On September 22nd, I had the honor to speak to a group of graduates who will soon be leaders in Silicon Valley. Congratulations to the California Science & Technology University graduating class of 2024!
Distinguished faculty, proud families, honored guests, and most importantly, the
remarkable graduates of California Science & Technology University:
Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, sleepless nights, and countless cups of coffee. Today, you cross a threshold, stepping into a future filled with possibility, responsibility, and promise. But let’s take a moment to savor this—this is your day, and no one can take this achievement from you.
You, the graduates of science and technology, represent more than just the completion of a degree. You embody the spirit of innovation, the drive for progress, and the unrelenting curiosity that has fueled humanity’s greatest advances. When you entered this institution, you didn’t know exactly how the journey would unfold. You’ve been faced with challenges—both expected and unforeseen. You’ve navigated through complex equations, dense algorithms, and challenging experiments. But, in doing so, you’ve gained something far more important than knowledge—you’ve learned how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Science and technology are not just fields of study—they are the engines that drive society forward. From climate change to healthcare, artificial intelligence to quantum computing, the solutions to some of our greatest challenges rest in the hands of people like you. And here’s the beautiful part: you are entering a world that is yearning for what you have to offer. You stand at the intersection of possibility and necessity, at a moment where your skills, your insight, and your courage are needed more than ever.
But with great power, as they say, comes great responsibility. The knowledge you have acquired doesn’t just belong to you—it belongs to the world. It’s a tool that can be wielded for the betterment of all. You now have the capacity to improve lives, to invent, to disrupt, and to dream of solutions that once seemed impossible.
At the same time, I encourage you to remember that science and technology are not the end but the means. The solutions you will create are for people—the mother waiting for a cure, the child in a classroom who dreams of a better future, the planet that relies on innovation to sustain its life systems. Always ground your work in the human experience, for it is here that science finds its greatest meaning.
The world you are entering is complex and unpredictable. Disruptions, both technological and social, are constant. Some may be unsettling; some will be exhilarating. But in this fluidity lies opportunity—the chance to build something new, something better. You’ve been trained to not just survive in such a world but to lead in it.
And as you go forward, I challenge you to embrace failure as much as success. Every failed experiment, every dead-end project, every idea that doesn’t quite work out will shape you into the innovators and leaders the world needs. Because, as you’ve already learned, failure is not the opposite of success—it is a critical part of it. Every breakthrough you’ll make will stand on a foundation of resilience, persistence, and the lessons learned from what didn’t work.
As I look out at all of you, I see hope. Hope for a future that is brighter, more equitable, and more sustainable because of the work you will do. I see the innovators who will cure diseases, engineer sustainable cities, and design technologies that will reshape how we live and interact with the world.
But I also see people. People who will grow, change, and evolve. So, I encourage you to stay curious, stay humble, and stay human. Keep learning, because the world of science and technology doesn’t stand still. Keep collaborating, because the challenges ahead will require diverse perspectives and skills. And keep asking questions, because it is through curiosity that we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Finally, remember to give back. You’ve been given the incredible privilege of education, and with that comes the duty to make the world a better place. Whether it’s through mentorship, outreach, or applying your skills to causes greater than yourself, always seek ways to use your knowledge for the greater good.
As you leave here today, armed with knowledge, skills, and a passion for innovation, I have no doubt that you will do great things. And so, my fellow problem solvers, dreamers, and builders of the future—congratulations! Now go out there and shape the world.
Thank you,
Hon Lien