The ceremony was held on the evening of February 17 and was like taking a trip back in time to the ancient National Imperial Academy.
Over 50 professional and experienced business owners and senior managers from all walks of life came on stage one by one to solemnly receive the blessing ceremony and commendation from the head of the College of Management, NSYSU. It was just like the ancient ceremony when graduating scholars thanked the Imperial College and paid homage to Confucius at the Confucius Temple as they complete their studies.
The night was the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Post-EMBA, which was not only a highlight for them, but also a new milestone in the development of EMBA programs in Taiwan.
The ceremony specifically followed the ancient ceremony from the Qing Dynasty. After the list of the graduates was released, a chancellor of the National Imperial College would pin flowers on the students with the top examination score. Therefore, a flower pinning ceremony was held in which National Sun Yat-sen University President Ying-Yao Cheng presented the certificate of completion and then Dean Shu-Chuan Jennifer Yeh of the College of Management pinned flowers on the “Top Scorers”.
In addition, Professor Hao-Chieh Lin, Director of the EMBA Program, was invited to present a trophy. In ancient times, armor and cloaks were used to encourage the morale of soldiers; therefore, Professor Shyh-Jer Chen, the Head of Post-EMBA, was invited to present a scarf instead. Professor San-Yih Huang, former Dean of the College of Management, presented a hat and a seal as a symbol of advancement in rank.
The first graduating cohort of the Post-EMBA program since its debut at National Sun Yat-sen University completed the year-long, two-day-a-month, 12-course program, alongside their own busy schedule. Students were required to be very spontaneous to complete the program in one year – not an easy task!
The graduation ceremony has a profound meaning, which is to hope that all the students can continue to innovate enthusiastically in various fields with the energy of Post-EMBA.
The students took off their serious work faces and showed their sincere and happy smiles as they grabbed each other to take photos together. They also shared the glory and joy of “Qu Shui Shui Chuan,” an ancient game of poetry played by the literati and refined scholars in ancient times.
NSYSU Post-EMBA Special Feature 1
Faculty members are top entrepreneurs, experts and cultural figures in the industry
Practical wisdom, sharing the most valuable experience
Throughout this year’s courses, both faculty and students have gained many insights. In the past, an EMBA was seen as the final destination for business owners and senior executives to further their education. However, with the changes in the environment and the “black swan” brought by the pandemic, continuous learning has become the best way for organizations to maintain their competitive edge and transcend environmental and competitive barriers.
“Many people ask me what is ‘Post-E’? Is it a post-baccalaureate medical department?” said President Ying-Yao Cheng in his speech. In fact, Post-EMBA is the continuation of the EMBA. It is a platform for continuous learning and sharing for entrepreneurs, and a channel for continuous growth in the midst of change. And the Post-EMBA at National Sun Yat-sen University is the most special of all.
Post-EMBA has already started two cohorts since 2021 and has the most super-star faculty lineup of all universities in Taiwan. Professor Shyh-Jer Chen said that, unlike other post-EMBA programs, which are taught by faculty from their own universities, Post-EMBA faculty are all top entrepreneurs, experts, senior media professionals, cultural figures, and famous teachers in the industry.
It’s not easy to find so many industry experts to come and teach. According to Professor Shyh-Jer Chen, the most difficult thing about organizing the Post-EMBA program was hiring faculty. “We hope that the teachers can share their personal experiences; this is the most valuable course. The industry can also exchange with each other.”
In his speech, a student representative of the first cohort, Lien-Hsing Chen said, “These are personal experiences the most genuine currency.” He cited the example of Qisda’s Chairman and CEO, Chih-Hong Peter Chen, who shared in the class how he had turned around a difficult situation of poor business performance through mergers, acquisitions and manpower transfer. He also talked about the hard work of various business entities that are thriving.
For another example, President and CEO of AUO Lai-Chu Chen shared his experience with a US government anti-trust lawsuit, the mental anguish and frustration he experienced, and how he faced and overcame these difficulties.
In addition, Director and Chief Sustainability Officer Kuo-Tung Tseng of WPG Holdings, also gave a personal account of the founding of Yosun Industrial Corp. and joining WPG Holdings as Vice Chairman in 2010. The students were also inspired by the forward-looking views of technology leaders such as Ying-chao Yang, Chief Senior Advisor of Electronic Commerce Universal Group, and Li-Feng Chien, former General Manager of Google Taiwan.
Post-EMBA Special Feature 2
“Companionship” by deans and professors
Teaching the village leaders, deepening learning and exchange.
Post-EMBA also has something else unique, “companionship”. Professor Shyh-Jer Chen said that in each class, one or two professors from the College of Management participated in the whole process, helping to improve the discussion and interaction. Not only that, they also learned as they taught: “After all, the students have a lot of social experience. We also learn together.” The class size is kept small, to about 50-55 students, to ensure the quality of learning.
President Ying-Yao Cheng pointed out that the students in the Post-EMBA program are in fact experienced in various fields, but they are still willing to return to school to absorb new knowledge, which is a commendable spirit: “They are models of lifelong learning.” The key to success in business is forward thinking and innovation, and the students in the Post-EMBA program are willing to humble themselves and learn together, to follow their dreams and accept new challenges.
One student of the first cohort of the Post-EMBA, as well as an alumnus of the second EMBA cohort, Chairman of Lung Ching Steel Enterprise Co., Ltd., is Chin-nan Hsieh. As a “senior student”, he laughed and said that in the past, he was one of the three youngest students in his EMBA program, but now he is one of the three oldest ones. This Post-EMBA cohort has a range of more than 20 cohorts of EMBA students. At the age of 70, he is still very diligent. He humbly says that he tries his best to listen to all the opinions of younger generations and that there is no end to the sea of learning and mutual exchange.
A fellow student of the first cohort, former presiding accountant of Deloitte Southern Region, and current Director and Chief Financial Officer of SYONG-DA International Management Consulting Co., Ltd., said, in Taiwanese, “We are all very serious!” Even though all students are experienced, they are all very motivated to keep learning in the Post-EMBA program, and they all speak up enthusiastically and try to expand their businesses.
The students’ spontaneity was also praised by Dean Shu-Chuan Jennifer Yeh. “They all love to study and to listen to the lectures. In addition, they enthusiastically interact with the speakers and bring knowledge and resources back to their companies, so that the company can become stronger and more fruitful.”
Director Hao-Chieh Lin pointed out that the goal of Post-EMBA is to grow and multiply endlessly, to open up new opportunities for various industries, and to help companies to “benefit the world with beauty” (Zhouyi). It is a mission and a responsibility to help companies achieve sustainable development. We hope that the students’ careers will continue to flourish, and that their families, society, and the country will also flourish, which is the original goal and expectation of the Post-EMBA program.
(Written by Yu Shen, College of Management Media)