On the afternoon of 17 June 2026, the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (Affiliated to the United Nations) (RCSSTEAP), held its 2026 Postgraduate Commencement Ceremony at the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University. A total of 43 international postgraduate students successfully completed their studies, including 40 master's graduates and 3 doctoral graduates. Graduates from 19 countries across Asia, Africa, and South America gathered together to celebrate this solemn and memorable milestone in their academic journey.
The ceremony commenced in a solemn yet warm atmosphere. Professor Jing Guifei, Deputy Director of the Centre, announced the Academic Degree Committee's decision to confer degrees upon the Class of 2026. As the graduates listened to the official announcement in their academic gowns, years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work culminated in a moment of pride and accomplishment.
Professor Tan Yumin, Deputy Director of the Centre, then delivered a speech as the Outstanding Faculty Representative. She congratulated the graduates on their achievements and reflected on their remarkable growth throughout their studies. Encouraging them to remain curious, innovative, and globally minded, she urged them to apply their knowledge and expertise to serve society and contribute to the advancement of humanity.
COSTA GUIMARAES FRANCISCO VINICIUS, a master's graduate from Brazil, spoke on behalf of the Outstanding Graduates. Reflecting on his experiences studying and living in China, he shared the knowledge, friendships, and personal growth he had gained during his time at the Centre. On behalf of the graduating class, he expressed sincere gratitude to the university, faculty, and staff for their guidance and support, and pledged to carry forward the spirit of innovation and international cooperation in his future endeavors.
The ceremony then reached its climax with the tassel-turning and degree-conferral session. Professor Wu Xiaojun, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of Beihang University; Professor Sun Gongling, Chief Scientist of the RCSSTEAP; Research Fellow Jing Guifei; Professor Tan Yumin; Professor Huang Hai, Chair Professor of the Microsatellite Programme; Professor Yang Dongkai, Chair Professor of the GNSS Programme; Professor Sheikh Tawhidul Islam; and other faculty members jointly conferred degrees and turned the tassels for the graduates. As each graduate stepped onto the stage to the sound of music, faculty members warmly congratulated them and symbolically turned their tassels from right to left, marking the successful completion of their studies. Every handshake, smile, and photograph captured not only a personal achievement but also the shared memories of years spent learning, growing, and striving together.
Following the ceremony, the campus was filled with joy and celebration. Graduates gathered with professors, classmates, friends, and family members to take commemorative photographs throughout the campus. In front of the teaching buildings, on the campus square, and under the shade of green trees, they posed in their academic gowns, holding flowers, sharing embraces, exchanging best wishes, and capturing this important moment in their lives through their cameras. The sound of laughter and camera shutters echoed across the campus, preserving warm and memorable moments that will be cherished for years to come. Each graduation photograph symbolized not only the completion of an academic journey but also the friendships, mentorships, and aspirations that will accompany graduates into the future.
This graduating class holds special significance for the Centre. They are the first cohort of students to graduate since the Centre was established at the Hangzhou International Campus, marking an important milestone in the Centre's development. The students travelled from different countries and regions to pursue advanced studies in space science and technology at Hangzhou, engaging in research and international exchanges, and growing alongside the Centre during this new stage of its development. As the first graduating class trained by the Centre in Hangzhou, they have not only completed rigorous academic and research training but have also become witnesses to and participants in the Centre's growth. Through classroom learning, laboratory research, cross-cultural exchanges, and international cooperation activities, they expanded their professional knowledge and strengthened their global perspectives. They now carry with them the knowledge, friendships, and aspirations gained during their time at Hangzhou.
Graduation marks not an ending, but a new beginning. As the first cohort of graduates trained by the Centre in Hangzhou, they will take with them the space science and technology knowledge and cross-cultural collaboration experience gained in China as they return to their home countries to contribute to key fields such as space applications, climate change monitoring, and disaster early warning, advancing the cause of sustainable development for humanity. May all graduates continue to embrace the courage to explore the unknown and the passion to pursue their dreams. As they move forward with confidence on their life paths, may they contribute their knowledge and talents to the development of their home countries, foster international cooperation, and advance the cause of sustainable development for humanity. The Centre will always follow and support the growth of its graduates. We look forward to seeing them shine across the world and continue to bring honor to the Centre through their future achievements and contributions.
