The APCA-ANPOR-UBD Conference 2025 concluded today at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), following two days of vibrant academic exchange on the theme ‘Communication and Languages in Asia Pacific Regions: Connection, Collaboration and Sustainability.’
Organised by the UBD Language Centre in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Communication Alliance (APCA) and the Asian Network for Public Opinion Research (ANPOR), the event brought together leading scholars and educators from across the Asia Pacific region to examine urgent issues at the intersection of communication, technology and multilingualism.
The Opening Ceremony, held on 27th May at the Pro-Chancellor Arts Centre, was officiated by UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle who noted in his remarks:
“This year’s theme could not be more timely. In a world transformed by Artificial Intelligence, shaped by digital disruption and challenged by rising misinformation, our ability to communicate with purpose, ethics and inclusivity has never been more vital.”
Also in attendance were Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Xiao Jianguo, President of APCA Professor Changfeng Chen, President of ANPOR Professor Jantima Kheokao, UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors and participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
The conference featured five keynote speakers from world-leading institutions, addressing topics such as generative AI, digital ethics, multilingualism, language policy and sustainability. Professor Jack Qiu of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, opened with a critical reflection on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping reading, listening and writing, calling for renewed focus on human agency in education. Other keynote addresses explored online scams, attention scarcity and cognitive challenges of information overload.
On the second day, attention turned to Southeast Asian perspectives on translanguaging and sustainable communication policy. The event closed on 28th May with a ceremony held at the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA), officiated by UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Education) Associate Professor Pengiran Dr Mohamad Iskandar Pengiran Haji Petra.
The conference marks a key milestone for the UBD Language Centre, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for intercultural dialogue and sustainable communication.