The University of Hyogo 2025 Fall Degree Ceremony for the Global Business Course (GBC) and the Department of Global Business (DGB)
On Thursday, September 18, we held the 2025 Fall Degree Ceremony for international students enrolled in the Global Business Course (hereinafter “GBC”) of the School of Economics and Management (Bachelor’s degree program) and the Department of Global Business (hereinafter “DGB”) of the Graduate School of Social Sciences (Master’s degree program) at the Kobe Campus for Commerce.
Each September, we hold a degree ceremony for international students enrolled in the GBC and DGB. This year, centered on the third batch of GBC students who enrolled in September 2021, a total of 34 international students from 12 countries and regions are celebrated a new beginning, with 33 graduates in attendance.
The ceremony was also live-streamed for related parties who were unable to attend in person.
The entire ceremony was conducted in English. The congratulatory address by President Makoto Kosaka, as well as messages from guests of honor, were all delivered in English.
The ceremony began with the conferral of degrees, during which President Kosaka personally presented each graduate with their diploma. After receiving their diploma, each graduate delivered a brief message reflecting on their graduation and university life.
President Kosaka then delivered his address, stating:
“At the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951, which had a significant impact on the fate of post-war Japan, former Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayawardena, quoting the teachings of Buddha, said, "Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love." If evil is destroyed by evil, evil will continue to run rampant. With your flexible intellect and powerful imagination, you will all cut your way into the borderless society built on peace and justice, leaving no one behind.”
He concluded by offering these words of encouragement to the graduates.
Congratulatory Address by President Kosaka
Message from Guests of Honor
In the farewell messages from current students, first, Ms. Bui Hoang Anh from Vietnam, representing current GBC students, delivered her message: “As GBC students, our mission is to develop global leaders, and you are among those leaders. Whether you continue your studies here in Japan or elsewhere, or begin your career back home, I believe you are fully prepared to face the challenges ahead. You have the strength and potential to create positive change for yourselves and the people and communities around you. So please keep moving forward with confidence, courage, and kindness.”
Farewell Message from the Current GBC Student Representative
Next, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Khanh Dung from Vietnam, representing current students of the DGB, delivered her message:
“Today's graduation marks not only the conclusion of your academic journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter in your professional life. It’s a reflection of the time, energy, and choices you’ve made to be here. Studying in a different country, in a second or third language, far from familiar places and people, is never easy. It requires daily effort, not just in the classroom but also in everyday life. Therefore, standing here today is already a significant achievement - one that deserves to be recognized.
As you move on to the next in your life, whether it’s a new job, more education, or something completely different, I wish you confidence, luck, and happiness. Your time here has taught you more than you might have realized.”
Farewell Message from the Current DGB Student Representative
In the representative valedictory address by the graduates, Ms. Thai Tuong Gia Han from Vietnam, representing GBC graduates, stated:
“At GBC, we gained more than just knowledge in economics and business. That growth didn’t always come from big moments. Sometimes it came from the first time we raised our voices in class. Or figuring out how to divide a team project fairly. Or giving a presentation in a language other than your first language. These might seem like small incidents or just class assignments, but they weren’t. They taught us important things. They reminded us that progress doesn’t always look perfect, but it matters. To my dear friends and classmates, I hope you continue to take bold steps, stay curious, and trust yourselves even when things feel uncertain. You’ve already come so far, and I am excited to see what you’ll build next.”
Valedictory Address by the GBC Graduate Representative
Next, Ms. Au Yong Ke Ying from Malaysia, representing graduates of the DGB, delivered her address:
“Although our time at the university is short it is an important period in our life. During this time, we make new friends from different backgrounds and cultures, gain new knowledge, take part in various activities and events, and garner experiences that shape who we are today. There may have been times when we questioned if we made the right decisions but battled through various challenges. Regardless of the struggles, we finally made it.
Closing a chapter of our life and beginning a new one is always bittersweet. However, as I close this chapter of my life, I know that I have fulfilled my ambitions can say goodbye without regrets. Just as I began my chapter five years ago, I am ready to start this new chapter in my life.
As a new member of society, I hope you remember how you pushed through and overcame difficulties during your time in the university. Remember that you are a strong individual and do not let these challenges tear you down. No story is perfect without its ups and downs, so be ready to face any challenges that may come your way.”
Valedictory Address by the DGB Graduate Representative
After the ceremony, graduates gathered with friends, faculty members, staff, and family members to take commemorative photos and share memories, celebrating the joy of graduation together.
The GBC third batch who graduated this year entered the university in September 2021, a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was still ongoing. Due to strengthened border control measures implemented by the Japanese government, including those affecting government-sponsored (MEXT) international students, the majority of students found it difficult to enter Japan. As a result, online events and orientations were held in place of the planned entrance ceremony, and classes for new GBC students were conducted in a hybrid format of in-person and online instruction until all international students of the GBC third batch were able to arrive in Japan.
We extend our deepest respect and congratulations to all of you who enrolled at our university far from your home countries and devoted yourselves to your studies while overcoming these and many other challenges.
As President Kosaka mentioned in his address, graduation and completion do not mark the end of your bond with the university. The Kobe Campus for Commerce will always remain your beloved alma mater. Please feel free to visit us anytime. All faculty members and staff sincerely wish you continued success in your future endeavors.
Congratulations on your graduation.