Taiwan singer, 59, finishes doctoral degree, dedicates it to late daughter, says he didn't want to let her down

When Taiwanese singer Pao Hsiao-po finally received his doctorate degree on Jun. 13, he was able to be joined by his late daughter Pao Rong – somewhat.

The girl had passed away from a rare disease in 2021, but her father created an AI-generated version of her to attend the graduation ceremony at National Taipei University of Technology.

Offering her blessings

According to Taiwanese media, the elder Pao, who had been in Taiwan's music industry for over 40 years, delivered a speech during the ceremony, titled "A Graduation Blessing from Love and Technology: A Voice of the Future."

He had been encouraged to apply for a doctoral program after completing his master's degree in 2018.

He completed the program in eight years.

An AI-generated version of Pao Rong appeared on screen midway through the ceremony, clad in academic robe and cap.

She offered her blessings to her father and the graduating cohort.

Most difficult period of his life

In his speech, Pao said the video was more than an AI demonstration, but a testament to overcoming the most difficult period of his life.

His daughter had passed away midway through his studies.

When asked by Taiwanese media about the times he had wanted to give up, he said the hardest moments were when he had to go to class when his daughter was ill in the hospital.

She had undergone a tracheostomy and would cry and beg him not to leave.

"I could only put my forehead against hers and say, 'Daddy is going to class and will be back soon'," he said.

Overwhelmed with pressure from life, family and studies during that period, he fell into depression.

Didn't let his daughter down

Pao said that what compelled him to finish his degree was his wife's words the night before Pao Rong's funeral.

She had urged him not to burn the graduation cord that their daughter had sent from her school in the U.S., saying that the girl would have wanted her father to wear it.

Those words became his biggest motivation, said Pao.

"During that time, I kept telling myself one thing: If I don't graduate, I will be letting my daughter down."

He addressed his daughter: "Thank you, Pao Rong. She said she was proud of me, but...I'm prouder to have her as my daughter."

"Thank you for coming into my life, and teaching me eternal love with your short life."

He also choked up while thanking his wife, who was present at the ceremony.

He would not be where he was without her company and strength, he said.