude. To individually thank every person who helped us reach this grand finale would take hours. To fully credit every moment that contributed to our growth would take years. So, allow me simply to say: thank you. Thank you to our professors, our support systems, and to each other. For every lesson, every laugh, and every late night - I am profoundly grateful.
These years, woven with both exertion and joy, have given us memories we will long treasure. The experiences and lessons learned here have become our foundation. But as I held tight to these shared memories, I began to wonder: if these experiences define us collectively, then what defines me individually?
This brings me to my second point: the balance between our collective and individual identities. Our lifestyle, as designers, is a study in beautiful contradictions. Chaotic schedules versus organised boards. Waves of abrupt emotion, countered by deep wells of patience. We are known for immersing ourselves in the studio, forgetting sleep and meals, yet we also champion the art of living - travelling, exercising, and seeking inspiration.
But we are more than just designers. We are also grandchildren, children, siblings, and friends. We have other duties, other loves, other compromises. It is precisely at the intersection of these roles - where the "designer" meets the "person" - that we truly find ourselves. If our lifestyle defines us as designers, it is our life that defines who we are.
Every profession has its demands, and it’s not just designers who find themselves stretched thin. I've come to realise the immense sacrifices made by our families and friends, who supported us when we were too busy to be present. While I am grateful for their understanding, I also aspire to be someone who can offer that same support in return, all while staying true to my professional calling. It is a difficult balance, and no one said it would be easy.
However, to achieve this balance, it is either start now or never situation, which leads me to my final thought: the power of gentle accumulation. This applies to studies, work, and interpersonal relationships. True efficiency of managing things is built through steady accumulation. From small beginnings. We are often flooded with tasks, and in those moments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and want to give up. So, my message is this: be gentle with yourselves.
Try not to give up on communicating, because someone will always listen and understand.
Try not to give up on pushing your limits, because one day, you will achieve your goal
And try not to give up in moments of quiet reflection, because that is often when the most meaningful changes begin.
While we share the common bond of this graduation, each of us carries a unique story. As a collective force, we gather; as a skyful of stars, we scatter. It is because we have supported one another here that each of us now has the courage to move forward, carrying the blessings of this entire community.
To our loved ones who supported us, and to us, the beloved Class of 2025 - Congratulations!
Thank you.
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