Prof. Dr. Andrew Lian, President of AsiaCALL, Ushers in AsiaCALL 2025 with a Visionary Speech Recognizing UIN SSC’s Strategic Leadership and Its Impact on International Language Education
Cirebon, November, 15th 2025 — The grand opening of The 22nd AsiaCALL International Conference 2025 reached a defining moment as Prof. Dr. Andrew Lian, Ph.D., President of AsiaCALL, delivered his visionary opening speech, officially welcoming participants from across the globe to UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, the strategic host of Asia’s largest and most prestigious CALL conference. While Prof. Dr. Hj. Ria Yulia Gloria, M.Pd., Head of the Quality Assurance Institute, represented the Rector and delivered a warm welcoming message, it was Prof. Lian who set the overarching tone for the conference, recognizing UIN SSC’s strategic leadership in international language education and its commitment to global academic excellence. In his address, he expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., Rector of UIN SSC; Prof. Ria Yulia Gloria for representing the Rectorate; and Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., President of the Conference and Director of the International Office, for their exceptional dedication and leadership in organizing a successful international event. Prof. Lian highlighted the remarkable scholarly participation, noting that 99 abstracts were submitted by 205 authors from 16 countries, demonstrating not only academic enthusiasm but also the conference’s role in fostering innovation, research, and collaboration in language education. He acknowledged the contributions of distinguished keynote speakers and invited scholars—including Assoc. Prof. Pham Vu Phi Ho, Ph.D., Ania Lian, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Hassan Khosravi, Ph.D., Prof. Shameem Rafik-Galea, Ph.D., Prof. Jeremy White, Ph.D., and Made Hery Santosa, Ph.D.—alongside UIN SSC faculty, esteemed lecturers from the English Education program including Dra. Amroh Umaemah, M.Pd., Hendi Hidayat, M.Pd., and Wakhid Nashruddin, Ph.D., international presenters from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and the Philippines, and hundreds of UIN SSC English Education students, whose energy and engagement enriched the conference. Prof. Lian also emphasized the importance of operational excellence, praising the organizing committee for their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit, which ensured the seamless execution of AsiaCALL 2025.
As the AsiaCALL 2025 conference commenced, the room buzzed with anticipation, not only because of the diverse international presence but also due to the weight of expectations on UIN SSC as the host institution. While the university had successfully positioned itself as a rising hub for Islamic cyber education, the challenge remained to meet the standards of AsiaCALL’s global reputation. Prof. Dr. Andrew Lian, Ph.D., sensed the responsibility on his shoulders to both acknowledge the remarkable efforts of the hosts and set a visionary tone for the conference. The logistical coordination, the diversity of research topics, and the presence of hundreds of students and international scholars created a delicate balance between celebration and high-stakes academic rigor—a tension that framed the opening session.
Taking the stage with authority and warmth, Prof. Lian addressed the participants: “It is with immense respect and joy that I welcome all of you to AsiaCALL 2025 here at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. This gathering is not just a conference; it is a celebration of dedication, innovation, and the collective pursuit of knowledge in language education. The passion reflected in 99 abstracts submitted by 205 authors from 16 countries demonstrates the spirit of inquiry that defines AsiaCALL.” He continued, acknowledging the university leadership, “I sincerely thank Rector Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, Prof. Ria Yulia Gloria, and Lala Bumela Sudimantara for their unwavering support, leadership, and tireless work in bringing this conference to life. Your commitment ensures that AsiaCALL remains a global platform for advancing both research and pedagogy.”
Prof. Lian elaborated on the conference’s significance, linking it to broader trends in international education. He highlighted the increasing relevance of technology and Artificial Intelligence in language learning, emphasizing that educators must balance innovation with ethical responsibility. By recognizing UIN SSC’s strategic initiatives, he underscored the university’s readiness to influence global discussions on digital pedagogy. His address framed AsiaCALL 2025 not only as an event but as a movement: one where cross-cultural collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and the integration of technology in teaching would converge. Attendees were invited to actively participate in shaping the future of language education, fostering critical thinking, and exploring avenues for impactful, human-centered innovation.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Lian shifted the focus to action and engagement. He urged participants to embrace the sessions with curiosity, openness, and a collaborative mindset. “Let this conference be more than presentations; let it be a space where ideas ignite, partnerships form, and practical solutions for global language education emerge,” he stated. By framing the conference as a dynamic forum for both intellectual exchange and applied research, he alleviated the initial tension and set a clear roadmap for productive participation throughout the event.
Prof. Lian closed with a reflection on the broader purpose of AsiaCALL: “The true measure of our work is not in the number of sessions or papers presented, but in the lasting impact we create on learners, educators, and the global community. UIN SSC has demonstrated visionary leadership, and it is now up to all of us to carry forward that legacy of innovation, integrity, and collaboration.” His words reinforced the core message that excellence in education is a collective responsibility, and that international collaboration, guided by ethical and human-centered principles, can transform the future of language learning.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir