Conference Speakers

Conference Speakers
Conference Past Speakers

Presentation Title

Tertiary Learning: What Drives Innovation?

Jo-Ann Netto-Shek is a teacher educator and works in the area of language learning and literacy education in school contexts. She is part of the English Language & Literature Academic Group at the National Institute of Education, Singapore and is the programme leader for the Diploma in Education programme and the English Language Curriculum Studies courses in the BA (Ed) (Primary) programme. Jo-Ann is also the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010 and the NIE Service award in 2013. This year, Jo-Ann won the ASEAN Collaboration Grant from Cambodia TESOL researching into how speaking is being taught in schools in order to prepare pupils as 21st century speakers. She is also the recipient of a Fulbright Research Grant that focuses on developing student teachers as effective teachers of writing by developing them as writers. Her research focus includes the use of technology to improve language teacher education outcomes which she developed through two NTU Edex grants.

Dr. Mohammad Ali Zinnah is a senior professor at the Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has published many research papers and conducted educational studies funded by the GO, NGOs, INGOs and international agencies. He is a member of the National Curriculum Coordination committee (NCCC) for primary and secondary level education. Recently he has been approved as a UNESCO CHAIR in the University of Dhaka.

Ricky Lam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Psychology at Hong Kong Baptist University. He is Associate Editor of Frontiers in Education and has served on several international editorial boards. His research interests include e-portfolios, language assessment literacy, and assessment for learning. His publications have appeared in numerous SSCI- and SCOPUS-indexed journals, such as Language Assessment Quarterly, System, Assessing Writing, RELC Journal, etc. Ricky is also the sole author of Integrating E-portfolios into L2 Classrooms: Education for Future (Multilingual Matters, 2024). (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2903-0425)

MD ABDUS SALAM, Professor, Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka- 1000, Bangladesh.

Dr Adam Wong is a Senior Lecturer at the College of Professional & Continuing Education, which is an affiliate of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He had over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry before joining PolyU SPEED in 2002. He had worked for international companies such as Acer, Philips, Hewlett-Packard and PCCW. He obtained his Doctor in Business Administration and MSc in Strategic Planning from Heriot-Watt University, MSc in Information Engineering from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and BSc from The University of Hong Kong. He has 20 years of teaching experience in various areas covering business strategy, human resource management, research workshops, computer programming, computer security and e-commerce. Dr Wong has presented research papers in academic journals and international conferences. He has successfully executed several government-funded projects focused on research and education enhancement. His research interests are the applications of AI and machine learning.

Dr Chammy Lau has been a faculty member at the College of Professional and Continung Education of Hong Kong Polytechnic University over 18 years. She holds a BA (Honours) in Tourism Management and an MSc in Information Systems from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as a Ph.D. in Social Science from The University of Hong Kong. With a strong commitment to interdisciplinary education, Dr Lau integrates insights from tourism studies, geography, and information systems to foster innovative teaching and research approaches. Her expertise in ICT applications enhances her ability to explore digital transformations in tourism, hospitality, and education. She has contributed extensively to scholarly research and consultancy, with publications in internationally refereed journals and presentations at leading conferences. Her current research examines VR/AR, place identity, sense of place, island tourism and corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the role of technology in sustainable tourism development and community engagement. Dr Lau continues to advance interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge academia and industry through research-driven solutions.

Dr. Pamela Ho holds a Doctor of Philosophy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Business and Hospitality Management at PolyU CPCE. Dr. Ho’s research interests include sustainable tourism, cultural heritage management, and experiential learning in tourism education. She has published multiple articles in reputable journals, contributing significantly to the field.

Dr. Ho has received various accolades, including the Community Impact Award in 2017 and the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship in 2000. She actively engages in professional development, organizing talks and seminars, and serves as a consultant for the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. Her dedication to enhancing tourism and hospitality education is evident through her leadership in various academic programs and initiatives.

Dr Chan has devoted herself to education for more than twenty years. She is currently serving as a Programme Leader of Associate of Science. She is also a senior lecturer of the Division of Science, Engineering and Health Studies, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who are experienced in teaching biology, food hygiene and nutritional health. Her research papers had published in various reputable journals such as Public Health, British Journal of Nutrition and as an author for a book chapter in Springer Nature Singapore.

Dr Lee graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a BA in Translation. She went on to obtain an MSc in Comparative and General Literature from the University of Edinburgh, an MA in Japanese Studies for the Professions from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and an EdD from the University of Bristol. Her doctoral dissertation investigated the perceptions of teachers and students regarding academic integrity in the English for Academic Purposes context. With qualifications in TESOL, online teaching, and teacher training, she is deeply interested in not only designing student-centred tasks and activities in both F2F and online settings, but also exploring diverse strategies of observing teacher trainees and reflecting on her own teaching practices. Outside the classroom, she enjoys studying and brewing a wide variety of Chinese tea through which she continues to discover the connection between tea-brewing and teaching.

Alex has a proven track record in conducting research in behavioral and experimental finance. He currently serves as an editorial board member for the International Journal of Bank Marketing (SSCI, IF = 6.3). His research has been published in top international journals such as Technology in Society, British Journal of Educational Technology, and Social Science & Medicine. His work benefits both financial customers, by improving their decision making, and financial service providers, by optimizing their marketing strategies.

Dr Kay Kok Chung-Oi is a distinguished interdisciplinary artist and educator with a doctorate from Durham University. She teaches at Art:Dis, Singapore, and designs specialised arts curricula for diverse learners. An internationally exhibited artist and published scholar, she was the grand winner and commissioned artist by the Land Transport Authority for the platform-level public artwork at MacPherson MRT Station in Singapore. She holds degrees from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and RMIT University.

Dr. William Ko-Wai Tang is currently the Acting Head of Education and an Assistant Professor at the School of Education and Languages, Hong Kong Metropolitan University. He earned his doctoral and master’s degrees in Information Technology in Education from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He serves as the program leader for the Doctor of Education and Master of Education in Educational Technology and Innovation programs. With over fifteen years of experience in teacher education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, he received the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018 and the President’s Award for Excellence in Inspirational Teaching for 2022/23. His research interests focus on information literacy and the use of information technology in education.

Dr. Colin A. Ferreira (DBA, MBA, B.Sc.) is currently a Distinguished Mathematics Teacher and adjunct college Mathematics professor in Texas, and a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana in the Faculty of Education and Humanities. His areas of research include innovative pedagogies, Mathematics education, and removing barriers to accessing quality educational programmes for underrepresented student populations on a global level. He has received the second and third highest teaching excellence designations in the State of Texas.

Gao Zihan,is currently a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, specializing in Sports Management. Her primary research interests focus on sport psychology and psychological resilience among university students. Her current study explores coping mechanisms and mental endurance in competitive tennis players under high-pressure environments. She has participated in several systematic reviews and empirical studies, with a commitment to examining the effectiveness of psychological interventions in optimizing athletic performance.

Dr. Mohammad Imam Hasan Reza is the Rector of Presidency Education and Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, Chittagong, Bangladesh. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Management from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. degrees in Botany from the University of Chittagong. A former Senior Fellow at LESTARI, UKM and Visiting Scholar at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT (2017–2018), Dr. Reza has over 27 years of experience in academia, research, and leadership. His research focuses on Environmental Management, Conservation, and Sustainability, using GIS, Remote Sensing, and Landscape Ecology. He has led international projects funded by USAID, Rockefeller Foundation, and others. Dr. Reza has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and serves on editorial boards of several international journals. As an institutional leader and educator, he continues to promote excellence in education and sustainability-focused research at national and international levels.

Dr. Benny Chan is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at the College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has over 30 years of experience in the education sector. Prior to his career in education, he spent more than a decade in the hotel industry. His research interests include student learning approaches, teaching methodologies, tourism development, travel motivation and hotel management.

Dr Anne Drabble is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Her work in early childhood focuses on socially constructed interactions, dialogic conversations, and early language development. Her current research extends to adult mentor–mentee relationships within socio-cultural frameworks, exploring the dynamic, relational nature of learning and development in the Zone of Proximal Development.

Mengyuan Zeng is a PhD candidate at the University of Malaya and a lecturer at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on the integration of AIGC technologies with traditional cultural practices, exploring innovative strategies to advance creative arts education and heritage studies in the context of the contemporary era. She places particular emphasis on engaging Generation Z, fostering cultural identity and participation among young people, and promoting the sustainable transmission and innovative expression of traditional culture in modern society.

Head of Quality Assurance Department, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
Dr. Galib Sharifov is an Associate Professor and Head of the Quality Assurance Department at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. With over 20 years of experience in physics education, he specializes in teaching methodology, assessment, and curriculum development. He earned his PhD in Physics in 2010 and is currently completing his Doctor of Sciences dissertation focused on modern approaches to teaching physics in lyceums.
Dr. Sharifov has published 91 academic works and co-authored the national 11th-grade physics textbook. He has participated in more than 25 international conferences and contributed to Erasmus+ projects such as EQAC, EQAR, and IQAinAR.
He is a member of several editorial boards and has delivered guest lectures in Denmark and training sessions across Europe. In 2021, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan for his contributions to educational quality.

Dr. Fairus Fariza Zainudin, Senior Lecturer at UPSI (Google Scholar H index is 6; Scopus H Index 3) with more than 100 citations, is a distinguished sports rehabilitation scholar pioneering ACL injury rehabilitation research . With a PhD in Physiotherapy (ACL-R Movement Patterning, UKM) and extensive clinical expertise, she has authored more than 43 publications while mentoring over 60 students. As Principal Investigator of funded research projects with RM55,802.00 funded project, with consultation projects worth more than RM30,000, Dr. Fairus transforms the teaching and learning musculoskeletal rehabilitation through innovative pedagogical approach (Rehab Canvas Model), sports concussion education modules (STAR Framework), and evidence-based prehabilitation protocols. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges academic rigor with practical applications, advancing preventive healthcare paradigms in sports rehabilitation and community.

Shirley holds an MPhil in Applied English Linguistics and a PGDE from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is currently a Lecturer in the English Language Teaching Unit, where she teaches undergraduate EAP/ESP courses and oversees the Professional Communications for Social Workers I course, collaborating with content faculty to prepare students for their field placements. She has previously taught at the University of Hong Kong and has extensive experience with ESL students across primary and secondary levels. Her principal areas of interest include professional communication, non-verbal communication, classroom interaction, and discourse analysis.

Daphne Goh, from CHIJ Kellock in Singapore, is a senior teacher with over 20 years of dedicated service in the Ministry of Education. She specializes in lower primary education and is deeply passionate about nurturing young minds. Her focus is on creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for learning. With a strong commitment to making a lasting impact on her students, Daphne continues to grow alongside them, finding purpose and joy in every step of their educational journey.

Yongle Liang is a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington. He specializes in PE curriculum studies. Prior to his doctoral studies, he taught PE for three years at a Chinese vocational college. He has published two journal articles in Chinese and currently has a Q1 journal article under final editorial consideration.

Ms. Angel Fan Yim Hung has over 17 years of teaching experience in education. Over the years, she has taught language education and linguistics courses, and supervised teaching practicums. Currently, at Lingnan University, Angel teaches EAP courses including pronunciation. As a Fellow of Advance HE (2023), she is pursuing a doctorate focusing on curriculum internationalization, and received a Teaching Excellence Award in 2024. She is also a reviewer of the International Journal of English Teaching and Learning.

Tracy Chang is a Senior Research Assistant at Hong Kong Baptist University, working in the Department of Education and Psychology and the Centre of Holistic Learning and Teaching. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Hong Kong Baptist University. Her research interests focus on alternative assessment implementation, technology integration in education, and teacher professional development in innovative pedagogies. Tracy is passionate about enhancing educational practices through research-driven strategies.

Edward C. Paglinawan is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND) and currently serves as the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Coordinator at National University – Manila. He previously worked as a Research and Training Assistant at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, University of the Philippines Los Baños, where he contributed to nutrition program management in areas with high malnutrition rates. Edward also spent seven years with Plan International, supporting key programs in livelihood, education, protection, participation, and disaster risk reduction. He later joined the National Nutrition Council–CaLaBaRZon Region, an agency under the Department of Health, as a Nutrition Officer and Information Management Officer. There, he provided technical assistance to local governments and helped monitor local nutrition plans. His work reflects a strong commitment to community health and development. He was honored with the “Gawad Bolunterismo” award by National University for his involvement in Ready2ACT First Aid in Emergencies.

Sayed Mohammed Nurul Kabir is a seasoned educator and curriculum innovator with over two decades of experience in Cambridge international education. Holding a Master’s in Physics, he currently leads academic development at Presidency International School. Passionate about improving teaching quality, he has championed formative assessment and teacher mentoring through a school-wide Teacher Learning Community (TLC) model introduced in 2015. His training under Dr. Dylan Wiliam and participation in global workshops across the USA, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have shaped his expertise in effective questioning, feedback, and inclusive teaching. Mr. Kabir is widely respected for his engaging, curiosity-driven classroom style and his role in mentoring over 300 teachers. He continues to inspire educators through in-house and external training programs, making a lasting impact on learning culture in Bangladesh.

Jennifer Sio Leng LEONG is a Lecturer in the Division of Business and Hospitality Management (BHMH) at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). She holds a Master of Business Administration from Victoria University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is a qualified Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Administration at Oklahoma State University. Jennifer has also taken master-level courses at PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Since joining PolyU in 1996, she has received multiple Long Service Awards and held various leadership roles within CPCE. Her academic interests include education, management, and organisational studies.

She is a passionate lower primary teacher at CHIJ Kellock, dedicated to nurturing young minds during their most formative years. With a master’s degree in International Relations and a professional teaching certification, she brings both a global perspective and a strong pedagogical foundation to her classroom. She believes in igniting the joy of learning in every child by creating a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where students feel valued and inspired to explore. Her teaching approach emphasizes curiosity, empathy, and creativity, encouraging students to grow both academically and personally. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading and traveling, pursuits that enrich her personal life and allow her to bring diverse stories, cultures, and perspectives into her teaching practice.

Ms Brigitte Lenong is a lecturer in the Department of Educational and Professional Studies at the Central University of Technology, Free State in South Africa. She has been involved in several national initiatives directed at the assurance of quality and the improvement of teaching and learning in higher education. She has also been involved in worldwide collaboration initiatives and has actively collaborated with scholars in a variety of other languages and teacher education areas. Her research interests include reading development, collaborative teaching, and teacher education.

Charis Nathania Rianto is a graduate student in the Department of Foreign Languages at Tunghai University, Taiwan. With an interest in language learning methodologies, her current research focuses on comparing three different methods of language learning — offl ine classrooms, online classrooms, and mobile app learning, especially in the areas of learners’ perceived improvement and learning experience. Through this research, she aims to offer some insights into the development of more inclusive language learning practices.

Wendy Lim, from CHIJ Kellock in Singapore, is currently serving as a Year Head, overseeing students at the Primary 3 and 4 levels. With over 20 years of experience as a primary school English Language teacher, she is passionate about nurturing empathetic communicators and confident learners through engaging and meaningful language experiences. She strives to create opportunities within the classroom for students to listen actively, express themselves thoughtfully, and connect meaningfully with others.

Andrew James B. Adviento is a dedicated educator with a strong background in science and education management. He holds a Bachelor of Education major in Biological Science and a Master of Science in Education major in Educational Management. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Education to further enhance his expertise.
With a passion for shaping young minds, Mr. Adviento serves as an IBDP Executive
Biology Teacher at Life Academy International and an Assistant Professor at Jose Rizal University. His commitment to academic excellence and student success continues to drive his contributions to both secondary and higher education.

Jiang Yiling is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), with over eight years of teaching experience in vocational education. Her research focuses on AI-enhanced Project-Based Learning in second language education, with a particular emphasis on developing soft skills for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) learners. She employs a range of research methodologies, including bibliometric analysis, systematic review, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Her academic interests lie in educational technology, language learning, and skills development in vocational contexts.

Anurag Pathak is an accomplished international educator and strategic consultant, bringing two decades of transnational experience across the USA, India, East Africa, and the Middle East. Holding an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Administration, Anurag passionately designs learning environments where pedagogical rigour meets technological innovation. He actively shapes initiatives in STEAM integration, inclusive curriculum design, and AI-driven educational strategies for global frameworks like Cambridge and IB. His work includes architecting adaptive curricula that embed UNESCO’s AI ethics and co-developing ‘AI for SDGs’ implementation guidelines for K-12 systems. Beyond the classroom, Anurag advises institutions on educational innovation, policy, and workforce development, with expertise in organisational transformation and talent acquisition. His contributions extend to global education reforms, cross-border curriculum strategies, and AI-powered learning ecosystems that ensure sustainable, equitable access to quality education.

G. Fernando Canedo V. holds a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences from the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), graduating with Academic Excellence honors. He specializes in Higher Education Teaching and has extensive experience in teacher training and curriculum design. He also completed postgraduate studies in Diplomacy and International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Bolivian State.
He has served as Manager and National Pedagogical Advisor for prominent educational publishers such as La Hoguera and Santillana, and was President of the Bolivian Book Chamber. In addition, he is an accomplished writer of young adult literature.
With over 20 years of experience teaching in the Educational Sciences program at UMSS, he has also pursued postgraduate studies at several private universities. He has received multiple awards in recognition of his contributions to education and has held leadership roles in various institutions.
Currently, he is the General Director of San Agustín School in Cochabamba. He is widely recognized for his development of innovative educational methodologies and his commitment to pedagogical innovation in formal education.

Ha Quang Minh is a second‐year student at the Faculty of Mathematical Economics, College of Technology, National Economics University in Vietnam. He has distinguished himself academically by earning a Silver Medal at the Vietnamese Olympiad in Informatics and another Silver at the 2024 ICPC Regional in Hanoi, alongside numerous awards in both national and international competitions. Passionate about event organization, he has co‐hosted more than fifty contests and activities tailored to students following the Vietnamese curriculum. His scholarly pursuits center on educational technology and policy, as well as the deployment of advanced econometric techniques in empirical research. Quang Minh remains actively engaged in his studies and research at NEU, with the goal of making meaningful contributions to both theory and practical innovation in his fields of interest.

PhD candidate at the University of Turin, Doctoral School in Psychological, Anthropological and educational Sciences, University of Turin, Department of Philosophy and Educational Sciences; researcher of the Interdepartmental Research Center for Digital Education (Cinedumedia), University of Turin, Department of Philosophy and Educational Sciences. Her research explores educational robotics and learning technologies, focusing on the cross-curricular application of coding and computational thinking in primary education. She is particularly interested in integrating digital tools into humanities teaching through hands-on and inclusive methodologies.

She graduated from English Language and Literature in Bilkent University, Ankara. She worked for primary school students as an English teacher. Driven by her interest in human sciences and the languages of different cultures, she built a strong academic foundation in linguistic and cultural fields during her undergraduate studies. Throughout her education, she improved her English reading, listening, and comprehension skills to an advanced level. Her experience in English language teaching and the voluntary project She conducted in Europe have provided me with pedagogical competence and intercultural communication skills.

Le Quoc Tran Anh is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of Mathematical Economics, College of Technology, National Economics University, Vietnam. With a distinguished academic record, Tran Anh has achieved numerous prestigious awards in the fields of informatics and mathematics. Notably, he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Vietnamese Olympiad of Informatics, a Silver Medal at the 2024 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Regional Hanoi, and multiple accolades in national and international competitions. In 2021, he earned a Gold Medal at the International Invention and Innovation Show held in Poland, affirming his dedication to research and innovation. Tran Anh’s academic and research interests primarily focus on educational technologies, educational policies, and the application of advanced econometric methods to empirical analyses. He currently continues his studies and research activities at the National Economics University, aiming to contribute significantly to both academic knowledge and practical innovation in his fields of expertise.

Presentation Title

Empowering Education: Leadership in the Age of Digital Disruption

Dr. Richa Arora stands as a transformative luminary in the realm of higher education, wielding a rich portfolio of experiences that propel institutions toward innovation, excellence, and global influence. As both the Chief Operating Officer and Head of the Institution at the University of Stirling and SQA-RAK Campus, Dr Arora’s oversight encompasses strategic direction, financial sustainability, and the evolution of the academic landscape.
Dr. Arora’s voyage into transformative leadership surged forth during her tenure as the Group CEO and Director of Regenesys Business School, commencing in 2014. Guided by her visionary prowess, the institution witnessed a remarkable ascent, marked by significant revenue upswings, the digitization of academia, and a pronounced impact on research, all while expanding across the African and Asian continents. A crowning achievement was the orchestration of Digital Regenesys—an Online University—epitomizing the institution’s dedication to providing accessible, top-tier education in the era of digital advancement.

Presentation Title

Innovate to Educate: The Role of AI in Shaping Future Thinkers

With a distinguished career spanning several tertiary English courses, leadership, and teacher education training programs, Dr. Mouna Abou Assali is a known expert in English language education, teacher training, and educational technology. Her work has been published in esteemed journals, and her influence on education goes beyond conventional classrooms to impact the field of education and advance knowledge.

Presentation Title

Bridging the Gap of Diversity, and Inclusion in the 21st-Century Classroom

Hélène H. Leone earned her PhD in Education from the University of Ottawa, and her MA in the School of Communications at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Leone’s work focuses on global education, school governance, leadership and administration, and professional development, and teacher training in European, and African regions. Dr. Leone has worked as field researcher for the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Fédération culturelle-canadienne française, and Heritage Canada. Dr. Leone is a sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, lead researcher of the global governance project, Bridging the Gap of Diversity, and Inclusion in the 21st Century Classroom, in village schools in Burkina Faso, and Morocco. Dr. Leone is the founder of the British Columbia Ministry of Education’s k-12 offshore school, the Canadian Bilingual School of Paris.