In a remarkable convergence of minds, the 3rd International Conference on Education (ICEd) and the 9th International Conference on Language and Education (ICLE) was held on 22nd and 23rd of November 2023. The conference was successfully organized by the Faculty of Education and Language Studies (FELS) that took place at the UCYP Main Campus in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. This year, FELS is working hand in hand with the Association of Language Teachers in Southeast Asia (ALTSA), creating a dynamic platform for educators, researchers, and professionals from around the world.

The 3rd ICEd and the 9th ICLE were unique not only for their rich diversity of participants but also for their hybrid format, allowing 200 attendees to engage both in-person and virtually. The international vibe was noticeable, with presenters and participants joining from Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Pakistan, Singapore and the host country, Malaysia.

The theme, “Education and Language for Sustainable Development: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship,” set the tone for discussions that delved into the intersection of education, language, and the pressing need for sustainable development. The conference aimed to explore ways in which education can inculcate the value of  social responsibility and foster a sense of global citizenship.

A significant highlight of the event was the closing ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of the honorable Pahang State Executive Council (Exco) for Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Biotechnology, and Education, Dato’ Sri Ir. Haji Mohd Soffi bin Tan Sri Abd. Razak who is representing the Chief Minister of Pahang, the Right Honorable Dato’ Sri Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail. In his speech, he believed that the landscape of education nowadays is embracing a holistic approach, interweaving sustainability, language, and social responsibility. Thus, educational institutions are to broaden their curricula, while citizens are encouraged to actively foster sustainable development, social responsibility, and a global mindset in their actions and engagements.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of UCYP, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Fauzi bin Mohd. Zain emphasized that local and global sustainable development requires three essential elements: Creativity, Quality, and Integrity (CQI). CQI aimed at fostering a culture that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and ethical conduct and these elements are practical and actionable principles that can positively impact both our immediate surroundings and the larger world.

As the 3rd ICEd and the 9th ICLE unfolded its diverse array of discussions, it also provided a platform to recognize outstanding contributions in the field. The conference awarded commendations to exemplary individuals whose research and presentations stood out, embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence.

Husnul Khatimah Nur, from Universitas Hasanuddin, Indonesia, was bestowed with the Bronze Award for her research on “Understanding the Use of Hedging in Academic Writing: A Comparative Analysis.” Her work delved into the nuanced realm of academic writing, offering a comparative analysis that showcased depth and insight.

Dr. Ista Maharsi, representing Universitas Islam Indonesia, received the Silver Award for her compelling research on “Photovoice: Moslem Identity Construction and Negotiation of Medical Students in an English Course.” Her exploration of identity construction and negotiation within the context of an English course resonated with the conference’s overarching theme.

The highest accolade, the Gold Award, was conferred upon Thanatcha Ngamchatturat from Suranee University of Technology, Thailand. Her research, titled “Students’ Learning Strategies in English-Medium Instruction Courses: A Case Study of Thai EFL Context,” provided valuable insights into the learning strategies employed by students in an English-medium instruction setting within the Thai EFL context.

These award recipients not only demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge in education and language but also showcased the diversity of research topics and perspectives present at the conference. Their outstanding contributions have undoubtedly enriched the discourse surrounding sustainable development, social responsibility, and global citizenship.

The closing ceremony was an opportune moment to express gratitude to the sponsors whose support played a pivotal role in bringing the conference to fruition. The Pahang State Government, Pahang State Foundation, Tourism Malaysia, YP Plantation Holdings, and YP Land were acknowledged for their generous contributions, underlining their commitment to the advancement of education and sustainable development.

As the curtains closed on the 3rd ICEd and the 9th ICLE, the echoes of shared knowledge, diverse perspectives, and global cooperation resonated, leaving a lasting impact on the pursuit of education for sustainable development. The collaborative efforts showcased during the conference proves that education and language are powerful tools in building a world that values social responsibility and embraces global citizenship.

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Welcoming remarks from Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Fauzi Mohd Zain, Vice Chancellor of UCYP

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Day 1 – Sneak Peek of the 3rd International Conference on Education (ICEd) and the 9th International Conference on Language and Education (ICLE)

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Closing remarks by the honorable Pahang State Executive Council (EXCO) for Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Biotechnology, and Education, Dato’ Sri Ir. Haji Mohd Soffi bin Tan Sri Abd. Razak

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Memento Giving to Professor Dr. Amrin Saragih, the Co-Organizer of the 3rd International Conference on Education (ICEd) and the 9th International Conference on Language and Education (ICLE), and also the President of the Association of Language Teachers in Southeast Asia (ALTSA)

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Day 2 – Highlights of the 3rd International Conference on Education (ICEd) and the 9th International Conference on Language and Education (ICLE)