US Forum Promotes English Education, AI in ASEAN

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office (RELO), hosted the ASEAN English Leadership Forum from June 3 to 7 in Makati City, bringing together education leaders from across Southeast Asia to discuss English Medium Instruction (EMI) policies and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

The forum gathered 34 academic and government officials responsible for curriculum development and language policy from all 11 ASEAN member states. Organized by the Regional English Language Offices of the U.S. Embassies in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hanoi, the initiative aimed to strengthen English-language education and explore emerging AI-driven teaching and learning strategies.

English Medium Instruction (EMI) refers to the use of English in teaching academic subjects such as science, mathematics, engineering, and business. During the five-day forum, participants worked with Dr. Martha Bigelow, Professor of Second Language Education at the University of Minnesota, to develop institutional strategic plans that can be implemented in their respective universities, school systems, and education ministries.

Delegates from ASEAN member states discuss the integration of artificial intelligence policy and English Medium Instruction (EMI) during the forum in Makati City. PHOTO FROM US EMBASSY IN MANILA)

According to U.S. Embassy officials, the forum highlighted the role of education in strengthening regional cooperation and preparing students for an increasingly globalized workforce.

Participants also visited the Philippine Normal University and the University of Makati to examine programs designed to prepare students for English-speaking professional environments. The visits provided opportunities to review curriculum standards developed through international collaboration and discuss approaches to integrating professional language competencies into technical and degree programs.

Artificial intelligence emerged as a key theme throughout the forum. Representatives from Microsoft Philippines presented AI-enabled educational tools and demonstrated how technology can support language learning, student engagement, and educational assessment. Discussions included the use of AI-powered platforms that provide customized feedback and real-time interaction for learners.

Workshops further explored how higher education institutions can incorporate AI while maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that assessments continue to measure authentic student performance. Participants examined approaches such as oral defenses, project-based learning, and other evaluation methods that place human learning and critical thinking at the center of education.

One of the forum’s major outcomes was the development of an Institutional Leadership Playbook, a practical guide intended to help educational leaders update degree programs, establish teaching standards, and secure institutional support for future EMI initiatives.

Dr. Vichheka Khuon of Cambodia, one of the forum participants, said the playbook provides a realistic framework for strengthening faculty development and institutional readiness as countries consider future implementation of English Medium Instruction.

The Regional English Language Office in Manila promotes English-language teaching and learning initiatives in the Philippines and across the region through educator training, curriculum development, and educational resource programs designed to strengthen international educational partnerships.