English as a second language: Driving change through academic foundations and technology

As Vietnam implements major policies on educational reform, including the national initiative to position English as a second language in schools for the 2025–2035 period with a vision toward 2045, improving the quality of English language teaching and learning has become a key priority. English is increasingly regarded not only as a means of communication but also as a tool for accessing knowledge and supporting international integration.

Overview of the conference

On April 17 and 18, 2026, the School of Languages and Tourism at Hanoi University of Industry organized a scientific conference entitled “Teaching English as a Second Language.” The event brought together scholars, lecturers, and researchers from Vietnam and abroad to discuss key issues in English language teaching in the context of digital transformation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Nga, Head of the English Department, noted that the conference is part of a sustained academic initiative and serves to expand discussions on changes in language education, particularly as technologies such as artificial intelligence increasingly influence teaching and learning practices.

The conference featured thematic sessions focusing on the application of artificial intelligence in English language teaching, bilingual education, the development of multilingual communication competence, curriculum and assessment innovation, and integrated teaching approaches such as CLIL and EMI.

Prof. Rod Ellis of Curtin University, Australia, delivered a presentation at the conference

Prof. Dr. Siew Ming Thang, President of PacCALL, presents her research on learners’ reading behavior using eye tracking technology at the conference

Prof. Nguyen Hoa, President of VietTESOL Association, delivered remarks at the conference

Plenary sessions included presentations by national and international speakers on task based language teaching, the use of artificial intelligence platforms in language learning, eye tracking research on reading behavior, and the development of bilingual learning environments.

Discussions at the conference highlighted key trends in language education, including a shift toward competency based learning, the expansion of multilingual learning environments, and increased integration of technology in teaching.

As part of the program, Hanoi University of Industry welcomed Ms. Mary Beth Polley, Cultural and Information Counselor at the United States Embassy in Vietnam. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation in training and research, particularly in English medium instruction and curriculum development.

The conference contributed to identifying directions for curriculum innovation, the development of digital learning resources, the enhancement of research capacity, and the expansion of international collaboration, in line with the University’s strategy to improve education quality.