International Office Strengthens Global Academic Engagement through AsiaCALL 2025 Pre-Conference Workshop
Cirebon, October 9, 2025 — Led by Lala Bumela, Ph.D., the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon successfully held the AsiaCALL 2025 Pre-Conference Workshop. The event brought together international students, lecturers, and guests joining via Zoom from various countries. Lala Bumela, Ph.D., as the Head of the International Office, opened the workshop and emphasized the importance of global academic collaboration. The session featured Prof. Andrew Lian, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker, and Ania Lian, Ph.D., as a presenter who introduced the “Reading-for-Emotion” approach. Luqman Baehaqi, Ph.D., also contributed as a discussant, sharing insights on digital learning practices in Indonesia. In addition, several participants joined online from various countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, and others, reflecting the growing spirit of international collaboration in digital education and applied linguistics. Emphasizing the value of unity in education, Lala Bumela, Ph.D., said,“This pre-conference shows how academic partnerships across nations can help us rethink education together, where technology becomes a bridge that connects human minds globally.”
The AsiaCALL 2025 Pre-Conference served as a platform for educators to share ideas, research experiences, and perspectives on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. Professor Andrew Lian, a leading figure in CALL and educational technology, opened the session by drawing attention to how innovation often outpaces regulation. His message encouraged participants to view AI not as a replacement for human intelligence but as a tool that extends human potential in education.
Following this, Professor Ania Lian emphasized the importance of conceptual clarity and emotional awareness when integrating technology into classrooms. She discussed her “Reading-for-Emotion” （RfE） approach, which encourages educators to connect learning with emotional engagement. Her insights resonated with many participants, particularly educators who are exploring ways to humanize digital learning practices across Southeast Asia.
The workshop became a meaningful space for cross-cultural academic exchange, where attendees from different backgrounds reflected on how AI and digital tools can strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity. Discussions and interactive sessions allowed both students and scholars to share their experiences in adopting AI-assisted learning platforms while maintaining human values in the educational process.
Reflecting on the diverse participation, Lala Bumela, Ph.D. stated,“The strength of this workshop lies in its diversity between educators and students from different countries learning from one another. That is what the International Office stands for: fostering meaningful global engagement through shared academic values.” Participants also expressed appreciation for how the event encouraged dialogue beyond technology toward the emotional and ethical dimensions of education in the AI era.
In conclusion, the International Office reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing international collaboration and promoting thoughtful integration of technology in higher education. Lala Bumela, Ph.D. concluded,“Through initiatives like AsiaCALL 2025, we are not just keeping pace with global changes, we are helping shape an academic future that remains deeply human at its core.”
Author : Laily Dwi Islami Azzahra.