Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech at the 2022-2023 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony, M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye Economy and Technology University (TOBB ETÜ) and President of TOBB, advised students to dream and work hard by setting goals through those dreams. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Whatever you do, bring innovation to your work. Do not marginalize anyone. Be conscientious, be fair.”

TOBB ETU 2022-2023 Academic Year Graduates received their diplomas. TOBB ETU Board of Trustees and TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu addressed the young people in his speech here and said, “I firmly believe that you will work harder than us for a more peaceful, happier and more prosperous Türkiye in the second century of our Republic.”

Stating that investment in education is the greatest service provided to the country, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We are proud of the achievements of our graduates and professors, whose number exceeds 10,000. From Tesla to Apple, our graduates have successful jobs at world giants. With the education they received at TOBB ETU, our graduates passed the exam of the New York Bar Association and became lawyers in America.  Our students ranked first in the world in the aircraft engine design competition organized by the American Aerospace Institute. Our Faculty of Medicine ranked among the top 3 in the specialization exam in a short time.  Both TUS and KPSS winners have also come out of TOBB ETU in recent periods. Some of our graduates have been elected as deputies and mayors. We also have the youngest deputy in the Parliament. Bureaucrats and administrators from TOBB ETU are everywhere. Now, when I go to the Ministries, I see TOBB ETU graduates. TOBB ETU is turning into a big network.”

- Call for innovation in life

Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that the R&D of Türkiye’s Automobile TOGG is also carried out on the TOBB ETU campus and gave good news that, “Our students will be starting joint training programs at TOGG next semester”. M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “Each of you is ready for the new world! Bring a new tradition to the old village. Whatever you do, bring innovation to your work. Remember, times are changing. This is the era of those who do not leave life as they found it. Look, with artificial intelligence and third generation robots, more than half of today’s professions will disappear in the next 50 years. Artificial intelligence will be your biggest competitor.

This is why we established Türkiye’s first Artificial Intelligence Engineering Department, which will produce its first graduates this year. We established it to build the future with you. Be conscientious in everything you do, in every environment you are in. Be just. Work for a world where right makes might, not might makes right. Be honest, because honesty is the trick. Do not marginalize anyone because of their language, religion, identity, opinion or sect.

- Message to graduates from Director Prof. Dr. Sarınay

In his speech, TOBB ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sarınay congratulated the graduating students and said that he believes that they have made significant contributions to the education sector they serve with 6 faculties and 22 departments.

Rector Sarınay thanked those who have supported TOBB ETU since its establishment. Sarınay told the graduating students, “TOBB ETU is not an easy university. You will be rewarded for the intense and tiring university life you have completed here when you enter the business world.”