This year’s conference is very special as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the foundation of AsiaTEFL. For the past 20 years, AsiaTEFL conferences have been held annually in various Asian countries (10!), where ELT practitioners, policymakers and researchers have gathered together to share their academic and scholarly works and knowledge, and to shape global networks and bonds. This year’s theme, ‘Celebrating ELT in Asia: Visions and Aspirations’, was set to suggest visions for and aspirations of ELT in Asian contexts by reflecting on heated discussion over the past years, examining the present issues and topics, and anticipating the future of ELT in Asia.
In pursuit of this aim, we invited very special speakers from diverse Asian countries and beyond. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the speakers who cordially accepted our invitation. Please join us in whole-heartedly welcoming keynote speaker Youngsuk YS Chi, the President of Elsevier, and the six plenary speakers, Prof. Jihyeon Jeon from Korea, Prof. Phyllis Lian-Ghim Chew from Singapore, Prof. Peter de Costa from USA, Prof. Andy Gao from Australia, Prof. Francisca Maria Ivone from Indonesia, and Prof. Tariq Elyas from Saudi Arabia. A warm welcome is also extended to our seven featured speakers, Prof. Masaki Oda from Japan, Prof. Qirfang Wen from China, Prof. Pragasit Sitthitikul from Thailand, Prof. Ramesh Nair from Malaysia, Prof. Jeongyeon Kim from Korea, Prof. Aurelio Vilbar from Philippines, and Dr. John Norris. Not only do these speakers offer geographically-diverse perspectives, but their years of scholarship in wide-ranging fields of ELT provide deep insights for all.
In addition to the invited speakers’ talks, the program will offer multiple types of presentations, including research-driven papers, workshops, colloquia/symposia and poster sessions. We are deeply grateful to the presenters who submit their proposals responding to our conference call and share their research outcomes and insightful ideas with all conference participants.
Many thanks should be given to the 2023 Conference Organizing Committee, who volunteered their assistance to make the conference a success again this year. And last but certainly not least, we would like to express special thanks to the AsiaTEFL presidents, Prof. Suwarsih Madya and Prof. Joo-Kyung Park, whose tremendous energy and devotion dedicated to the entire process of organization of the conference have enriched this meaningful event with their meticulous consideration and wealth of experience.
As we overcome the challenges of the pandemic, this year’s conference will be organized mainly on-site, but we still offer opportunities for virtual presentations and online participation for those who can access only from a distance. We cordially invite students, practitioners and researchers working in the field of ELT in Asia and beyond. Please come join us to celebrate the 20thanniversary of AsiaTEFL and enjoy a rich program filled with insightful presentations!
We are honored to have been invited to serve as conference executives for the 21st AsiaTEFL International Conference. Please feel free to contact us with your ideas & suggestions, your concerns, and your offers to help!
