Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees,

In this report, I am delighted to share some reflections following the recent congregations of our graduating students at City University of Macau. It was a heartfelt occasion, particularly as I had the privilege of speaking with about 10 exceptional undergraduate students from our Applied Linguistics Program who have secured admissions to prestigious universities such as University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Columbia University, and University of College London, majoring in English Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Their success is not merely a testament to their individual efforts, but rather a confluence of several critical factors that I believe warrant our attention as we continue to refine our educational practices and objectives.

First and foremost, the support and encouragement from faculty members have played an essential role in molding these students. Their interactions with dedicated teachers foster an environment conducive to communication and engagement. It is imperative that we continue to promote strong student-teacher relationships, as they not only enhance academic performance but also enrich the overall educational experience, preparing our students to become confident communicators and proactive participants in social activities.

Equally significant is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within our learning frameworks. Our students have successfully embraced these technologies as part of their academic journey. AI offers a vast array of resources that can assist students in their research and studies. However, it is crucial that we do not overlook the importance of critical thinking and analysis. We must guide students in utilizing AI thoughtfully, encouraging them to engage in dialogue with peers, listen actively, and process information in a meaningful way. This balance between embracing technological advancements and nurturing human creativity is pivotal for our future educators as they navigate the complexities of language instruction.

As President of TIRF, I am compelled to reinforce the foundation of our mission: to support research aimed at exploring the integration of AI in English language education, while simultaneously empowering human creativity and fostering a deep understanding of the learning process. This dual focus not only aligns with our commitment to excellence but also advances our vision for the future of English education globally.

To this end, I encourage our academic community to investigate innovative methods of enhancing curriculum and pedagogy that embrace both AI tools and the development of critical-thinking skills. I believe that by sharing our findings and experiences, we will strengthen our collective efforts to prepare our students effectively for the challenges and opportunities of the 21^st century.

Over the years, TIRF has supported many innovative research projects to advance English language education. It is essential for us to continue striving to advance our field through thoughtful engagement with emerging technologies and a focus on collaboration, creativity, and understanding.

Warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

TIRF President