Mentorship for Research Excellence: Strategic Support in Preparing Research for the Asia Call Conference 2025
Cirebon, August 6, 2025 — International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, led by Director Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., held an intensive mentoring session for students who will take part in the upcoming AsiaCALL international conference. Not only serving as the organizing committee, the International Office students will also participate as presenters, bringing their research to a global academic stage. The mentoring session covered not only research preparation but also event management strategies, digital content, and publication techniques. The International Office emphasized that the students’ dual roles reflect the university’s strong commitment to preparing an excellent generation capable of competing globally.
During the session, students worked on drafting their research papers to be presented at the conference and received direct feedback from Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. The discussion delved into writing quality, alignment with AsiaCALL’s theme, and the potential contributions to the academic community. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., remarked, “We are proud that International Office students are not only present as organizers but also take the stage as presenters, while at the same time thinking about the key aspects behind the success of the event, including digital content and technical management.” This statement reflects the International Office’s full support for the active involvement of students in multiple aspects of the event.
This year, AsiaCALL carries the overarching theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human agency, a topic highly aligned with the vision of the Siber Islamic University. UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon has placed special emphasis on AI, particularly its relevance to the future of cyber-based education. The conference will highlight pressing issues such as the ethics of AI use, the transformation of digital learning, and the integration of technology in human resource development. The International Office views AsiaCALL as a strategic platform to showcase the university’s leadership in addressing global challenges through the synergy of cyber, AI, and human agency.
As a prestigious international conference in the field of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), AsiaCALL has long served as a hub for discussing the latest developments in educational technology. This year, key literature such as the CALL-EJ Journal has been identified as a primary reference to strengthen the presenters’ research, including those from the International Office. By linking their work to globally recognized journals, students not only demonstrate in-depth understanding but also highlight their contributions to international academic discourse. The International Office ensures that every piece of research presented connects to the pressing issues currently shaping the global academic landscape.
Preparations extend beyond research mentoring. The International Office is also arranging a pre-conference webinar at the end of August, offered both online and on-site. The webinar will include Professional Development (PD) sessions for Pre-Service English Teachers (PSET) and Language Support English Teachers (LSET), designed to equip participants before the main conference. Digital content covering the pre-conference, Day 1, and Day 2 will be crafted to be highly engaging, ensuring that audiences feel connected from the preparation phase through to the main event. This reflects the International Office’s commitment to delivering a conference that is not only academically enriching but also visually and interactively compelling.
International Office students are also actively involved in creating digital content with an emphasis on interactive and inviting narratives. They are gaining experience in developing communication strategies, managing publications, and producing content tailored to an international audience. As a result, their learning extends beyond academic presentations, encompassing practical skills in organizing international events. This synergy provides students with valuable opportunities to grow as both scholars and practitioners, capable of adapting to the demands of the digital era.
Serving both as presenters and organizers brings multiple benefits for the students. As presenters, they gain the opportunity to publish their research and build international academic networks. As organizers, they acquire professional experience in managing an international event, including digital content development and engagement with global communities. With the full support of Director Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., the International Office believes that this AsiaCALL participation will mark a significant milestone in enhancing the global capacity of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati students and strengthening the university’s international reputation.
Authors: Cherryshifa Hilary Afsonias, Nok Dini Wulan Ramadani