The iconic black wooden plaque engraved with the College motto “Cheng Ming” in gold ink is a significant artifact recognized and remembered by many in the College. It was a gift to the College 64 years ago from the Class of 1957 on July 15, 1957.  Upon moving into to the current campus, the plaque has been displayed at the ground floor lobby of Cheng Ming Building until being relocated to the New Asia History Gallery after its opening in December 2013. A replica was then placed at the original location.

The College was first founded without an official motto until 1955. The words “Cheng” (meaning Sincerity) and “Ming” (meaning Intelligence) come from Zhongyong ("The Doctrine of the Mean"), which says, "Sincerity is the way of Heaven; behaving with sincerity is the way of men", and "Intelligence derived from sincerity is nature. Sincerity derived from intelligence is instruction. Given sincerity, there shall be intelligence; given intelligence, there shall be sincerity." Mr. Chien stated in an article that “’Sincerity’ is concerned with ethics and behaviour, while "Intelligence" is in the realm of knowledge and awareness. ‘Sincerity’ is tantamount to reality and truth, and ‘Intelligence’, learning and understanding. The two words were selected because of our emphasis on pursuing knowledge and cultivating moral character at the same time.” With the advice of then College Librarian Mr. Shen Yenmou, the College motto was incorporated into the design of the Emblem.

Central to the “New Asia Spirit”, “Cheng Ming” represents the ultimate goal of the College’s educational aspiration, as well as the founders’ expectations for its students. May this motto continue to guide every generation towards sincerity and clarity.