Dear TIRF Board Members and Supporters,

On April 10-11, 2025, the conference titled “The Future of English Education in Asia – Power of Teaching in the AI Era,” co-hosted by National Geographic Learning and City University of Macau, was successfully held at the City University of Macau. As Rector of City University of Macau and President of TIRF, I was delighted to extend a warm welcome to all the participants to tackle this emerging issue of importance in English language education. The conference explored the latest trends in English teaching, focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technology on education, and assisted educators in exploring student cultivation models. International English education experts, including two former presidents of TESOL, renowned scholars in the international English language education field, and colleagues from National Geographic explorers delivered wonderful speeches. More than 700 participants attended the conference, including representatives from publishers, school principals, and leaders of educational institutions from the greater China region and abroad.

Michael Cahill, Senior Director of National Geographic Learning Asia, delivered the opening speech. He expressed gratitude to City University of Macau for its strong support and thanked the keynote speakers and participants for their presence. National Geographic Learning adheres to its mission of “Bringing the World to the Classroom and Classroom to Life” and helps English learners tell the stories of their nations in English. In this rapidly changing world, educators shoulder an arduous task to cultivate today’s learners into future leaders of society. I hope that everyone gained new knowledge and made new friends at this conference.

As Rector of City University of Macau, President of TIRF, and former President of TESOL, I delivered a keynote speech titled “Embracing AI in English Language Education: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges.” I provided a comprehensive review of the development trajectory of AI, discussed key issues raised by AI in revolutionizing English teaching, and offered practical strategies and guidance to help English educators navigate the AI-driven educational environment. I emphasized the importance of enhancing professional skills, improving teaching efficiency, and embracing the transformative potential of AI in the digital age.

Dr. Deborah Short, former President of TESOL and author of the Reach Higher, Lift, and Edge series, delivered a speech titled “Developing Academic Language and Literacy: The Foundation of 21st-Century Communication.” Through lively and interesting examples, she led the audience to explore strategies for strengthening academic language and literacy skills. When students engage in classroom activities, read, write, and discuss content-oriented texts, as well as actively participate in academic tasks with appropriate support, they can develop literacy and language skills suitable for the collaborative and creative output required today and in the future.

There were a number of other powerful speeches in this conference. Professor Lixian Jin, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at City University of Macau, delivered a speech titled “Intercultural Communication Competence: The Essential Power of Teaching in English Education.” She expounded on the principles and strategies of teaching intercultural communication competence in English language education.

Bosen Lily Liu, Head of Partnerships and Agenda-Setting Unit, UNESCO IESALC, spoke on the theme of “Pathways to the Futures of Higher Learning and Skill Development: The Role of Language Education as a Tool.” She interacted with the guests, encouraging them to think about and depict their vision of higher education.

Professor Deming Mei, Professor at Shanghai International Studies University, Chairman of the Academic Committee of the China Foreign Language Strategy Research Center, and Head of the Expert Group for the Compulsory Education and Senior High School English Curriculum Standards of the Ministry of Education, delivered a keynote speech titled “Reconstructing English Teaching Materials for Learners’ Competence Building.”

Mr. Xiqin Lu, Director of Secondary School English Editorial Department of People’s Education Press, shared insights via his talk titled “Empower Students to Learn: Recent Changes in Junior Middle School English Textbooks (PEP Version).” Director Lu analyzed in detail the paradigm shift brought about by curriculum standards and the new concepts, characteristics, and changes in the development of junior middle school English textbooks published by People’s Education Press.

Dr. Pui Lun Chow, Lecturer of English Language Teaching Unit of the Faculty of Arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, delivered a speech titled “Supplement, Not Supplant: Enhancing Engagement and Empowering Educators in TESOL Through AI”. Through showcasing excellent practical cases of AI tools in teaching different aspects of English language use, she explored the potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in meaningful and engaging English teaching programs in higher education settings.

Yolanda Wang, Director of National Geographic Brand Content and Business, presented her talk, “Power of Image,” reviewing National Geographic’s 137-year commitment to expanding the boundaries of human knowledge. Through stunning images, National Geographic tells the greatest stories, and witnesses and records human progress and major discoveries through an excellent media portfolio and different media assets, spreading high-quality content globally.

In addition to the talks mentioned above, conference organizers arranged two “Educators’ Forums,” inviting renowned educators and school principals to have in-depth discussions on the topic of “Integrating Global Experience and Local Practice in Asian English Education,” hosted by Professor Deming Mei and Principal Cuiwei Ye. The guests at the two forums shared their insights on hot topics such as English learning, international education, and future talent cultivation based on their work practices.

Thanks to National Geographic Learning, this conference has brought together university scholars, renowned experts, school principals, frontline teachers, and National Geographic explorers for in-depth cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary, and cross-field exchanges, rooted in local contexts, radiating across Asia, and facing the world.  TIRF was listed as one of the sponsors and we look forward to working with more educators to build the English education community, enhance English teaching capabilities, and empower more learners.

Warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

TIRF President