Co-organized by National Geographic Learning (NGL) and City University of Macau, the conference brought together global experts to explore AI's transformative role in English teaching.

10^th April, 2025, the academic conference "The Future of English Education in Asia – Power of teaching in the AI Era", co-hosted by National Geographic Learning (NGL) and City University of Macau (CityU), was successfully held today at CityU. The event gathered leading educators, scholars, and outstanding teachers from Asia and over the world to discuss the latest trends in English language teaching. Particularly the impact and transformation brought by AI technology in education.

The conference is kicked off with an opening speech by Michael Cahill, Senior director, NGL Asia, who noted that this marked the fifth year of NGL’s Power of Teaching conference series. He emphasized the event’s mission to "share experiences, discuss the future, forge new connections, and reunite with old friends" in building a dynamic platform for English educators.

Following the opening, renowned scholars delivered keynote speeches: Prof. Lixian Jin, Dean and Chair Professor of Applied Linguistics at CityU, opened the session with " Intercultural Communication Competence: The Essential Power of Teaching in English Education". Before the topic start, Prof. Jin on behalf of Rector Liu, extended a warm welcome to all attendees and expressed sincere appreciation for future collaboration opportunities with the distinguished guests. Her topic is stressing the need to move beyond grammar and vocabulary to cultivate students’ global competence. Afterwards, keynote speeches were delivered by Ms. Bosen Lily Liu, Head of Partnership and Agenda-Setting Unit, UNESCO IESALC. Professor Deming Mei of English and linguistics Shanghai International Studies University, and Dr. Deborah Short, former President of TESOL, etc.

Distinguished attendees included: Mr. Carlos Roberto Xavier, Director of the Higher Education Department of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), Macao, Prof. Liying Cheng, Dean of the School of Education at CityU, Prof. Cheng Wu, Director of Global Affairs Office and Ms. Yu Wu, Director of the Registry, etc.

With over 700 participants onsite, the conference also featured a special sharing section, where National Geographic Explorers and scientists demonstrated the pedagogical value of narrative through engaging case studies.

This conference provided a valuable platform for Asian English educators to exchange ideas and explore innovative teaching approaches in the AI era.