Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) held a commencement ceremony for its class of 2024 on June 28, with more than 2,800 graduates receiving bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Jia Wenjian, president of the university, speaks at the commencement ceremony on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The event commenced with a speech "Achieving Greatness, Embracing the World" delivered by Jia Wenjian, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee and president of the university. He congratulated the graduates on their successful completion of studies, expressed gratitude to the dedicated faculty and staff and acknowledged the support from various leaders, alumni, friends and parents who have contributed to the students' growth.

Reviewing the graduates’ student life at BFSU, Jia encouraged them to reflect on their experiences, plan well for the future, set clear goals and advance with perseverance towards them. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration, understanding and inclusiveness, and advocated diverse thinking and teamwork.

The graduates should keep in mind the spirit of BFSU, utilize their linguistic skillsets to bridge cultural divides, participate in international affairs with a global perspective and an open mindset, and contribute to world peace and development, Jia said.

Malaysia's Ambassador to China Dato' Norman Muhamad speaks at the commencement ceremony on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Malaysia's Ambassador to China Dato' Norman Muhamad highlighted the significant role played by BFSU in educational exchanges between the two countries, and invited students majoring in the Malay language to participate in exchange programs in Malaysia, fostering cultural understanding and contributing to sustainable global development.

Representing BFSU alumni, Zhang Tianyi, CEO of Beijing Baman Tianxia Technology Co Ltd, speaks at the commencement ceremony on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Representing BFSU alumni, Zhang Tianyi, CEO of Beijing Baman Tianxia Technology Co Ltd, gave an account of his experiences both as a student at BFSU and as an entrepreneur. He encouraged the students to pursue their passions and remain resilient in the face of challenges, and underscored the importance of positivity and perseverance in achieving success.

Zhang Wei, a professor at the School of English and International Studies, doctoral supervisor and recipient of the 2024 Capital Labor Medal, speaks at the commencement ceremony on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The ceremony also featured a speech delivered by faculty representative Zhang Wei, a professor at the School of English and International Studies, doctoral supervisor and recipient of the 2024 Capital Labor Medal. Zhang urged the graduates to face challenges with confidence. He highlighted the importance of sincerity and dedication and the virtues of preciseness and diligence, encouraging the graduates to make the most of their potential.

Student representatives speak at the commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Fang Yunxi, a representative of bachelor’s graduates from the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, Liao Zhichao, a representative of master’s graduates from the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, and Aleksandra Lukasiewicz, a representative of overseas students from the BFSU Academy of International Communication of Chinese Culture, shared personal stories from their time at the university and spoke of their aspirations of contributing to global understanding.

Students receive diplomas at the commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the conferral of degrees upon the graduates, with 100 receiving doctoral degrees, 1,253 receiving master's degrees and 1,542 receiving bachelor's degrees. Notably, 134 students were honored as "Outstanding Graduates of Beijing" and 296 as "Outstanding Graduates of BFSU".

Wang Dinghua (right), chairman of BFSU committee, presents appointment letters to council members of the BFSU Alumni Association and alumni cards to representatives of graduates at the commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua (left, first row), secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, presents the team flag to members of the 26th graduate student education assistance group at the commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 on June 28, 2024. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The commencement ceremony, which was also livestreamed online, saw the presence of university leadership, foreign diplomats, heads of various schools and functional departments at BFSU, faculty representatives and over 2,800 undergraduate, graduate and international students of the class of 2024.