Past Events

• The 2024 Annual Conference of China English Language Education Association will be held
  in Dalian on October 18-20, 2024. The theme of the conference is Interdisciplinary
  Integration and Collaborative Innovation: Enhancing the Overall Quality of Talent
  Cultivation.
• More than 70 titles of The Key Topics Library, edited by Prof Wen Qiufang，Prof Sun
  Youzhong et al., have been published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research
  Press(FLTRP) in China. Written by more than 100 Chinese top scholars, this large-scale
  systematic library consists of 5 series: linguistics, applied linguistics, literature studies,
  translation studies, and intercultural studies. Focusing on a key topic, each work serves as a
  research guide for young researchers and presents Chinese perspectives for readers. With
  agreement with FLTRP, Taylor & Francis is planning to publish the English version of the
  Key Topics Library in the next few years.
• English Test for International Communication, a local English proficiency test developed by
  Beijing Foreign Studies University, has just implemented its 7th remote online testing from
  home in August 2024. Until now, more than 400,000 candidates have taken the test, most of
  whom are university students and professionals. The test aims to assess test candidates’
  global competence and promotes the college ELT reform in China.

AILA World Congress 2024: A Historic Diamond Jubilee in Kuala Lumpur, 11th -16th August 2024

Global Delegates Celebrate 60 Years of Linguistic Innovation

The 21st International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) World Congress concluded with great fanfare in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking a pivotal moment in the association’s 60-year history. Drawing over 1,700 onsite and online participants from across the globe, the congress not only celebrated AILA’s diamond jubilee but also underscored its continued influence in shaping the future of applied linguistics. Hosted by the Malaysian Association of Applied Linguistics (MAAL), this milestone event at the iconic Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre reflected both the rich heritage and the forward-thinking vision of the global linguistics community.

Against the dramatic skyline of the Petronas Twin Towers, the congress took on the theme "Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability," sparking robust discussions on critical issues facing the field. With 14 thematic tracks, the event provided a platform for a wide range of research and ideas, making it a hub for academic exchange and collaborative innovation.

Bridging Cultures and Minds

Far more than just an academic symposium, the congress was a vibrant celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity. The opening ceremony featured a stunning showcase of Malaysian culture, with distinguished ambassadors, sponsors, and representatives from numerous countries in attendance. The congress was officiated by the President of AILA, Professor Azirah Hashim, the first Asian president of the Association. 80 successful recipients of the AILA Solidarity Awards were announced by the Chair of the Solidarity Awards committee, Prof. Kyria Finardi. The AILA Honorary Award was presented to Professor Wen Qiu Fang of the National Research Center for Foreign Language Education and the Consortium for Chinese Studies and Intercultural Communication, Beijing Foreign Studies University. 

More than 1200 papers were delivered in three modes - onsite, hybrid and online at the congress featuring an array of keynote papers, featured papers, symposia, workshops, individual papers and posters.  Six keynote papers were delivered onsite at the congress, featuring renowned applied linguists, Prof. Ingrid Pillar, Prof. Asmah Hj Omar, Prof. Catherine Nickerson, Prof. Enric Llurda, Prof. Low Ee Ling and Prof. Sinfree Makoni.  One of the highlights of the congress was the 60th Anniversary Plenary symposium on the ‘History of Applied Linguistics’ which was led by Prof. Richard Smith alongside a panel consisting of Prof. John E. Joseph, Prof. Azirah Hashim, Assoc. Prof. Ruanni Tupas, Prof. Cristine Severo, Prof. Claire Kramsch and Assoc. Prof. Ashraf Abdelhay. There was also UNESCO presence in the Special Symposium by the Asia-Pacific Multilingual Education Working Group comprising UNESCO Bangkok and UNICEF EAPRO on ‘Partnerships, Policies and Practices on First Language-Based Multilingual Education in Asia and the Pacific’.

Social gatherings were equally memorable. Delegates enjoyed an array of cultural activities, from a lively cultural welcome reception to the gala dinner at the Royale Chulan Hotel, which featured traditional fashion shows, music, and dance. The Malaysian satay evenings and city walkabouts offered attendees the chance to explore Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant cityscape while building lasting connections within the global linguistic community.

A Future of Collaboration and Impact

Chaired by Professor Shameem Rafik-Galea and co-chaired by Associate Professor Cecilia Yin Mei Cheong, the event supported by the MAAL Committee and members, MP Events (the professional congress organizer), and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre team, was a powerful reminder of AILA’s continued leadership in fostering innovation, research, and social impact within the field of applied linguistics.

AILA’s incoming president, Professor Kyria Finardi delivered her aspirations for the future of AILA under her leadership for the next chapter of AILA's journey. The congress concluded on a high note, with Professor Rafik-Galea presenting awards for the best poster presentations and delivering her closing speech, culminating in a celebratory end to the five-day congress.

The organising committee of AILA 2024 extends their heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, particularly ELS Language Centres Malaysia, the Sime Darby Foundation and the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, as well as to delegates, publishers, and contributors who made this event a resounding success.

AILA 2024 Sessions