Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Zhengmeng Hou Addresses Graduates of the Sichuan University–TU Clausthal Double Degree Programme

On behalf of Clausthal University of Technology, Prof. Hou extended his warmest congratulations to all 48 graduates who successfully completed their studies. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the university and faculty leaders, professors, lecturers and administrative staff of both institutions for their long-standing commitment to the development of the programme and to the cultivation of international talents.

In his address, Prof. Hou looked back on the students’ four-year academic journey. He noted that the graduates began their university life at Sichuan University four years ago during the pandemic and, two years later, travelled thousands of kilometres to Clausthal University of Technology in Germany to begin a new chapter of study and life. From adapting to different language environments and educational systems to completing professional courses, laboratory work, practical training and intercultural exchange, the students had faced challenges and achieved remarkable personal growth.

Prof. Hou emphasized that the successful completion of the “2+1+1” double degree programme and the forthcoming conferment of degrees from both universities represent not only an honour, but also a strong testament to the students’ perseverance, diligence and courage to challenge themselves.

He pointed out that the graduates are not only beneficiaries and witnesses of the cooperation between Sichuan University and Clausthal University of Technology, but also young ambassadors of Sino-German educational cooperation and friendship. Through their learning experience in two different educational and cultural environments, they have gained not only solid professional knowledge, but also an international perspective, intercultural communication skills, independent thinking and the ability to solve complex problems. These valuable experiences, he said, will become an important asset for their future academic, research and professional development.

Looking to the future, Prof. Hou encouraged the graduates to align their personal development with the broader context of global technological transformation and the energy transition. He underlined that electrical engineering, as a key discipline driving digitalization, intelligent technologies and green, low-carbon development, carries an important mission in today’s world. He expressed his hope that the graduates will continue to maintain their passion for knowledge and innovation, courageously shoulder the responsibilities entrusted to them by the times, and strive for excellence in their future studies, research and careers. He encouraged them to contribute their wisdom and strength to technological progress, industrial development and the sustainable development of society.

Prof. Hou also reminded the graduates that, regardless of whether they choose to pursue further studies, engage in academic research or enter industry, Clausthal University of Technology will always remain their alma mater and home in Germany. In his capacity as Chairman of the Association of Chinese Alumni of TU Clausthal, he warmly invited the graduates to join the TU Clausthal alumni family, to connect with alumni around the world, to uphold the spirit of their alma mater, to share experiences of growth, to expand international cooperation and to continue building bridges for exchange and friendship between China and Germany.

At the end of his address, Prof. Hou offered his best wishes to all graduates: “Graduation is not the end, but a new beginning. A degree certificate records the efforts of the past, while the brilliance of the future will be written by you yourselves.”

He wished the graduates great ambition, courage for innovation, a strong sense of responsibility and a bright future. He also expressed his hope to meet them again in the future — in Clausthal, at the Chinese Alumni Association, or on international platforms of cooperation around the world. “Today, you are proud of your alma mater; tomorrow, your alma mater will be proud of you,” he concluded.