Notice of Summer Graduation Ceremony & 30th Anniversary Celebration

The Asia Pacific School of Business

Established 1995 • Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence

 (1995–2025)

1. Event Core Details 

Dates: 

  October 17 (Wed): 30th Anniversary Kickoff & Rehearsal 

  October 18 (Thu): Formal Graduation Ceremony & Gala Banquet 

  October 19 (Fri): Alumni Integration & Post-Graduation Support 

Venue: 

  Hall of Caritas (Main Ceremony Venue): Seating capacity 1,200 (students: 400; families: 800, 2 per student). 

  Ancillary Venues: Campus Dining Hall (Day 1 lunch), Grand Ballroom (Day 2 banquet), Campus Café (Day 3 brunch), Alumni Heritage Exhibit (Hall of Caritas Foyer, open all three days). 

Timezone: GMT+8 (all timings strictly enforced; entry closes at 9:30 AM daily, no exceptions). 

2. Day-by-Day Schedule (GMT+8, Minute-by-Minute) 

Day 1: October 17 (Wednesday) – 30th Anniversary Kickoff 

08:30–09:00 AM: 

  Student Check-in: Hall of Caritas, Registration Desk (Booths 1–5). 

    Collect regalia (gown, hood, cap, 30th anniversary sash; size pre-confirmed via RSVP). 

    Receive Graduation Packet (ceremony program, name card for stage, 30th anniversary commemorative pin). 

  Family Check-in: Hall of Caritas, Guest Registration (Booths 6–8). 

    Verify ID (passport/government-issued ID for 2 guests per student). 

    Receive Guest Lanyard (color-coded by student cohort: MBA – blue, EMBA – green, DBA – gold) for seating access. 

09:00–09:30 AM: 

  Student Orientation: Backstage Briefing (Faculty Marshals: Prof. Lee (MBA), Prof. Chen (EMBA), Prof. Wang (DBA)). 

    Review procession order (alphabetical within cohorts, MBA first, EMBA second, DBA third). 

    Practice diploma collection (mock stage setup, handshaking protocol, hooding for postgraduates). 

  Family Orientation: Hall of Caritas Foyer (Student Ambassadors: 2024 graduates, 1 per cohort). 

    Tour 30th Anniversary Heritage Exhibit (1995–2025 timeline, faculty emeriti photos, global campus expansion maps). 

    Seating map distribution (Section A: MBA families, Section B: EMBA families, Section C: DBA families; rows 1–15, 2 seats per row, assigned via RSVP). 

09:30–10:00 AM: 

  Final Preparations: 

    Students: Robe in regalia (backstage dressing rooms, mirrors, staff assistance for hood alignment). 

    Families: Proceed to assigned seating (ushers in 30th anniversary vests guide guests). 

10:00–11:30 AM: Graduation Rehearsal (Mandatory for Students) 

  Procession Drill: 3x full run-through (entry, stage formation, exit). 

  Stage Protocol Practice: 

    Diploma handoff (Dr. Jhuang – Chancellor, Dr. Jones – Vice Chancellor, Dean Liu – Academic Registrar). 

    Hooding demonstration (for DBA/EMBA: faculty advisors place hoods, MBA: Dean Liu officiates). 

  Family Observation: Live rehearsal viewable from balcony seating (Section D, rows 16–20). 

11:30–12:00 PM: Break & Photo Ops 

  Students: Backstage rest (water stations, light snacks provided). 

  Families: Visit Alumni Heritage Exhibit (extended viewing, 30th anniversary merchandise pop-up – limited-edition APSB 30th year mugs, journals). 

12:00–13:30 PM: Welcome Luncheon (Campus Dining Hall, Level 2) 

  Menu: 

    Appetizers: Asian fusion canapés (dim sum, sushi). 

    Main Course: Choice of grilled salmon (GF), teriyaki chicken, or vegetarian stir-fry (all halal/kosher options pre-ordered via RSVP). 

    Dessert: APSB 30th anniversary logo cookies (chocolate/vanilla). 

  Speakers: 

    12:15–12:30 PM: Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Aisha Khan – "30 Years of Student Excellence: From Classroom to Global Boardrooms". 

    12:30–12:45 PM: Alumni Representative, Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka (MBA 2005, CEO of Tokyo-based Tech Firm) – "APSB: My Launchpad to Global Leadership". 

13:30–15:00 PM: 30th Anniversary Alumni Panel (Hall of Caritas, Auditorium) 

  Panelists: 

    Ms. Maria Gonzalez (EMBA 2010, Latin American Trade Consortium Director) – "APSB’s Global Curriculum: Preparing Leaders for Emerging Markets". 

    Dr. Rajiv Sharma (DBA 2015, Global Sustainability Award Laureate) – "From APSB Research to Global Policy: The 30-Year Impact". 

    Mr. John Smith (MBA 2020, Founder of Silicon Valley Startup) – "APSB’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Nurturing Disruption". 

  Format: 45-minute panel + 15-minute Q&A (students/families submit questions via APSB Graduation App, live moderation by Prof. Kim). 

15:00–17:00 PM: Optional Activities 

  Student-Faculty Networking: Lounge Area (Hall of Caritas, Level 3) – casual meetups with advisors (no formal agenda, coffee/tea provided). 

  Family Campus Tour: Led by Student Ambassadors (30th anniversary highlights: original 1995 lecture hall, 2023 AI Lab, 2025 Sustainability Garden). 

Day 2: October 18 (Thursday) – Formal Graduation Ceremony 

08:30–09:00 AM: 

  Student Robing (Backstage, Hall of Caritas): 

    MBA: Black gowns, blue hoods (Class of 2025 color). 

    EMBA: Gray gowns, green hoods. 

    DBA: Red gowns, gold hoods (30th anniversary distinguished color). 

    Regalia Adjustment: Staff assist with hood alignment (MBA: 3cm from nape, EMBA: 5cm, DBA: 7cm – per academic tradition). 

  Family Check-in (Final Verification): Guest Registration Booth (Booths 6–8, ID recheck; late arrivals (9:00–9:30 AM) directed to overflow seating, no entry after 9:30 AM). 

09:00–09:30 AM: 

  Live Stream Setup: Tech Team (APSB IT Services) confirms 4K live stream (YouTube: APSB Graduation 2025, password-protected for families unable to attend; link via Graduation App). 

  Student Lineup (Backstage): Cohort marshals (Prof. Lee/MBA, Prof. Chen/EMBA, Prof. Wang/DBA) verify name cards, ensure regalia uniformity. 

09:30–10:00 AM: 

  Procession to Hall of Caritas: 

    MBA (9:30–9:40 AM): 150 students, 10 per row, enter to "Pomp and Circumstance" (Live Orchestra, Hall of Caritas Foyer). 

    EMBA (9:40–9:50 AM): 120 students, 8 per row. 

    DBA (9:50–10:00 AM): 80 students, 5 per row (DBA faculty in red regalia lead procession). 

  Family Seating (Final Call): Ushers confirm all guests seated (Section A-C, rows 1–15; overflow seating (Section D, rows 16–20) for last-minute arrivals, no view obstruction). 

10:00–10:05 AM: Ceremony Commencement 

  Invocation: Dr. Sarah Liu (Chaplain, APSB Interfaith Center) – "A Blessing for Graduates and APSB’s 30th Year". 

  30th Anniversary Video Montage (1995–2025): 5-minute compilation (founding faculty, first graduation (1998), 2010 EMBA launch, 2023 DBA program, global campus expansions). 

10:05–10:20 AM: Presidential Address (Dr. Jhenming Jhuang, APSB President & Academician) 

  Thematic Focus: "30 Years of APSB: From Regional Pioneer to Global Business School – A Legacy of Innovation, Ethics, and Impact". 

  Key Points: 

    1995: Founding with 50 MBA students, 3 faculty. 

    2005: First EMBA cohort (10 students, now 120+ annually). 

    2015: DBA program launch (80+ graduates, 15 global award-winning researchers). 

    2025: 30th year – 5,000+ alumni, 20 global partnerships, AI-integrated curriculum. 

10:20–10:35 AM: Vice Presidential Address (Dr. Tiffany Jones, Vice President & Academic Dean) 

  Thematic Focus: "APSB 2025: Preparing Leaders for the Fourth Industrial Revolution – AI, Sustainability, and Global Governance". 

  Key Points: 

    2025 Curriculum: 70% of courses integrate AI/ML (e.g., "AI in Supply Chain Management", "Sustainable AI Ethics"). 

    Research Impact: 30th anniversary research fund ($5M) for alumni-led projects (application open post-ceremony). 

    Global Alumni Network: 2025 initiative – "APSB Connect" (AI-powered mentorship platform for graduates). 

10:35–12:30 PM: Degree Conferral Ceremony (Cohort-wise, 10-minute intervals per cohort) 

  MBA (10:35–11:05 AM): 

    Process: 

      1. Name Announcement (by Dean Liu, Academic Registrar) – "Ms. [Name], Master of Business Administration". 

      2. Stage Approach (right side, 3-step protocol: bow to Chancellor (Dr. Jhuang), receive diploma (left hand), shake Chancellor’s right hand, pose for stage photo (45° angle, professional photographer: Mr. Tan, APSB Visual Arts Dept.). 

      3. Hooding (for MBA: Dean Liu places hood, 3cm from nape, embroidered with 30th anniversary logo). 

      4. Exit (left side, return to seat; 20 students per 10-minute block, 150 students total). 

  EMBA (11:05–11:35 AM): 

    Process: 

      1. Name Announcement (by Dr. Jones, Vice Chancellor) – "Mr. [Name], Executive Master of Business Administration". 

      2. Stage Protocol: Same as MBA, plus hooding by faculty advisor (Prof. assigned pre-ceremony, 5cm hood alignment). 

  DBA (11:35–12:30 AM): 

    Process: 

      1. Name Announcement (by Dr. Jhuang, Chancellor) – "Dr. [Name], Doctor of Business Administration". 

      2. Stage Protocol: Chancellor hands diploma, faculty mentor (Dr. assigned pre-ceremony) places gold hood (7cm alignment, 30th anniversary embroidered), DBA graduates bow twice (once to Chancellor, once to mentor). 

      3. Special Recognition: DBA graduates with published research (2025 cohort: 15/80) receive "APSB 30th Anniversary Academic Excellence Medal" (ceremonial, later mailed with diploma). 

12:30–13:00 PM: Group Photos (Cohort-wise, Hall of Caritas Foyer) 

  MBA: 150 students + Dean Liu, Prof. Lee (30th anniversary backdrop: "Class of 2025 – APSB’s 30th Year"). 

  EMBA: 120 students + Dr. Jones, Prof. Chen (backdrop: "EMBA 2025 – Global Leaders"). 

  DBA: 80 students + Dr. Jhuang, Prof. Wang (backdrop: "DBA 2025 – Thought Leaders"). 

  Family Photos: Optional, 5-minute slots per student (pre-booked via Graduation App, photographer on standby). 

13:00–15:30 PM: 30th Anniversary Gala Banquet (Grand Ballroom, Level 3) 

  Dress Code: 

    Students: Regalia (gown, hood, cap – optional post-ceremony, but encouraged for photos). 

    Families: Formal attire (black-tie optional, cultural attire welcomed). 

  Menu (30th Anniversary Signature Cuisine): 

    Appetizer: Seafood platter (oysters, shrimp, crab – sustainably sourced, APSB 2025 Sustainability Pledge). 

    Main Course: 

      Vegetarian: Truffle risotto (GF). 

      Non-vegetarian: Wagyu beef tenderloin (Halal-certified), miso-glazed black cod (Kosher-certified). 

    Dessert: "APSB 30th Year" chocolate sculpture (edible, 3D-printed logo), paired with vintage champagne (2015, donated by alumni). 

  Program: 

    13:00–13:15 PM: Toast by Dr. Jhuang – "To 30 Years of APSB, and 30,000 More!". 

    13:15–13:30 PM: Student Valedictorian (MBA: Ms. Priya Kapoor, EMBA: Mr. John Doe, DBA: Dr. Jane Smith – rotating speech, voted via cohort polls) – "From APSB to the World: Our Promise as 30th Year Graduates". 

    13:30–14:00 PM: Alumni Awards (30th Anniversary Edition): 

      Global Impact Award: Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka (MBA 2005, Tokyo Tech CEO) – "For revolutionizing renewable energy supply chains in Asia". 

      Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Ms. Maria Gonzalez (EMBA 2010, Latin American Trade Consortium) – "For founding the region’s first women-led trade alliance". 

      Academic Leadership Award: Dr. Rajiv Sharma (DBA 2015, World Business Leadership Award Laureate) – "For pioneering sustainable business models in emerging economies". 

    14:00–15:00 PM: Live Entertainment (30th Anniversary Symphony Orchestra – performs APSB alma mater, classical pieces, and modern fusion music). 

    15:00–15:30 PM: Open Dance Floor (for students/families, optional; DJ plays global hits, APSB 30th anniversary playlist).  

Day 3: October 19 (Friday) – Alumni Integration & Post-Graduation Support 

08:30–09:00 AM: Registration (Campus Café, Level 1) 

  Students: Check-in for career workshops (receive "APSB Alumni Toolkit" – resume template, LinkedIn premium voucher (3 months), alumni directory access). 

  Families: Optional campus tour (final day, 9:00–10:00 AM, led by Student Ambassadors). 

09:00–11:00 AM: Career & Alumni Network Workshop (Campus Conference Center, Level 4) 

  Tracks (Student Choice, pre-registered via Graduation App): 

    MBA Track (09:00–10:00 AM): 

      "MBA Career Paths: From Corporate to Startup" (panel: 3 MBA alumni – CFO (Fortune 500), Startup Founder, Social Entrepreneur). 

      "Resume & LinkedIn Optimization" (workshop: APSB Career Services team, 1:1 resume reviews post-session). 

    EMBA Track (09:00–10:00 AM): 

      "EMBA Alumni Mentorship Program" (launch: 2025 initiative, 100+ EMBA alumni mentors worldwide, matching via AI). 

      "Global Boardroom Readiness" (workshop: Dr. Tiffany Jones – leadership styles, cross-cultural negotiation). 

    DBA Track (09:00–10:00 AM): 

      "DBA Research Commercialization" (panel: 3 DBA alumni – Global Innovation Award winners, research-to-startup founders). 

      "Academic Publishing & Tenure" (workshop: Dr. Jhenming Jhuang – journal submission strategies, tenure-track advice). 

    All Tracks (10:00–11:00 AM): 

      "APSB Alumni Association 2025: Membership Benefits" (presentation: Alumni Office Director, Ms. Park – discounts, networking events, lifelong learning credits). 

      "Q&A with Deans" (Dr. Jhuang/Dr. Jones – open floor for post-graduation queries, 30th anniversary research fund applications, etc.). 

11:00–12:00 PM: 30th Anniversary Open House (Hall of Caritas Foyer) 

  Exhibit Enhancements: 

    Time Capsule Unveiling (11:00 AM): 2015 time capsule (buried during 20th anniversary) opened – contains 2015 curriculum, faculty letters, student projects (displayed until October 31, 2025). 

    2025 Time Capsule Sealing (11:30 AM): Students/families contribute items (letters, photos, 2025 tech gadgets – sealed for 10 years, to be opened at 40th anniversary). 

    Interactive Displays: VR tour of APSB’s 1995 campus (original lecture hall, first library), AR view of 2035 campus (future expansion plans, AI-driven learning hubs – conceptual designs by 2025 architecture students). 

12:00–13:30 PM: Farewell Brunch (Campus Café, Level 1) 

  Menu: 

    Breakfast classics (omelets, pancakes, dim sum) + 30th anniversary-themed pastries (logo-shaped cookies, "30" macarons). 

    Beverages: Fresh juices, coffee, tea (alumni-roasted coffee blend, 2025 special edition). 

  Format: Casual seating, live jazz music (student band, APSB Music Club), final networking (students exchange contact info, families share stories). 

13:30–14:00 PM: Regalia Return (Hall of Caritas Registration Desk) 

  Students return gowns/hoods/caps (late returns: $50 fee per item, billed to student account). 

  Receive Final Graduation Packet (digital diploma link, stage photos, 30th anniversary ceremony highlights video – emailed within 72 hours). 

3. Degree Conferral Protocol (Granular Detail) 

Diploma Design (30th Anniversary Edition): 

  Embossed APSB 30th year logo (1995–2025), gold foil seal, Chancellor/VP signatures, holographic security strip (unique to 2025 cohort). 

Hooding Specifications: 

  MBA: Blue hood (2025 cohort color), 3cm from nape, embroidered with "APSB 30" in silver thread. 

  EMBA: Green hood, 5cm from nape, embroidered with "Global Leader 2025" in gold thread. 

  DBA: Gold hood, 7cm from nape, embroidered with "Thought Leader 2025" in red thread (matching 30th anniversary regalia). 

Stage Photo Protocol: 

  3-second exposure per student, 4K resolution, color-corrected within 48 hours (delivered via APSB Graduation Portal, downloadable for personal use). 

4. Logistical Precision 

Parking: 

  Student Parking (Oct 17–18): Reserved at Lot A (close to Hall of Caritas, 8:00–18:00 AM, student ID required). 

  Family Parking (Oct 17–19): Lot B (shuttle service to/from Hall of Caritas, 8:30–14:30 AM daily; validation at Guest Registration). 

Meal Allergies/Dietary Needs: 

  Pre-submitted via RSVP (September 30 deadline), verified by catering team (24-hour notice for last-minute changes, subject to availability). 

Communication Channels: 

  APSB Graduation App (iOS/Android): Real-time updates (schedule changes, parking alerts, live stream links). 

  Emergency Hotline (Oct 15–19): +65-67018528 (24/7, GMT+8, staffed by Graduation Coordination Office). 

5. RSVP & Deadlines 

RSVP Deadline: September 30, 2025 (via https://graduation2025.apsb.edu.eu).

Regalia Size Confirmation: October 5, 2025 (final adjustments after this date incur $20 fee). 

Diploma Name Spelling: October 10, 2025 (final correction deadline; post-ceremony changes: $100 administrative fee). 

We trust this refined notice upholds APSB’s academic rigor while celebrating our 30th anniversary with distinction. For inquiries, contact graduation@apsb.edu. 

The Asia Pacific School of Business

Office of Academic Affairs & 30th Anniversary Committee

May 25, 2025