Peking University School of Transnational Law Holds 2025 Commencement Ceremony

On May 24, the Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL) held its 2025 graduation ceremony at the International Conference Center of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. The event was attended by Professor Mark Feldman, Executive Dean of STL, Professor Ping Zhang, Professor at the Law School of Peking University and Executive Dean of the Institute of Intellectual Property Development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of Peking University, and Professor Nitzan Shilon. Student representatives Tong Shi (JD/JM), Anhua Li (JD/JM), and Kivia Ribeiro da Silva Xavier (LLM) also spoke at the ceremony, which marked the graduation of 146 JD/JM students and 12 LLM students from 11 countries and regions.

The ceremony began with the national anthem. A graduation video was played, showing heartfelt blessings for the graduates from professors, class advisers, alumni, and current students. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of time’s passage and cherished memories.

In his opening address, Dean Mark Feldman extended his congratulations to the 146 JD/JM graduates and 12 LLM graduates from 11 countries and regions, as well as their family and friends. 

He highlighted that 2025 marks an “extraordinary beginning” for the graduates. Last week, he attended another graduation ceremony as a family member, where Dr. Mesky Brhane, a former senior World Bank official, spoke about navigating the “VUCA world” (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). Dean Feldman emphasized that in this “VUCA world,” law students need to reassess their circumstances and consider whether their time in law school is worthwhile. 

He noted that STL embraces the VUCA world, as it is in such an environment that we demonstrate our abilities in rational thinking, innovation, problem-solving, and leadership. He believes that STL graduates understand how to navigate the VUCA world.

Professor Nitzan Shilon spoke on behalf of the faculty. He highlighted three invaluable and unique treasures that graduates have gained at STL. The first is the Socratic method of inquiry, which teaches students to question and encourages them to speak the truth. The second is the knowledge and vision to become agents of change. Through transnational legal training and diverse faculty-student interactions, graduates have become “global citizens.” The third is the peer network established at STL. Professor Shilon hopes that graduates will cherish and make good use of this resource. 

He also emphasized that “learning never stops until the coffin is closed.” While a solid foundation is important, only continuous learning can help one realize their true potential in the face of future challenges. He concluded by hoping that graduates will follow their intuition and passion as they move forward.

SHI Tong, a JD/JM graduate representative, encapsulated her STL journey with the slogan “Suffer, Survive, Succeed.” In her first month at STL, she felt her life was completely out of control, but she worked hard to transition from “suffering” to “surviving.” She believes that “life is a process of gradual construction, sh occasionalattering, and reassembly through resilience.” She stated that STL has given her not only legal skills but also open and inclusive values. These values drive students to choose the minority path that suits them and gives them the confidence to stay clear-headed and persistent amid external noise.

She concluded by expressing her heartfelt thanks to her family and friends. “Thank you to our parents and families, whose steadfast support allows us to look to the future with determination. Thank you to our friends, whose companionship transcends time zones and distances, giving our journey together a bright light in our eyes.” 

LI Anhua, a JD/JM graduate representative, reflected on his growth amid the pandemic and AI impacts. He said, “It is these turbulent times that have shaped our STL journey. They have taught us to view the world critically, to move forward decisively in uncertainty, and to grow together as a community.”He believes that growth lies not in waiting for storms to pass but in actively facing them head-on, even when the future is uncertain. In the face of changing times and academic pressure, Li exemplified this belief through a spirit of practice. He transformed challenges into opportunities for growth, developing the courage to meet challenges and lead change.He concluded by saying that in times of turmoil and challenge, we can always draw strength from our community. It is our STL family that empowers us to face challenges.

Kivia, an LLM graduate representative, shared her reflections on studying and living in China. Two years ago, she left her home country for China, driven by curiosity about law and expectations for herself. “Looking back, the rewards of this journey have exceeded my imagination,” she said. “This global learning experience has given us an international perspective and rigorous thinking. Our professors, with their expertise and enthusiasm, have guided us to question, reflect, grow, and even transcend the boundaries of law. My classmates, who have supported me from dawn till night, have made this journey possible. China and Peking University have become my second home,” she said. 

Using the Portuguese word “saudade” (a bittersweet longing for the past), Kivia described her attachment to her hometown and Guangzhou, where the warmth of cross-cultural experiences and the taste of Cantonese cuisine have become eternal ties in her heart.

Professor Ping Zhang, from the Law School of Peking University and Executive Dean of the Institute of Intellectual Property Development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of Peking University, delivered a speech. She noted that the global wave of artificial intelligence faces alternating currents of support and resistance, international order is constantly being restructured, and technological revolutions are upending traditional legal rules. While this “change” may be a trial for individuals, it presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a nation and a generation of youth. 

Professor Zhang believes that in this new era of complexity and uncertainty, having solid professional skills is not enough. One must also cultivate vision and a sense of perspective. “Wherever you go, remember this: as legal professionals, you must take responsibility, have a big-picture view, and always adhere to the original intent of legal justice,” she said. “As graduates of STL, you stand at a historical crossroads. Your legal education has given you a global perspective and a deep understanding of the uniqueness and complexity of China’s legal system, equipping you with the ability to meet the challenges and opportunities of the times.” 

She mentioned that China’s rise signifies profound changes in culture, technology, and geopolitics. Legal professionals need to deeply understand China’s national conditions while contributing Chinese wisdom through international discourse. In response to the artificial intelligence wave, she called for using legal wisdom to build a rule-of-law paradigm for the intelligent age, ensuring that technology serves fairness and justice. She urged graduates to stay true to their original intentions, using conscience as a bright moon that cannot be obscured by utilitarianism.

Interim Dean Mark Feldman and Associate Dean Shaowei Mao presented the graduates with their academic regalia and conferred their degrees. The ceremony concluded with the song “Yanyuan Qing.”

We wish the 2025 graduates, armed with the global perspective, critical thinking, and courage for change from STL, success in their legal careers!