As farewell songs arise, youth burns bright. On 24th July, the Sino-British College held the Graduation and Degree Awarding Ceremony for the Class of 2025. Dr CAI Yonglian, Vice President of USST, Dean of SBC, Professor Robert Anthony Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Dr Aileen Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, Professor SHAN Yanguang, Director of Undergraduate Academic Affairs of USST, Professor CHEN Qi, Director of International Affairs Office of USST, Professor ZHAO Laijun, Dean of USST Business School, Madam LI Yan, Party Secretary of SBC, Professor ZHANG Zheng, Vice Dean and Acting Executive Dean of SBC, Dr CAI Hui, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of SBC attended the Ceremony. The leadership and Head of the UK partner universities, Head of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), programme leaders of School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering of USST, School of Mechanical Engineering of USST, USST Business School, representatives of SBC lecturers, graduates and their families and friends, a total of over 400 participants, joined in the celebration. Dr CAI Hui emceed the ceremony.
The commemorative video of Class of 2025 was played at the ceremony, recording the growth and transition from innocence to maturity and their prospect. The lecturers also sent their congratulations and blessings to the students who were about to embark on a new journey in life.
The Graduation and Degree Awarding Ceremony
Inspiring Words: Guidance for Tomorrow
Dr CAI Yonglian delivered the last lecture for the Class of 2025, entitled Embracing New Horizons, Connecting the World, Creating the Future”. On behalf of USST, she sent sincere congratulations and best wishes to all the 2025 graduates who had successfully completed their undergraduate studies and deep respect to the lecturers and parents who had always supported and nurtured the students' growth.
She said that the students have observed SBC’s evolution in global outlook and educational impact guided by the three overarching themes, namely Responsible Leadership, Enterprise and Innovation, Cultural Empathy. SBC has also witnessed their endeavour and transformation with applause.
Dr CAI sincerely outlined three hopes for all the graduates: First, to embrace new horizons and chart your own course with foresight and humanity; second, to connect the world and be bridges across cultures; third, to create the future and pioneer with knowledge and action. 2026 will mark the 120th anniversary of the establishment of USST and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of SBC. We invite all the graduates to come back next year to celebrate the years of excellence.
Dr CAI Yonglian addressed the ceremony
Professor Robert Anthony Cryan delivered his speech: “This event is an annual high point in the much-valued partnership between the Sino-British College in Shanghai, and the University of Huddersfield, almost 6,000 miles away in the UK. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support that we at Huddersfield have received from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology to ensure that the Sino-British College venture, and the Events Management degree course has flourished since 2006. Everything you have learned over the past four years will be invaluable as you embark on careers in this growing industry. You officially become alumni of the University of Huddersfield today and I hope that some of you may extend your studies with us so that we can show you what our beautiful part of the world has to offer.”
Professor Robert Anthony Cryan delivered a speech
Professor Liz Mossop delivered her speech via video
Dr Aileen Jones said in her speech: “Our partnership with SBC and USST is a fantastic example. Our institutions share many common goals and the core principles of providing high quality, industry-focused programmes. Together, we create opportunities for our students, support our communities, drive innovation and inclusive growth – and help to positively shape our society and the world around us. The university crest which is on your certificate and on your formal academic robes carries with it an inscription in Latin – transcribed it reads fortune favours the brave – and you have been brave in following your studies with passion and realising the ambitions that brought you here today. I would urge you to carry on with the same sense of purpose in whatever path you now choose to follow.”
Dr Aileen Jones delivered a speech
Tassel Turned: Gateway to Tomorrow
Professor ZHANG Zheng read out the list of the 2025 graduates. The leadership of USST and UK partner universities turned the tassel for the graduates and took group photos together.
Professor ZHANG Zheng read out the list of the 2025 graduates
Dr CAI Hui emceed the ceremony
Turning the tassel for the graduates
Mr Paulo Lopes, IET China Country Head to present the Best Student on an IET-Accredited Course at SBC-USST Award to HUANG Yihao, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate, Class of 2025 and YANG Changqi, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, Class of 2025.
ZHANG Chi, an Events Management graduate delivered her speech representing the Class of 2025, sharing how she pushed her boundaries, took on new challenges and reflected on her progress, under the lasting impact of SBC’s overarching themes. “Thank you SBC—for offering not only education, but also a platform to grow, lead, and connect with the world. As we move on to new chapters, I hope we continue to ask questions, stay open-minded, and make a difference—wherever life takes us,” she said.
Presenting the Best Student on an IET-Accredited Course at SBC-USST Award
ZHANG Chi delivered a speech as a graduate representative
Then the 2025 Alumni Liaison Representative Appointment Ceremony was held. Madam LI Yan presented the appointment letters to the alumni representatives of Class of 2025.
The 2025 Alumni Liaison Representative Appointment Ceremony
After the ceremony, graduates, leadership and lecturers took a group photo together. The 2025 Graduation and Degree Awarding Ceremony drew to a successful close with joy and laughter.
Group photo
