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[UEH CONFERENCE 50] ICALLE 2026: Connecting Scholars, Shaping the Future of Language Education in the AI Era
03 Aug, 2026
On August 1, 2026, the Third International Conference on Applied Linguistics and Language Education (ICALLE 2026), themed “Innovation, Language, and Sustainability in Global Education,” was held at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).
As artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and internationalization continue to reshape higher education, language education is also being called upon to innovate in its mindset, methodologies, and approaches. Against this backdrop, ICALLE 2026 serves as a platform where scholars, researchers, and experts come together to share the latest research findings, discuss emerging trends, and strengthen international academic collaboration. The conference also reinforces UEH's role in advancing research excellence and fostering global academic connections in the fields of applied linguistics and language education.
The conference attracted nearly 200 scholars, lecturers, education specialists, doctoral candidates, and postgraduate students from Vietnam and abroad. A total of 122 research abstracts were submitted, with nearly 90 papers selected for presentation across parallel sessions, poster presentations, and thematic workshops. Through its third edition, ICALLE has further established itself as a prestigious international academic forum for applied linguistics and language education.
ICALLE 2026 officially opens, bringing together nearly 200 scholars, lecturers, education experts, doctoral candidates, and postgraduate students from Vietnam and around the world
Attending the opening ceremony, UEH representatives were Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH; Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh, Vice Rector of the College of Economics, Law and Government; Associate Professor Pham Duong Phuong Thao, Deputy Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; and leaders of UEH faculties, institutes, and administrative units
Representing co-organizer INTI International University, Malaysia, Dr. Priya Krishnan attended alongside a delegation of the university’s lecturers and students, who took part in ICALLE 2026’s academic activities.
ICALLE 2026 also received in-kind sponsorship from a range of organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, including the Regional English Language Office at the U.S. Embassy (RELO), Macmillan Publishers, Dai Truong Phat Publishing House, English House English Center, and the UEH Institute of Languages and International Studies. Their support not only contributed to the success of the conference but also demonstrated the strong connections among universities, businesses, and educational organizations in advancing innovation and language education.
Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH, delivers the opening remarks at ICALLE 2026
Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh, Vice Rector of the UEH College of Economics, Law and Government, presents appreciation gifts to the conference sponsors on behalf of the Organizing Committee
One of the highlights of ICALLE 2026 was a series of keynote sessions featuring international scholars from the Philippines, Australia, and Malaysia. Offering diverse perspectives on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable education, and international cooperation, the presentations highlighted emerging research trends and suggested new directions for innovation in language teaching, research, and educational development in a global context.
Opening the keynote series, Professor Tamas Kiss of the Centre for English Language Studies at Sunway University, Malaysia, examined the impact of artificial intelligence on foreign-language teaching and learning. In his presentation, “Connecting the Dots: Creativity and AI in Language Teaching,” he introduced the EDIT model (Explore, Differentiate, Interrogate, and Transform). The model is designed to foster creative thinking, strengthen learners’ ability to connect knowledge and ideas, and enhance their capacity to learn in the AI era.
Professor Tamas Kiss (Sunway University, Malaysia) introduces the EDIT framework and discusses the role of AI in fostering creativity in language teaching
Shifting the focus to international cooperation, Professor Heather Sharp shared insights into educational collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in her presentation, “Bridging Nations, Shaping Futures: English Language Innovation between Vietnam and Australia.” Drawing on experiences in teacher education, curriculum development, and sustainable education, she highlighted the role of language education in building global competencies, advancing educational innovation, and strengthening academic connections across countries.
Professor Heather Sharp shares insights into educational collaboration between Vietnam and Australia, highlighting the role of language education in advancing internationalization and sustainable development.
Returning to the application of AI in language education, Professor Jessie S. Barrot of National University, Philippines, emphasized that AI creates meaningful value only when learners and educators know how to design pedagogically sound prompts. In his presentation, “When Prompts Become Pedagogy: CLARIFIES+ Prompting Framework for Generative AI in English Language Teaching,” he introduced the concept of AI prompt literacy and the CLARIFIES+ framework. The framework is intended to help educators integrate AI effectively and responsibly while fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning competencies among learners.
Professor Jessie S. Barrot (National University, Philippines) introduces the CLARIFIES+ framework and the concept of AI Prompt Literacy in English language teaching.
Concluding the keynote series, Dr. Priya Krishnan posed a fundamental question: as AI becomes increasingly embedded in learning, how can people retain their capacity for independent thought and creativity, as well as ownership of their knowledge? In her presentation, “Owning Your Thinking in the AI Age: Language, Cognition, and Human Agency,” she emphasized the role of language in developing thought, critical reasoning, and learner agency. She also proposed approaches that enable AI to serve as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human thinking.
Dr. Priya Krishnan, representing INTI International University (Malaysia), explores the role of language, cognition, and human agency in the age of artificial intelligence.
More than a forum for presenting research findings, ICALLE 2026 reflected major trends shaping the future of language education worldwide. From AI prompt literacy and innovation in assessment in the age of AI to sustainable education, digital transformation, internationalization, and interdisciplinary cooperation, the topics discussed demonstrated the far-reaching transformation of language education in a global context
The academic exchanges at ICALLE 2026 not merely opened new avenues for research but also affirmed the vital role of language education in developing a globally minded workforce equipped to innovate and adapt to rapid social and technological change.
Beyond the strategic perspectives offered by the keynote speakers, ICALLE 2026 fostered a vibrant environment for academic exchange through parallel sessions, thematic workshops, and poster presentations. These sessions brought together lecturers, researchers, and doctoral candidates from a range of countries, offering a multidimensional view of current research trends and language-teaching practices as education undergoes profound change.
Parallel presentation sessions provided a vibrant platform for scholarly exchange among researchers and educators from Vietnam and abroad
Research presentations covered a wide range of topics, including AI in education, EMI, ESP, digital transformation, and education for sustainable development
The poster session showcased emerging research in applied linguistics and language education, attracting strong interest from conference participants
Of the 122 research submissions, nearly 90 of which were selected for parallel presentations, poster sessions, and thematic workshops. The studies covered a broad range of areas, including AI in education, digital transformation, English-medium instruction (EMI), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), learner assessment, sustainable education, and intercultural competence. Together, they reflected the rapid development of applied linguistics research in a global context.
Over three editions, ICALLE has continued to grow in scale, enhance its academic quality, and establish itself as a respected international forum for applied linguistics and language education. In addition to connecting scholars, researchers, and experts from Vietnam and abroad, ICALLE reflects UEH’s strong commitment to advancing research, innovation, and the internationalization of higher education.
The Organizing Committee and keynote speakers at the closing of ICALLE 2026, celebrating another successful edition of the conference marked by academic excellence, international collaboration, and global engagement
As a multidisciplinary university, UEH continues to develop specialized academic forums where knowledge is connected across fields and translated into meaningful value for education and society. As part of this journey, ICALLE is steadily emerging as a distinctive UEH academic brand, enhancing the University’s research reputation and reinforcing its role in regional and international academic networks.
More photos from ICALLE 2026:
"Research Contribution for All" Scientific Conference Series“Embracing Knowledge Impact” Towards the 50th anniversary of UEH's establishment, the "Research Contribution for All" scientific conference series, with the message "Embracing Knowledge Impact," creates an open academic space where international keynote speakers disseminate knowledge, inspire innovation, and increase the impact of research on the community. The program belongs to the series of 22 flagship activities aimed at redefining and assigning new roles to the 8 heritage values left on UEH's 50-year journey: "Unity – Compassion – Dedication – Community – Pioneering – Creation – Sustainability – Internationalization." Look forward to the special milestone: UEH Grand Anniversary “Embracing Future Together” October 27, 2026, at A.116 Hall and livestreamed on UEH media & social platforms. Explore more: https://ueh50.ueh.edu.vn/ or the UEH 50 Booklet at LINK. |
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Pillar: Training, Research
News, photos: School of Foreign Languages, Department of Communications and Partnerships
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