Berkeley Graduation Speech by Taiwanese Student Megan Teng Moves Many, Discusses Unique Journey

Megan Teng, a Taiwanese doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley's College of Engineering, delivered a commencement address that has garnered significant attention and praise. Her speech, which focused on her bond with her 96-year-old grandmother, resonated deeply with graduates and the wider online community. Teng, who transitioned from international business at National Taiwan University to pursue mechanical engineering and later microelectromechanical systems research at Berkeley, was selected to represent the graduating doctoral class. Her address emphasized that a degree represents not just academic achievement but also the unwavering support of family. She highlighted the responsibility of engineers to use their skills not only to create technology but also to bring light and care to society. Her speech, which included a touching tribute to her grandmother and a moment where she spoke in Mandarin, "Thank you, Grandma," went viral online. Teng expressed surprise at the widespread reaction, stating she initially applied to leave a mark on her student life. She felt honored when the dean introduced her as being from Taiwan and hopes to bring a positive influence to her homeland. Reflecting on her journey, Teng acknowledged the challenges of studying abroad but credited the unconditional love of her family, particularly her grandmother's constant encouragement, as a crucial source of motivation. She also extended gratitude to numerous mentors and professors who supported her academic pursuits, from encouraging her to study abroad to writing recommendation letters. Teng believes Taiwan possesses a unique strength in its blend of technological prowess and a deeply ingrained humanistic culture. She observes a strong sense of public engagement and a nuanced approach to analyzing issues within Taiwanese society. This combination, she suggests, positions Taiwan to play a pivotal role in navigating the transformative changes brought about by artificial intelligence, emphasizing that Taiwan's "warm and human" character could be key to facing this new era.