International Master‵s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies

2026 IMAS Graduation Ceremony Guest Speaker: Katharine A. Bostick A former U.S. federal prosecutor and senior legal executive, Ms. Bostick addressed the IMAS Class of 2026 from a parent's perspective, sharing lessons on courage, lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and kindness as graduates begin the next stage of their journeys.   Graduation Talk from a Parent’s Perspective National Cheng Chi University — May 30, 2026 Speaker: Parent Representative Congratulations to the 2026 Graduate Students of National Cheng Chi University! On behalf of all the parents, family, and friends of the graduates, we want to thank all the professors, advisors, and support staff who have supported this community of graduates — because it truly does take a village for students to reach this milestone. Thank you for the honor of serving as the parent representative today — speaking for all the parents, family, and friends here in person, and for those who could not attend but are here in spirit. We are all so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. I am the mother of Christy Haruka Ellis — what our family calls our “Singapore surprise.” When we moved to Singapore over two decades ago, we arrived with two children aged 3 and 5. Then, much to our surprise, along came Christy — a gift to three sisters (Alexia, who is here today; Dani, who lives in Sweden; and Laurita, who lives in the US), a grandmother (Obachan), her beloved nanny Susan, who is also here, and family and friends around the world. Like Christy, each one of you is a gift to your parents, loved ones, and friends — and we are here today to celebrate all of you. I should confess: I did not consult Christy before volunteering to tell this story about her today. I think she has since forgiven me — I think. ★  Please join me in a round of applause for the graduates!  ★ Today I will keep my remarks brief and focus on three things that I hope will guide you as you go out and take on the world: Have the courage to be yourself Be purposeful — and enjoy the journey Be kind 1.  Courage Let me begin with a quote — “The Man in the Arena” by President Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again — because there is no effort without error and shortcoming — but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while Daring Greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Life will always have its ups and downs. Don’t be afraid to try hard things and step outside your comfort zone. It is okay to take risks — and most importantly, it is okay to fail and pick yourself back up again. Through failure, we learn, grow, and discover new things. Over the years I have interviewed many candidates for roles, and one question I always ask is: “Tell me about a time you failed and how you handled it.” The candidates who cannot think of a single instance? Those are the ones I worry about. An inability to name a failure usually means someone has been too comfortable, not taking enough risks. Comfort is the enemy of growth. I have a long list of my own failures, so let me share just one. My mother grew up during World War II on Amami Island, Japan. Her family was very poor and she never had the chance to finish high school or go to college. In her twenties, her brother told her about a job opening on a military base — driving trucks. She applied. There was only one small problem: she did not know how to drive. She was hired to work in the office instead, and my father, confident as ever, declared he would teach her to drive. They were married 45 years. He tried many times. It never happened. But she had so many other talents and gifts that she and my father poured into all of their children. When I was a young prosecutor, I proudly invited my mother to watch one of my closing arguments. I had practiced. I was ready. I was sure she would be impressed. When I asked what she thought, she said it was “okay” — and then handed me a tape recorder. She told me I could improve with more practice. I was devastated. But that tape recorder became one of the most valuable tools I ever owned. I used it to prepare for trial after trial. It was one of the best lessons my mother ever taught me. I still have that tape recorder. I never told my mother how many times I listened to it. Some things a daughter keeps to herself. As a parent, my suggestion is this: it is okay to fail, as long as you learn from it. If you want to go deeper on this idea, I recommend Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. (I know — recommending a book on graduation day is a bold move. But maybe plan to read it in the next six months.  My daughters, and especially Christy, know how much I love books) Your Master’s degree today is evidence of what you already know and what you can already do. But in today’s rapidly changing world — especially with the rise of AI — staying curious and embracing difficulty will matter more than any credential. You are not finished. You are just getting started. Stay life-long learners. Your degree is your ticket into the arena. Now step in. Have the courage to be brave, try hard things, and do not be afraid to fail — because that is where the real learning begins. 2.  Be Purposeful — and Enjoy the Journey None of us knows how much time we have in this life. And no matter when life ends, we always feel it was too short — which is exactly why it is so important to enjoy the special moments along the way, not just save them for “some day.” When I was a prosecutor and in my early years at a tech company, I worked what felt like 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In that process, I missed a lot of moments I can’t get back. It does not have to be that way. A senior executive I once met had been at his company for over 25 years. I asked him how he had lasted so long. He told me: “This company will work you 24/7 if you let them. I didn’t let them. I gave the company 100 percent — but when I went home, I gave my time to my family, friends and myself.” Another book I recommend is Chasing Daylight by Eugene O’Kelly, former CEO of KPMG. In the final months of his life after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, he wrote about what truly mattered. He shared three lessons that are gifts to every one of you today: Be purposeful. Live intentionally. Don’t just be busy — know why you are doing what you are doing. Be present. Put down your phone. Look at the person in front of you. That moment will not come back. People and relationships matter most. At the end of your life, you will not remember your job title. You will remember the people you loved and who loved you. Block time in your calendar — not just for work colleagues, but for your family and friends. Protect that time. He wrote that book knowing he had only months to live. And yet his message was not one of regret — it was a guide on how to truly show up. That is the gift he left us. Success is not only what you achieve. It is also how you live and who you are with along the way. Today is one of those special moments — so enjoy it, fully, with the people beside you. 3.  Be Kind My final piece of advice is the simplest — and honestly, the one I have to remind myself of most often: be kind. I will leave you with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As you go through life, be kind. Make sure people never forget how you made them feel. —  —  — Congratulations, graduates. We wish you all the best as you go out to change the world — courageously, purposefully, and kindly. And please — call your parents and love ones. Thank you.

Following the period of joy and physical exertion came the graduation ceremony for the second-year students. The ceremony featured a special address by Mr. Grzegorz Mazek, a senior diplomat from the Crisis Management Centre of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the father of IMAS graduate Antoni Mazek, Mr. Mazek traveled to Taiwan with his family specifically for the graduation ceremony. He shared his profound observations on his son's transformation since coming to National Chengchi University. He also highlighted that East Asia has become a new learning hub in technological, political, and social aspects, emphasizing that understanding diverse cultures is fundamental to solving global crises. Mr. Mazek concluded his speech by quoting Polish poet Zbigniew Herbert, describing his feelings about his trip: "Lord, Thank you for creating the world beautiful and of such variety, And also for allowing me, in Your inexhaustible goodness, To visit places which were not the scene of my daily torments.” Watch the full speech in the video below. Graduation Speech for the NCCU Graduating Class of 2025 by Mr. Grzegorz Mazek, a senior diplomat from the Crisis Management Centre of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Good afternoon, Dean Yang, Vice-Deans Liu and Luo, esteemed faculty, all distinguished guests, and most importantly, all 2025 graduates,  it is a great privilege and honor for me to speak today to you all, on the day when you—graduates—are completing one of the most important stages of your life. We gather here to celebrate your hard work, self-development, and academic successes.  My name is Grzegorz Mazek. I work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, at the Crisis Management Center. However, I am not here because of my job, but because my wife Dorota and I are the proud parents of Mr. Antoni Mazek, one of today’s graduates. Antoni’s brother, Franciszek, is also here with us today.  We flew in from afar to see for ourselves what a wonderful place the National Chengchi University is—a place Antoni has told us so much about. It has been almost two years since he was able to return to Taiwan after earning his Bachelor’s degree at Humboldt University in Berlin. I remember how hard he worked to come back here, because earlier, in 2021 and 2022, he had spent almost 10 months in Taipei on a university language course.  We encouraged him to study in Taiwan, to take that trip to the other side of the world, because we saw how deeply he was committed to studying at NCCU. I remember how much uncertainty and paperwork surrounded his departure two years ago—questions like: Will I make it? Will all the documents be ready in time? We reassured him: You will make it. Take the chance to experience another culture, diversity, travel.  Antoni has repeatedly praised the university’s classes and lectures. He has refined several languages. In Berlin, he studied in German and English; in Taipei, in Mandarin and English. Fortunately, with us, he still speaks Polish. Every day, we waited for contact from him—via instant messaging—usually around 5 a.m. our time. As parents, it is a source of pride to watch young people handle the challenges of a new country and culture, and to see how excited they are by it.  I admire you, students from different parts of the world, for coming to another country to discover a new culture and meet new people. I know that being far from family and friends can often be very difficult. There are moments of doubt. Our role, as parents, was to support and encourage you not to give up. I was proud to see my child coping with the world, looking at it with curiosity, traveling, and forming lasting friendships.  Studying here allows you to better understand the world in all its complexity. In my work, I often get asked, “What’s going on out there?”—usually when a crisis breaks out. At such times, my answers are often based only on theoretical knowledge, not on lived experience. But you have the chance to respond: “I know how it is. I was there. I understand the people involved and their emotions.”  Knowledge alone may not resolve conflicts, of course. But understanding the thinking, values, and culture of the people we talk to certainly helps prevent misunderstanding. Let us learn to respect our diversity, which is not a threat—but a richness.  NCCU is not only an academic institution imparting knowledge about the modern world; it is above all a community where you meet dozens, even hundreds, of people and build connections. Diversity is the strength of this place.  Taiwan is a dynamic, democratic society. Its strength comes from its appreciation of diversity. Antoni told us about the kindness of random people he met. A couple he encountered in the south of the island not only offered him a ride, but took the time to show him all the attractions in the area. That is the spirit that makes Taiwan so special.  In European culture, travel and studying away from home have long been part of growing up and gaining life experience. Beginning in the 14th century, Polish students traveled to Italy to study—later to Germany, the Netherlands, and other places. Today, East Asia has become a new center for learning—not only in technical fields, but also in political and social understanding.  I would also like to mention the Polish poet Zbigniew Herbert, whose work often reflects on travel. He himself spent many years in southern Europe. Allow me to quote a passage from his poem “Prayer of Mr. Cogito – Traveller”:  Lord, Thank you for creating the world beautiful and of such variety, And also for allowing me, in Your inexhaustible goodness, To visit places which were not the scene of my daily torments.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to National Chengchi University and the International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS), under the leadership of Prof. Philip Liu, for warmly welcoming Antoni and giving him the opportunity to develop and grow. I am also grateful to the Taiwan authorities for the generous scholarship offered through the Taipei Representative Office in Warsaw. It is a wonderful promotion of the island.  Graduates of 2025, many paths are opening up before you. Some of you know exactly what you want to do next. Others are still seeking the right opportunity. Be brave. Change the world around you. Don’t be discouraged by geopolitics or voices that say nothing depends on you. Don’t let skeptics drag you down.  Transform the world with your enthusiasm and commitment. We are here to support you. Accept who you are—your abilities, talents, and passions—and give them to the world. Remember to keep balance in your life. Make time for your friends and nurture the friendships you’ve made here.  Relish this moment and this day. Go out into the world and make it better. Be proud of what you have achieved and appreciate the effort that brought you here.  We wish the university authorities and lecturers continued health and great success. We wish the parents peace and joy. And we wish our beloved children the courage to move forward in their golden age—may they live up to their youth and fulfill their dreams.   Thank you all!    

  Alumna Cleisha-Bernise Springer (克莉沙) is a former IMAS student working at the Embassy of Saint Lucia in Taiwan as Second Secretary. She encourages our international students to step out of their comfort zone and explore Taiwan outside of the regular classroom. Diving into Taiwanese culture and interacting with locals give a deeper understanding of Taiwan as a whole.   Watch her full message in the video below.  

Ian Easton is the Senior Director of the Project 2049 Institute and an alumnus who graduated with an M.A. in China Studies from the IMAS program at NCCU in 2008. The courses and professors in IMAS greatly shaped his career in becoming a Strategic Security Analyst conducting research on defense and security issues in Asia. His work has been featured in major U.S. and Asian media outlets, such as the New York Times, Reuters, Huffington Post, NHK, CCTV, and the Taipei Times. He is also the author of “The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwan’s Defense and American Strategy in Asia”. Ian wishes our IMAS students great success in their studies! View Ian’s publications here. Watch his personal video message!   

A View from the Mountain: Reflections on My Studies in IMAS When I first entered my dorm at National Chengchi University, I was greeted to a view overlooking the verdant foliage of Muzha. Thanks to the plethora of opportunities at NCCU, my view also broadened metaphorically over the ensuing years, bringing me in contact with exciting new topics and ways of thinking that have deeply affected my intellectual development. In IMAS conferences, I traveled throughout Taiwan, where I exchanged my research with local students in locations like the outlying island of Matsu and the bustling port city of Keelung. The NCCU Mandarin training center, conveniently located five minutes from the dorms, made it possible to attain advanced Chinese skills within two years. Meanwhile Taipei has access to rich archival sources that became the basis of my master’s thesis. Diversity is indeed the defining characteristic of IMAS. As a top institution in international relations, NCCU is frequently visited by important political figures. I remember fondly when I had the pleasure of eating a lunch with the ambassador from Somaliland! With great political and international connections, IMAS puts its students in contact with a world of opportunities.    Socially, I made some of my best friends while studying in Taiwan. Shared spaces in the NCCU dorms create strong community and tradition, such as viewing the New Year’s fireworks at Taipei 101 from the Arts and Culture deck (the view from the mountains really cannot be beat). Taipei’s wonderful public transit system also connects students with fun opportunities throughout the city. I personally spent most of my weekend mornings rowing Dragon Boat on the river in Xindian, which is just a short 30-minute bus ride from the back gate of campus.    The academic and social influences I encountered in IMAS fundamentally changed my outlook. I entered NCCU as a Japan specialist, but meeting Taiwanese people and using local archives made me into a transnational researcher who is better able to incorporate diverse viewpoints into my writing. The perspective I gained in IMAS is the foundation of my current doctoral research work at the University of Pennsylvania. As an experience that critically contributed to my intellectual growth, IMAS is a program I would recommend to all curious and adventurous researchers.   Julian stands in front of the University of Pennsylvania Crest in Penn Commons Students from IMAS and National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) enjoy a meal at a famous local seaweed restaurant in Keelung after NTOU-IMAS conference.

Dana Lockridge, a Commissioner for the City of San Antonio and a Personnel Management Analyst for the U.S. Army’s 106 Signal Brigade in San Antonio, Texas, USA, delivers an inspiring speech at the CSS Commencement Ceremony.  She takes the stage as the proud mother of Faith Woods, an  IMAS student who is a Student Representative of the second year.  In her speech, she shares profound insights and motivates the graduating class with her words of wisdom. Watch her full speech in the video below. Graduation Speech for the NCCU Graduating Class of 2023 by Dana Lockridge It is a great privilege to address you today, graduates, faculty, and family, on a day that marks one of the most important accomplishments of your life. My name is Dana Lockridge, and I am a Management Analyst for the United States Army, serving at the 106th Brigade Command. Additionally, I serve my city as the Commissioner for District 2 in San Antonio, Texas. However, most importantly, I am the proud mother of Ms. Faith Yvette Woods, one of today’s graduates. Maya Angelou once said, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” I have always embraced this principle in life and parenting, and it has been an exhilarating experience to see my daughter fearlessly take on the challenges of a new country and culture. Seeing her embrace every moment with an open heart confirms that Maya Angelou’s wisdom still holds true. NCCU is a magical place, where the dynamics of differences and uniqueness seem to exist in extremes. I remember the day I sent my daughter Faith off to Taiwan. As I waved goodbye to her, I hoped that she would remember my teachings on embracing differences and never being afraid to showcase her uniqueness. I encouraged her to normalize diversity and to not shy away from standing out, whether in appearance or personality. The magnificence of humanity lies in our multitude of ways of being. By equipping her with the light and love to thrive in a world that may not always reciprocate the same good intentions, I prayed that Taiwan would embrace her for all that she is. I walked away thrilled for her and for life. In that moment, to the amazement of our loved ones, my daughter was heading to a faraway land to live and study. I walked away confident that I had prepared her to take on the world. As the scripture in Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The magic of Taiwan is that almost anything can happen. I have witnessed it in the life of my daughter and even during my visit here. I draw upon the wisdom of Nelson Mandela when he says, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” The difference we make in the lives of others—our families, friends, and even strangers we have met—defines who we are. Therefore, graduates, I challenge you to embrace your differences and confidently embark on your next adventure, knowing that your momentum inspires those around you. I would like to express my gratitude to National Chengchi University and the International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS), under the directorship of Dr. Liu, for embracing the uniqueness that my daughter and our culture bring to the great nation of Taiwan. To the graduating class of 2023, I urge you to savor this moment and this great day as you emerge ready to change the world. Dream big for your life, for there has never been anyone like you, and there never will be. Do not let your dreams be hindered by the pressures of tradition. Always embrace who you are and the unique qualities that you and others bring to this world. In doing so, you will discover your divine purpose in the fulfillment of your goals. Now, this is your time. The light of new opportunities shines upon you. Go forth with purpose and a sense of pride in your accomplishments. Do it in your own unique way, leaving no room for regrets. Thank you.