GEORGETOWN, PENANG, 6 September 2025 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SoLLaT) recently held its international language meet here in Penang.

Held at the E&O Hotel from 3-4 September 2025, the 10th International Language Learning Conference (ILLC), with a total number of presenters and participants close to 150 and coming from 15 countries, it was also the first time it was held in a ‘hybrid’ edition, combining both online and in-person sessions.

The theme of the conference ‘Celebrating Diversity through Language: Building Inclusivity for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ seemed apt as language is an essential aspect of human communication.

In a myriad of cultures and languages around the world, coming together would require a great deal of understanding, in order to build relationships and to work side by side to achieve numerous and diverse goals.

In a message in the ILLC Programme Book from USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed stated that, “Our goal (at USM) is not only to provide excellent education and research, but also to encourage values like openness, respect and shared responsibility.”

“We believe every language tells a story, every dialect opens a door, and every conversation brings us closer to a more inclusive world.”

Meanwhile, in her welcoming speech, Project Director, Ummu Salmah Rahamatullah said that “language serves as a bridge, not a barrier.”

“It fosters collaboration across borders and backgrounds. When we bring together different languages, cultures and perspectives, we unlock new possibilities for learning, teaching and global citizenship,” she added.

Following that, the Dean of SoLLaT, Professor Dr. Hazri Jamil in his opening speech said, the theme chosen was meant to reflect the pressing challenges currently.

“It embodies our commitment to ensuring that language remains a powerful force that fosters inclusivity, sustainability, innovation and unity across communities,” he said.

Others present were the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr. Machida Shinya; Honorary Consul of France, Mr. Teoh Seng Aun; Honorary Consul of Chile, Datin Joelyn Teoh Lay Fung; Honorary Consul of Denmark and Norway, Dato’ Lio Chee Yeong; Director of The Alliance Française of Penang, Mr. Michel Gonçalves; President of the Malaysian German Society of Penang, Ms. Carolinda Asfhandy-Bieck; and Director of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Wilayah Utara, Mr. Sharrul Rizal Hashim.

Throughout the two-day meet, three distinguished speakers, experts in their respective fields, presented a keynote address and plenary sessions regarding aspects of language and diversity, inclusivity and culture.

Topic presented included issues on language learning and teaching, not only relating to the English language, but also on other languages such as Malay, Arabic, Chinese, Tamil, Thai, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Filipino/Tagalog.

The programme was also supported by institutional partners and sponsors, which included Clarivate (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM), and Penang Port Commission among others.

Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: SoLLaT, USM