With a Visionary Address Representing the Rector, Prof. Dr. Hj. Ria Yulia Gloria, M.Pd., Officially Opens the AsiaCALL 2025 International Conference, Reinforcing UIN SSC’s Global Aspirations
Cirebon, November, 15th 2025 — The grand opening of The 22nd AsiaCALL International Conference 2025 marked a historic milestone for UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon as it officially hosted the largest and most prestigious CALL conference in Asia, positioning the university on a decisive path toward global excellence. Representing the Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., the ceremony was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Hj. Ria Yulia Gloria, M.Pd., Head of the Quality Assurance Institute, whose visionary remarks became one of the most defining moments of the opening. In her address, she powerfully reaffirmed UIN SSC’s aspiration to emerge as a world-class Islamic cyber university, asserting that AsiaCALL 2025 is not merely an academic gathering, but a strategic leap that reflects the institution’s readiness to compete globally. Her message aligned seamlessly with the leadership of Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D.—President of the AsiaCALL International Conference 2025 and Director of the International Office—whose direction ensured the event’s extraordinary success. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished AsiaCALL leaders and international scholars, including Prof. Dr. Andrew Lian, Ph.D. (President of AsiaCALL, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand / University of Canberra, Australia) who joined online; Ania Lian, Ph.D. (Vice President of AsiaCALL, Charles Darwin University, Australia); Prof. Dr. Jeremy White (Vice President for International Relations of AsiaCALL, Ritsumeikan University, Japan); Assoc. Prof. Hassan Khosravi, Ph.D. (Vice President for Administrative Affairs of AsiaCALL, The University of Queensland, Australia); Prof. Shameem Rafik-Galea, Ph.D. (SEGi University, Malaysia); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Vu Phi Ho, Ph.D. (Vice President for Administrative Affairs and Publication of AsiaCALL, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam); Made Hery Santosa, Ph.D. (Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Indonesia); Luqman Baehaqi, Ph.D. (UIN Palangka Raya, Indonesia); Sirniawati, M.A. (Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon); Wulan Rahmatunnisa, M.Pd. (Universitas Kuningan); Aries Endri Susanto, S.T., M.E.; Eka Destarada Sesunan, S.E.; and Nur’aeni, S.E., M.E. (Hakim Ventura International), alongside Listiani Ekawati, M.Hum. (UIN SSC), Mariyah Ulfah, M.E.Sy. (Head of the Halal Inspection Institute), Ghina Amaliyah Sholihah, S.Sos. and Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, S.S., M.Appling. from the International Office. The ceremony also welcomed presenters from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and several other countries, as well as esteemed lecturers—Dra. Amroh Umaemah, M.Pd., Hendi Hidayat, M.Pd., and Wakhid Nashruddin, Ph.D.—together with hundreds of UIN SSC English Education students who brought vibrant academic energy to the event. The impactful presence, clarity of vision, and inspiring message delivered by Prof. Dr. Hj. Ria Yulia Gloria, M.Pd. ultimately framed the opening of AsiaCALL 2025 as a defining moment in UIN SSC’s journey toward global prominence.
The atmosphere of anticipation heightened as the audience learned that the Rector could not be physically present at the conference due to unforeseen institutional duties, a circumstance that momentarily created a sense of uncertainty regarding the ceremonial opening. Yet, rather than diminishing the gravity of the moment, this absence became a catalyst for reaffirming institutional unity. Representing the Rectorate, Prof. Dr. Hj. Ria Yulia Gloria, M.Pd., Chair of the Quality Assurance Board, stepped forward with a calm yet authoritative presence, transforming what could have been a disruption into a demonstration of administrative resilience. Her appearance at the podium signaled continuity, commitment, and the unbroken support of the university’s leadership toward the success of The 22nd AsiaCALL International Conference—an event that has become an academic landmark for UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon.
In her opening address, Prof. Ria began by extending an apology on behalf of the Rectorate for not being able to attend in person, while firmly assuring the audience that the leadership stood fully behind the conference. “Although the Rector cannot be here physically,” she stated, “our dedication to advancing this international forum remains wholehearted and unwavering.” She expressed her sincere appreciation to Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and President of AsiaCALL 2025, for granting her the honor of delivering the welcoming remarks. She continued by conveying her profound respect to the keynote speakers, distinguished speakers, and participants from across the globe, acknowledging their important contribution to the intellectual richness of the conference. “Your presence here,” she declared, “strengthens our collective pursuit of excellence in language education, technology, and innovation.”
Building on this momentum, Prof. Ria shifted her remarks toward the broader mission of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. She emphasized that the university is in an active phase of transformation, striving toward global academic recognition while cultivating a future-oriented educational ecosystem. She highlighted that the rapid development of technology—particularly in AI-enhanced language learning—makes the AsiaCALL 2025 theme exceptionally timely and strategic. Hosting this conference, she explained, is not merely an institutional achievement but also a reflection of UIN SSC’s commitment to fostering an international academic culture. She noted that AsiaCALL serves as a critical platform where scholars, researchers, and practitioners come together to exchange ideas, introduce cutting-edge innovations, and collaborate on impactful research initiatives. The gathering, she stressed, symbolizes UIN SSC’s growing readiness to participate meaningfully in global academic discourse.
In moving toward the ceremonial conclusion of her address, Prof. Ria reiterated her pride in welcoming the AsiaCALL community to UIN SSC. She remarked that the conference represents far more than a series of academic presentations; it stands as a testament to international cooperation, intellectual openness, and the collective pursuit of knowledge. The presence of experts from various continents illustrates the shared commitment to shaping the future of technology-integrated language education. She affirmed that the university views AsiaCALL 2025 not as a one-time event but as a long-term catalyst for expanding partnerships, enriching the research landscape, and enhancing institutional capacity. With steady confidence, she assured the audience that UIN SSC is prepared to embrace the new opportunities that will emerge from this prestigious gathering.
In her final reflection, Prof. Ria delivered a message imbued with moral clarity and institutional vision. She reminded participants that academic excellence is inseparable from integrity, collaboration, and a sincere commitment to contributing to humanity’s intellectual progress. She encouraged scholars to approach technological advancement not only with ambition but also with ethical responsibility. Concluding her remarks with both formality and spiritual grounding, she proclaimed, “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, with sincerity and hope, I officially open The 22nd AsiaCALL International Conference.” She then added a resonant moral insight: “May this conference inspire us to innovate with humility, collaborate with openness, and pursue knowledge that brings benefit to the world.” Her final words left the audience with a guiding principle—progress is meaningful only when driven by integrity and shared purpose.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir