EVENTS
A Milestone of Great Achievement: Graduation Ceremony 2025
Today, Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM) proudly hosted the annual Graduation Ceremony, a momentous occasion that celebrates the devotion, perseverance, and accomplishments of its graduating cohort. The ceremony will bring together esteemed graduates and families to honor the academic journeys that have shaped our students’ futures and created leaders.
The morning began quietly, with graduates donning their gowns as a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and countless late nights of hard work. Families and friends gathered, and the atmosphere grew with anticipation, waiting for the moment when each student took their rightful walk across the stage.
Ms. Thong Sue Yen, Dean of School of Arts, Science & Technology, commenced the opening ceremony by introducing the esteemed guests, valued lecturers, and acknowledged the graduates.
Dr. Zhang Xuwei, NIM President, set the tone for the opening ceremony with a definitive and inspiring message. His words highlighted not only the academic achievement of the graduating cohort, but also their resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. He spoke of the journey of students, the expansion of the campus, international partnerships, and the growth of NIM student numbers, giving his deepest gratitude to not only students but faculty members, students, student council and stakeholders for their continued support and encouragement to build NIM to where it is today. With heartfelt pride, he reminded graduates that today is not the end of their learning journey and to continue expanding their horizons, but the beginning of new opportunities, both professionally and personally.
Thereafter, Mr. Wang Yong, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, First Secretary (Education), delivered a message that celebrated the transformative power of education. His address is expected to focus on how learning equips young people not just with knowledge, but with the courage and values to face an ever-changing world. With encouragement and warmth, Mr. Wang Yong, invites graduates to carry forward the spirit of innovation, service, and leadership that NIM fosters, and to remember that they are never walking their paths alone as their family, mentors, and the NIM community will always be part of their journey. His address highlights how institutions like NIM serve as bridges- connecting cultures, expanding horizons, and strengthening ties between Singapore, China, and the wider global community. “Cherish the genuine friendships from different countries, for such experiences are valuable and rarely found.” Mr. Wang Yong added.
Professor Wu Wei, Honorary Chairman Academic and Examination Board gave his heartfelt congratulations and added a message of unity and resilience, reflecting how education shapes not only skilled professionals but also responsible citizens in the world. He shared words of encouragement about facing the future with courage, reminding graduates that their journey ahead will be filled with both challenges and opportunities. With sincerity, Professor Wu Wei encouraged graduates to become ambassadors themselves of collaboration, understanding, and shared progress wherever their careers may take them.
We were also honoured to have invited Dr. Christopher Russell, Dean of Business, Law and Policing from our prestigious partner, Canterbury Christ Church University. Dr Christopher Russell congratulated the graduates and offered a message of academic pride and global vision. His speech reminded graduates that their qualifications place them within a worldwide network of learners and professionals. He highlighted the strong partnership between NIM and CCCU, emphasizing how this collaboration enriches the student experience and opens doors to opportunities beyond borders. His address encourages graduates to continue learning, to use their knowledge responsibly, and to carry with them both the confidence and humility that true leadership demands. “Just like the Grand Prix, today’s ceremony is not just a race, it’s one filled with limitless opportunities for each of you.” He addressed while leaving his congratulatory sentence to graduates today.
One of the most unforgettable highlights was the presentation of awards, where every handshake and every scroll handed over represents years of effort, sacrifice, and determination. From certificate graduates to Master’s degree recipients, this milestone will be a personal victory for each student and a proud moment for their loved ones.
The day will also feature valedictorian speeches, echoing the voices of the graduating class. These words—spoken with gratitude and hope—will reflect not just on academic journeys, but also on friendships built, challenges overcome, and the growth that happened along the way.
Guo Xin Yuan, Valedictorian of the Advanced Diploma in Arts and Design, expressed gratitude to lecturers, classmates, and family for guidance and encouragement, acknowledged moments of doubt, but emphasized self-belief, living in the present, and trusting that they are on the right path.
Mint Khant Aung (Arthur), Valedictorian of Advanced Diploma in Management, shared a milestone not only as an academic achievement but also the resilience and a job gained from NIM. He gave his heartfelt and inspiring gratitude to his parents, family, friends and lecturers for their unwavering support. For their constant support had encouraged and lifted Arthur throughout his module and experience in NIM. He also mentioned his experience being in Student Council at NIM for allowing him to garner vital skills garnered by being in this club.
Saung Wati, Valedictorian of the Advanced Diploma in Built Environment Engineering Management (ADBEE), expressed her gratitude to her lecturers, classmates, and family for their guidance and encouragement, while acknowledging the moments of doubt that arose from the immense amount of assignments, exams, and group projects that test teamwork and patience. Saung then encouraged everyone to embark on the next adventure with optimism and an open mind to life’s surprises. As she wisely mentioned, “Graduation isn’t the end. It’s just the next adventure.”
Tai Choon Seng, Valedictorian of Master of Business Administration, University of the West of Scotland, reflected on the challenges of completing his part-time MBA while balancing work, studies, and family. “Finishing this MBA has been a tough but meaningful journey,” he shared, recalling late nights, tight deadlines, and weekends of assignments that tested yet strengthened the cohort. He expressed heartfelt thanks to lecturers, families, and classmates whose support turned struggles into treasured memories. Emphasizing that UWS MBA was more than business knowledge, he noted how it built discipline, determination, and the spirit of collaboration. “True success is not only about titles or wealth, but about how we grow, show compassion, and uplift those around us,” he reminded his peers, urging the class of 2025 to move forward with confidence and create a future they can be proud of.
Mr. Craig Albrightson, NIM Vice President, concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt closing speech centered on timeless advice from his hometown far, far away, which goes like “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”. This advice applies to all on being true to oneself and always being humane through our relationships with people. He also left the graduates with a challenge: to carry forward the lessons learned at NIM, step into the world with curiosity, and commit to lifelong learning and self-development. Equally important, he reminded them to choose their peers wisely and to nurture those bonds, as meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting joy and fulfillment. Finally, remember your NIM family — that we’ve built something together even though students have already finished their studies, and reminded students that NIM will always be here to support graduates and students alike, wherever, and whenever.
The class of 2025 captures their last official moments together through a photo-taking session, before reuniting with their friends and families over a high-tea reception and plenty of “we did it” moments. This will be a day of pride, belonging, and new beginnings. A day when the NIM community gathers not just to award certificates, but to celebrate resilience, honour hard work, and send forth graduates into the world with courage and hope.
Because graduation is more than just the end of a course —it’s the beginning of everything that comes next.
Congratulations, Class of 2024/2025! This is the beginning of your next great chapter!