In the early summer of Shenzhen,
our bonds in Lychee Garden grow deep.
Dear students, here comes your next stop:
graduation ceremony!
On the afternoon of June 27, 2025,
Shenzhen Audencia Financial Technology Institute (SAFTI)
held the graduation ceremony for the 2025 Master Class in
Financial Technology and Risk Control under the theme “Cherish the Youth, Sail with Stars”
at the No.1 Lecture Hall of the Huixing Building.
The ceremony not only marked the successful completion of studies for 78 outstanding graduates,
but also showcased the fruitful achievements of Sino-French educational collaboration.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including: Desi SCHMITT, Vice President for International Affairs at Audencia Business School (France); Olivier NGO, Science and Higher Education Attaché, French Consulate General in Guangzhou, China; Nylam GAUTHIER, Head of Campus France Chine - Guangzhou Office, French Consulate General in Guangzhou, China; Stéphane JOLY, Directeur Alliance Française de Shenzhen; Prof. CHEN Haiqiang, Dean; LIU Haishan, Secretary of School Party Committee; Line QIAO, Vice Dean (on behalf of Audencia); GU Wei, Vice Dean; LOU Zhuonan, Deputy Secretary of School Party Committee; GE Rui, Vice Dean; QI Han, Vice Dean; Professor Stéphane COINCE, Academic Director (on behalf of Audencia); Dr. CHEN Zhiming, industry mentor representative; and representatives of SAFTI faculty members. 78 master’s graduates, along with their families and friends, gathered to witness this milestone event. The ceremony commenced solemnly with the majestic strains of the Chinese national anthem.
The ceremony proceeded with an overview of the Class of 2025 by Vice Dean GU. This year, SAFTI celebrated 78 graduates with a graduation rate of 97.4%. As of June, over half have already secured employment offers across diverse sectors including banking, tech firms, state-owned enterprises, and government agencies. Meanwhile, building upon last year’s outstanding achievements in further studies, SAFTI has once again demonstrated academic excellence with four students securing PhD placements through their exceptional dedication and intellectual prowess. They will soon embark on their doctoral journeys at prestigious institutions including the University of Auckland, Hunan University, and Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. Their future research will delve into frontier disciplines spanning finance, computer science with AI specialization, financial LLMs, and management science.
Ms. Desi SCHMITT, representing Audencia Business School, addressed the graduates with inspiring words. She expressed her hopes that the graduates would move forward with confidence, academic curiosity, and a strong sense of responsibility—urging them to remain courageous and ambitious in the future journey. “SAFTI takes immense pride in you,” she remarked, “and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable changes you will bring to the world.”
Professor CHEN Haiqiang then delivered a heartfelt and insightful speech to the graduating class. With profound warmth, he shared his wishes: “May you hold fast to your dreams, embrace your youth without regret, and boldly journey toward life’s vast oceans of infinite possibilities!”
Mr. Olivier NGO, in his address, expressed profound admiration for the SAFTI program, praising the graduates as “the most vibrant and exemplary ambassadors of Sino-French friendship.” He encouraged them to play an even greater role in fostering cultural exchanges between the two nations.
During the Recognition for Outstanding Graduates, Mr. LIU Haishan presented honorary certificates to the distinguished graduates, commending their exceptional academic performance and all-round excellence.
SAFTI thoughtfully prepared commemorative badges as graduation gifts, embodying the auspicious meaning of “paired blossoms in full bloom and branches heavy with golden fruit.” The set consists of two double-layered rotating badges. The upper layer features architectural silhouettes of Shenzhen University’s Huixing Building and Audencia Business School’s main teaching building, while the lower rotating structure incorporates a clever five-sector design that connects campus memories with graduation joy. With embedded magnets on the back, these badges double as refrigerator magnets, allowing graduates to carry precious academic memories into their everyday lives.
Student representative DAI Ruichen expressed heartfelt gratitude to SAFTI and its faculty on behalf of all graduates. Looking toward the future, he inspired his peers by quoting Nvidia CEO Jensen HUANG: “I hope you will see setbacks as new opportunities. Your pain and suffering will strengthen your character, your resilience, and agility — and they are the ultimate superpowers.”
Dr. CHEN Zhiming, Director and Chief Data Officer of XYD Group, addressed the gathering as the industry mentor representative. Having integrated professional practice into his teaching, he has empowered students to bridge theory with real-world applications, significantly enhancing their professional competencies and market competitiveness.
Mr. Nylam GAUTHIER delivered an impassioned speech, drawing a poetic parallel between graduation ceremonies and Christmas celebrations. He reflected that both occasions radiate joy and hope, and serve as sacred moments to celebrate life’s bountiful harvests. Pointing out the transition from students to alumni, he assured graduates that regardless of whether their future paths lead them to China or France, their alma mater would always welcome them back to campus. He encouraged the graduates to keep in touch and the school will continue to provide ongoing support.
The solemn yet stirring degree conferral ceremony marked the climax of the event. As each graduate ascended the stage, Professor Stéphane COINCE ceremoniously presented them with their Master’s degree certificates and posed for commemorative photographs. This dignified moment not only symbolized the successful conclusion of two years of diligent academic pursuit, but also heralded the beginning of new life chapters for the graduates.
At the end of the ceremony,
a graduation group portrait
eternally preserved this memorable occasion.
Bearing their mentors’ guidance, peers’ blessings, and SAFTI’s expectations,
the Class of 2025 Master’s graduates now sets sail
across the vast galaxy of financial technology,
poised to write their own brilliant legacies!
