Dear TIRF Board Members and Supporters,

This month, I had the privilege of delivering the welcome remarks at a symposium titled “Cultivating Global Competitiveness: Technological Innovation and the Development of Postgraduate Education in Macao.” Organized by our Graduate Student Association at the School of Education, the event featured speakers from Macau, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Malaysia. The discussions spanned a range of topics, including the current state of postgraduate education, future trends, comparative analyses of global systems, and the ethics of authorship in research and publication.

As it was a Saturday, I stayed to listen to several keynote speeches. One presentation caught my attention: A professor presented statistics showing how emerging technologies are reshaping graduate programs. Alarmingly, English language education was listed among the subjects being “cut.” The rise of technology, particularly AI-driven translation apps, coupled with a shift away from the humanities and social sciences, presents a significant challenge to the field of English language education.

Admittedly, the trend toward emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in higher education is driven by market demands and the promise of economic growth. However, this shift can unintentionally devalue the contributions of the humanities and social sciences, which are essential for a well-rounded education.

First and foremost, the humanities and social sciences cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities—core competencies needed in any career. These disciplines help students navigate complex issues and make informed decisions, skills that are indispensable in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Communication skills—both written and verbal—are another vital asset. The humanities emphasize these competencies, preparing students to effectively articulate ideas and engage diverse audiences. In our field of English language education, we prepare future generations to communicate on a global scale.

In an increasingly globalized world, an understanding of cultural differences and social dynamics is crucial. The social sciences provide students with the tools to navigate and contribute meaningfully to multicultural societies, skills that are highly valued in any professional setting.

Furthermore, the humanities encourage ethical reasoning and moral reflection—qualities vital for responsible leadership and citizenship. Professionals in every field regularly face ethical dilemmas that require a nuanced understanding of human values and societal impact.

Proficiency in English enhances interdisciplinary collaboration. Addressing global challenges—such as climate change, public health, and social justice—requires solutions that integrate insights from both STEM and the humanities. This fusion often leads to the most innovative and effective outcomes.

Moreover, the job market is constantly evolving. A background in the humanities and social sciences equips students with versatile skills, allowing them to adapt to various roles across multiple industries. Graduates can pursue careers in education, law, journalism, public policy, and social work—fields that are essential to a functioning democracy.

As President of both TIRF and City University of Macau, I strongly believe we must emphasize the enduring importance of the humanities and social sciences, particularly in fostering communicative competence in English as a global language. It is crucial that we present data on career outcomes for graduates in these fields, highlight successful interdisciplinary programs, and showcase the impact of individuals, such as TIRF’s DDG award recipients, whose research has contributed significantly to the advancement of language education.

Warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

TIRF President