Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Yong Zhao, Ph.D.
Foundation Distinguished Professor
School of Education and Human Sciences
University of Kansas, USA
Professor in Educational Leadership
Faculty of Education
University of Melbourne, Australia
Keynote Speech Title:
Mass Personalization: Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Melbourne, Australia. With a distinguished career spanning several prestigious institutions, he has profoundly influenced the field of education through his research and leadership. Previously, he served as the Presidential Chair, Associate Dean, and Director of the Institute for Global and Online Education at the University of Oregon, where he was also a professor in the Department of Educational Measurement, Policy, and Leadership. At Michigan State University, he was a University Distinguished Professor, founding director of the Center for Teaching and Technology, and Executive Director of both the Confucius Institute and the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence. Dr. Zhao is an elected member of the National Academy of Education and a fellow of the International Academy of Education. Dr. Zhao has received numerous accolades, including the Early Career Award from the American Educational Research Association, the Outstanding Public Educator Award from the Horace Mann League, and the ACEL Nganakarrawa Award. He has also been recognized by AECT for his contributions to digital learning. His research focuses on the implications of globalization and technology in education. He has published over 100 articles and nearly 40 books, including notable works such as Duck and Cover: Confronting and Correcting Dubious Practices in Education (2023), Improbable Probabilities: The Unlikely Journey of Yong Zhao (2023), Learning for Uncertainty: Teaching Students in a Rapidly Evolving World (2022), Learners without Borders (2021), Teaching Students to Become Self-Determined Learners (2021), An Education Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste (2019), What Works May Hurt: Side Effects in Education (2018), Reach for Greatness: Personalizable Education for All Children (2018), Counting What Counts: Reframing Education Outcomes (2016), Never Send a Human to Do a Machine’s Job (2015), Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon (2014), Catching Up or Leading the Way (2009), and World Class Learners (2012).
Prof. (Dr.) Fei Victor Lim
Deputy Head (Research)
English Language and Literature
National Institute of Education
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore
Keynote Speech Title:
Learning in the Age of Generative AI
Dr Fei Victor LIM is a literacy researcher and an educator. His expertise is in multimodality in education, with a focus on multimodal literacy, multimodal discourse analysis, and digital learning. He is interested in how and what we should teach learners in today’s digital and multimodal age. He is guided by his conviction that literacy education must be future-oriented and should progress with the evolving contemporary communication landscape. Victor is passionate about education and its value in improving both personal and societal well-being. His research has a strong practice orientation that shapes his teaching and service.<br>
Victor is Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator of several large research grants. He has been invited to present his work around the world. Victor has published in top-tier journals on multimodality in education and is author of the book Designing Learning with Embodied Teaching:
Perspectives from Multimodality, and lead author of the book, Designing Learning for Multimodal
Literacy: Teaching Viewing and Representing, both published in the Routledge Studies in
Multimodality. Victor was recognized as amongst the top 2% scientists worldwide in the sub-fields of education, languages & linguistics, and communication & textual studies, by Stanford University in 2023.
Victor teaches pre-service and postgraduate courses on multimodality in education. He also supervises PhD, Masters, and undergraduate students’ research projects based on his research expertise. He has received several teaching awards including the Nanyang Education Award (School) in 2023.
Victor is an editor for Multimodality and Society and serves as an associate editor for Computers and Composition, and Designs for Learning. He is on the editorial board for Frontiers in Communication, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, Journal of Studies in the English Language, Insights into Language, Culture and Communication, and Visual Communication. He serves as the Awards Chair (2023-present) for the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Semiotics in Education Special Interest Group (SIG). He also leads the Multimodality Special Interest Group at NIE to build up a community of faculty and students who share an interest in multimodality in education.
Victor started his career as a General Paper teacher in a junior college before his posting in 2011 to the Singapore Ministry of Education where he was Deputy Director, Technologies for Learning, and Lead Specialist (now Master Specialist), Educational Technology till joining NIE in May 2018. He has experience in translational research, policy formulation, and programme development, with a focus on how educational technology can improve teaching and learning. He contributed to the conceptualisation of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Education Masterplan to nurture future-ready and responsible digital learners, the development of strategies and initiatives for MOE’s translational research, innovations, and scaling efforts, as well as the strengthening of cyber wellness education in Singapore. He has previously served on the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competences (PIAAC) Expert Advisory Group, SkillsFuture Singapore (2018-2021) and as a consultant with the World Bank on digital skills (2019-2022).
Dr. Farhad Mehdipour
Director of Research and Head of Department
Otago Polytechnic – Auckland International Campus, Auckland
New Zealand
Keynote Speech Title:
Future-Proofing Education: Integrating Innovation and Flexibility into Tertiary Curricula
Dr. Farhad Mehdipour is a visionary educator and research leader with over 25 years of experience in information technology, specialising in the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cybersecurity into education. His work is driven by a passion for creating innovative, adaptable, and future-focused learning environments that empower students to become not only skilled professionals but also creative problem-solvers and lifelong learners.
As the Director of Research and Head of the Information Technology Department at Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus, New Zealand, Dr. Mehdipour plays a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s research strategy and educational programmes. He is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Research and Ethics Committee, and the Academic Committee, where he leads initiatives to align curricula with industry needs and to integrate interdisciplinary collaboration into the learning experience.
Dr. Mehdipour’s academic career is distinguished by his contributions to both teaching and research. His post-doctorate work at Kyushu University, where he co-designed the architecture for a high-performance computing system, exemplifies his commitment to advancing technology. From 2010 to 2016, he served as an Associate Professor at the E-JUST Centre of Kyushu University, mentoring numerous master’s and PhD students.
Since moving to New Zealand, Dr. Mehdipour has continued to innovate in education, focusing on the application of various technologies in learning contexts. He has developed successful undergraduate, postgraduate, and micro-credential programmes that prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and founded the International Smart Sustainable Development Conference and Project Showcase in 2012. Dr. Mehdipour is also a Senior Member of IEEE, reflecting his ongoing contributions to the global academic and professional communities.
Assoc. Prof. Gøril Ursin, PhD
Dean
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
Nord University
Norway
Plenary Speakers
Assoc. Prof. Beata Joanna Godejord
Nord University Business School
Norway
Plenary Speech Title :
“Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking: How Can We Achieve Alignment?”
Dr. Beata Godejord holds the position of the Associate Professor at Nord University Business School, Norway. Her educational background combines Teacher Education, Pedagogy of Culture, Media Pedagogy, English Philology and Strategic Issues in Management in an Integrated European Context.
She teaches courses in Media Theory and Communication, Informational and Educational Aspects of Social Media, Digital Game-Based Learning, Digital Formation, and Digital Media and Instructional Design.
Her research interests are in questions of socio-cultural aspects of digital transformation and their pedagogical consequences as well as the use of active learning methods for developing reflective and critical thinking skills. Her research work focuses on knowledge practices and knowledge process in social settings, with particular focus on mechanisms supportive to knowledge sharing.
She worked with projects on digital learning financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research as well as the European Commission. She’s currently involved in the project work on student-active and peer learning financed by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills.
Areas of expertise: Digitally mediated communication and learning, 21st century skills, active and experiential learning, higher education, adult education.
Prof. Gørill Haugan
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
Nord University
Norway
Christopher A. Mamauag, J.D., BS Psych
Municipal Mayor
Local Government Unit of Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines
Christopher A. Mamauag is a seasoned public servant and accomplished lawyer with over two decades of experience in local governance, legal practice, and institutional leadership. He currently serves as the Municipal Mayor of Cabagan, Isabela, a position he has held since 2016, after previously serving from 2004 to 2013. He also served as Municipal Vice Mayor from 2013 to 2016.
Mayor Mamauag’s leadership has driven significant progress in Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines earning multiple Hall of Fame awards for excellence in governance and education. His strategic initiatives have strengthened economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public service delivery. He is widely recognized for championing child welfare, disaster resilience, and sustainable development. His administration has also secured the Seal of Good Local Governance, the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, and the Seal of Good Education Governance. He was also conferred the prestigious Galing Pook Award for outstanding public governance.
A strong advocate for literacy and education, Mayor Mamauag spearheaded the Teaching Opportunities Prioritizing Illiteracy (TOPI) Program, a groundbreaking local government initiative that has gained national and international recognition. He has presented at major conferences, including the 10th International Conference on Education in Sri Lanka, the ASEAN Literacy Conference, and the Joint Conference of the Asian Association for Public Administration (AAPA).
Mayor Mamauag holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Juris Doctor degree, passing the Philippine Bar Exam in 1994. He is a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Psychological Association of the Philippines, and the Lambda Rho Beta Law Fraternity. His unwavering commitment to sustainability and community engagement continues to make Cabagan a model for effective and transparent local governance.
Prof. Teresa M. McDevitt
Professor Emerita of Psychological Sciences,
University of Northern Colorado
USA
Plenary Speech Title:
“Teaching Future Teachers About Child Development; An Evidence-Based Approach”
TERESA M. MCDEVITT, Professor Emerita of Psychological Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, has specializations in child development and educational psychology. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in child development from Stanford University’s Psychological Studies in Education program, Ed.S. in educational evaluation from Stanford University, and B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, for which she spent a year studying at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. She served the University of Northern Colorado in a variety of capacities— in teaching courses in child psychology, human development, educational psychology, and research methods; advisement of students; administration and university governance; and research and grant writing. Her research is published in Child Development, Learning and Individual Differences, Child Study Journal, Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, Youth and Society, and Science Education, among others. Her book, Child development and education, with co-author Jeanne Ormrod and published by Pearson, is now in its eighth edition. In addition, she has extensive practical experience with children, including by raising two children with her husband and working as an early childhood teacher of toddlers and preschool children, early childhood special education teacher, and volunteer in school and community settings.
Workshop Speakers
Associate Professor Emad A. S. Abu-Ayyash
UAE
Emad A. S. Abu-Ayyash is an associate professor of education/TESOL at the British University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He achieved his Ph.D in Education/TESOL from the British University in Dubai, in 2016, his M.A. degree (Hons) in translation from Yarmouk University, Jordan in 2007 and his B.A. degree (Hons) in English literature and linguistics from Yarmouk University, Jordan in 1996. His research interests and publications include areas such as TESOL, discourse analysis, teaching and learning, translation, assessment, and online education. Throughout his career, he provided training for hundreds of teachers on teaching methods and curriculum design. He participated in several local and international conferences in education.
Maryann Lanuza
Assistant Professor III, Mathematics,
City College of Calamba
A dedicated educator and researcher, currently affiliated with the City College of Calamba in the Philippines. She specializes in Mathematics education, with a strong focus on innovative teaching methods such as gamification and outcomes-based education. Her work includes applying these techniques to improve student engagement and performance in mathematics courses. Maryann is also actively involved in research on the didactics of mathematics, studying how modern frameworks can enhance teaching in flexible learning environments.
Dr Muhammad Safdar Bhatti
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Safdar Bhatti is a seasoned ELT expert with 30 years IELTS, TOEFL, TEFL & PTE teaching and training experience marked by significant contributions to academia. He has helped thousands of students to overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. His passion for teaching and dedication to his students’ success drives him to continually improve his teaching methods and provide the best possible support. He is a Linguist by profession, Teacher Trainer, Researcher & International Keynote & Plenary Speaker by experience. His academic excellence was evident throughout his studies, establishing a foundation for his future endeavors in research and teaching. He has published 90 Research Papers in numerous international peer reviewed research journals reflecting his dedication to advancing the field of ELT, authored four books & has supervised extensively. He has conducted and attended scores of ELT workshops and seminars globally. Additionally, he has presented more than hundred keynote talks at various scientific conferences, sharing his findings with the global scientific community. His publications and presentations have made him a well-respected researcher, contributing valuable insights into ELT. He has a great travel history. He has been awarded Honorary Doctorate in ELT and Applied Linguistics by an American University due to his remarkable services in the field of ELT. He is a recipient of multiple national and international Awards & Gold Medals in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements. Currently he is teaching in The Islamia university of Bahawalpur-Pakistan.
Nurin Erdiani
Universiti Putra
Malaysia
Nurin Erdiani is an experienced English educator at Universiti Putra Malaysia, with over 10 years of teaching expertise, specializing in the multimodal learning approach. Her work focuses on integrating various modes of learning to enhance students’ language proficiency and engagement. Nurin’s innovative methods emphasize practical communication skills and a student-centered approach, making learning accessible and impactful for diverse student groups.
Prof. Monica Taylor
Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor is Director of the Teacher Education and Teacher Development Ph.D. program as well as the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies program and a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University. She writes about feminist pedagogy, self-study, LGBTQ+ inclusive practices, teaching for social justice, and teacher leadership. Her newest book is Our Bodies Tell the Story: Using Feminist Research and Friendship to Reimagine Education and Our Lives. Other edited and written books include: The 2nd International Handbook of Self-Study of Teaching and Teacher Education Practices; Playhouse: Optimistic Stories of Real Hope for Families with Little Children; A Year in the Life of a Third Space Urban Teacher Residency: Using Inquiry to Reinvent Teacher Education; Gender, Feminism, and Queer Theory in the Self-Study of Teacher Education Practices; and Whole Language Teaching, Whole Hearted Practice: Looking Back, Looking Ahead. She is the co-editor of The Educational Forum, and the co–principal investigator of the WIPRO Science Education Fellows grant that supports teacher leaders in eight New Jersey districts.
Dr. Marwa Eltanahy
Senior Fellow (SFHEA)
Teaching Practicum Coordinator in the Faculty of Education
Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai
UAE
Dr. Marwa Eltanahy is an assistant professor in the field of science education, recognized as a Senior Fellow (SFHEA) in Higher Education. She works as a Teaching Practicum Coordinator in the Faculty of Education, Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, UAE. She has extensive experience in the educational field with specific expertise in teaching, coordination, training, and accreditation. In addition to more than 9th years of experience in conducting research studies concerning science and STEM reform resulting in developing the first entrepreneurial-STEM (E-STEM) model to the international field. The implementation of this model won one of the best 10 research papers in the international conference on education in 2022 and all her series of E-STEM research was published in very high-ranked journals.
Guest Speakers
Dr. Rangsan Thepmondhri
Bureau of Policy and Planning Office of the Vocational
Education Commission
Ministry of Education
Thailand
Dr. Rangsan Thepmondhri is the Director of Public Sector Development, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Thailand. He has been working on TVET policy and planning of Thailand for more than 20 years since 2001. Form preparing TVET policy to the implementation in TVET colleges for TVET manpower provision and development is under his responsibility. Dr. Rangsan Thepmondhri earned his Doctoral Degree in Education from National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan. His research interests are on TVET quality assurance, PPP, TVET colleges management, including linkages between secondary education and tertiary education. Dr. Rangsan Thepmondhri has also been involved with different international organizations for the development of Thai TVET such as Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC), Southeast Asean Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), KRIVET, UNESCO-UNEVOC, and different universities and TVET colleges in Asia and the Europe. Apart from his work and responsibility, Dr. Rangsan Thepmondhri has also been appointed as the thesis supervisor, lecturer, and program specialists in quality assurance and curriculum development of the universities in Thailand.
Yothin Sommanonont
Director, Strategy and Planning Division
Department of Learning Encouragement
Ministry of Education
Thailand
Yothin Sommanonont is the Director of the Strategy and Planning Division at the Department of Learning Encouragement within Thailand’s Ministry of Education. With nearly a decade of teaching experiences in private school, technical college, and non-formal education center, Yothin has been a pivotal figure in Thailand’s educational development, especially in non-formal and vocational education. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Kasetsart University, a Master of Science in Vocational Education from Technical University of Dresden. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Chiang Mai Teacher College. Yothin’s career transitioned from the classroom to policy and strategic planning, where he made significant contributions to the Ministry of Education’s initiatives.
His leadership was further established during his tenure as Director of the Science Center for Education (Bangkok Planetarium), where he advanced public science education for over two years. One of his proudest moments was speaking at the Child and Youth Development Conference on “Opportunities and Equity beyond Frontiers” at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, where he received a medal awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Passionate about fostering global citizenship through education, Yothin advocates for equitable learning opportunities and is dedicated to developing programs that promote Lifelong Learning and innovation in underprivileged communities.
RELATED TOPICS
- Call for Papers (Theme, Tracks and Scope of the Conference)
- Abstract Submission Guidelines
- Registration Benefits
- Options for Publishing Abstracts and Full Papers
- Online Registration
- Conference Venue
- FAQ