2,210 Busan National University Graduates Begin Anew: "Create New Value Together with AI"

1,129 Bachelor's, 868 Master's, and 213 Doctoral Degrees Conferred

Busan National University held its commencement ceremony on the 21st, conferring degrees to a total of 2,210 graduates, including 1,129 bachelor's, 868 master's, and 213 doctoral recipients.

The university president called on the graduates to embrace the spirit of challenge to create new values beyond established rules, as society undergoes a major transformation led by artificial intelligence.

Busan National University hosted the "August 2026 Commencement Ceremony" at the Kyungam Gymnasium on campus in the morning of the same day.

The ceremony was attended by degree recipients and their families, President Choi Jaewon of Busan National University, former university presidents, the president of the alumni association, president of the faculty council, chairperson of the Kyungam Educational and Cultural Foundation, as well as other key guests and faculty members, all gathered to celebrate the graduates' new beginnings.

The ceremony proceeded in the order of the national anthem, academic report, president's address, congratulatory speech by the alumni association president, student representative's speech, and degree conferment. This semester's degree recipients numbered 1,129 bachelor's, 868 master's, and 213 doctoral graduates, totaling 2,210.

In his commencement address, President Choi Jaewon emphasized that in this era of rapid change driven by AI, graduates must pioneer new paths for themselves.

President Choi remarked, "Just as David rewrote the rules in the battle against Goliath, I hope you become like David, redefining the rules of the game. Rather than simply following set rules, cultivate the 'power to shed your armor' by redefining the problem, the 'power to hone your unique competitive edge' by combining deep expertise with AI, and the 'power to take charge and forge ahead,' learning from both questioning and failures as you engage challenges responsibly."

He further stressed, "In the AI era, the most competitive individuals are those who create new value together with AI," and shared his vision for the university's role.

President Choi stated, "Busan National University has always led the advancement of Korea with a pioneering spirit ahead of its time. In the era of the great digital AI transformation, we aim to become the leading national hub university of Korea, nurturing local talents as growth engines for the development of strategic industries in the southeastern region, in line with the government's 'Five Axes and Three Special Zones' regional balanced development policy."

He went on to add, "We will serve as a true 'anchor' that drives the growth of the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam ultra-wide southern region, which is at the center of the regional innovation ecosystem, and realize balanced national development. Now, you—our graduates—are the protagonists who will carry that spirit forward."

President Choi encouraged graduates as they set out on their new paths, urging them to "become key players who create new value at the center of change."

Pusan National University is holding its August graduation ceremony.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.