Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees,

The 12th International Conference of the Asian Association for Language Assessment (AALA) in Macau, September 18–21, was, for me, much more than another international conference. It was a wonderful gathering of colleagues, friends, and fellow travelers in language assessment —and, most importantly, a meaningful moment for TIRF.

More than 300 participants from 19 countries and 97 universities came together at City University of Macau around the theme “Humanistic Approach to Assessment, Standards, Innovation, and Accountability.” The program included three keynote speeches, 17 featured speakers, 20 concurrent sessions, and 20 posters. Across these presentations and conversations, three issues stood out to me: the changing function of assessment in the age of AI, the transformation of language education, and the ethical and equity challenges that accompany these changes.

What struck me most was how often our discussions came back to a simple but important question: In an increasingly technological world, how do we keep assessment human? AI is changing what we teach, how we teach, and how we assess. But the conference reminded us that innovation must remain connected to human judgment, fairness, equity, and the well-being of learners and teachers.

For me, however, the most memorable part of the conference was seeing four current and former TIRF Board members together in Macau: Nick Saville, Barry Sullivan, Andy Curtis, and myself.

Seeing the four of us in the same conference brought back a strong sense of how much TIRF is built on relationships—friendships, shared commitments, and years of work together. It was a small moment in a large international conference, but for me it carried enormous meaning.

I was also very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce TIRF to the AALA community. I spoke about who we are, what we do, and why TIRF matters. In particular, I highlighted our Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDG) program and the ways in which TIRF supports emerging scholars and research in language education.

I also spoke candidly about something that is increasingly important for all of us: TIRF’s future depends on development and fundraising. Our mission is strong, our community is talented, and our programs make a difference—but sustaining and expanding that work requires a broader circle of people who know TIRF, believe in its mission, and are willing to support it.

The response from the audience was genuinely encouraging. I saw curiosity, interest, and a desire to learn more about TIRF. That gave me hope that some of the conversations that began in Macau will continue long after the conference has ended.

As I look back on these few days in Macau, I am reminded that conferences are ultimately about people. The papers and presentations matter, but so do the conversations over coffee, the unexpected encounters in hallways, the old friendships renewed, and the new relationships that begin.

That is what made this AALA conference particularly special for me. It brought together a vibrant international community at a moment when our field is facing profound changes. And it gave TIRF an opportunity to be part of that conversation—not simply as an organization, but as a community committed to supporting research, scholars, and the future of language education.

I hope that more of our colleagues will now know who TIRF is and what TIRF does. More importantly, I hope some will become part of the TIRF family—as friends, supporters, donors, and contributors.

Seeing Nick, Barry, Andy, and myself together in Macau reminded me that TIRF’s greatest strength has always been its people. The Foundation is not simply its programs or its funding. It is a community of people who care deeply about language education and believe that research can make a difference. As we look ahead, I hope we can continue to grow that community.

Warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

TIRF President