APCA-ANPOR-UBD Conference: Regional Experts Gather at UBD

(Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th) The 2025 Asia-Pacific Communication Alliance Conference and Asian Public Opinion Research Network (APCA-ANPOR-UBD) meeting concluded today at the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
The conference, themed "Communication and Language in the Asia-Pacific: Connection, Collaboration, and Sustainability," saw two days of vibrant academic exchange.
This event was jointly hosted by the UBD Language Centre, the Asia-Pacific Communication Alliance (APCA), and the Asian Public Opinion Research Network (ANPOR), bringing together top scholars and educators from the Asia-Pacific region to explore pressing issues in communication, technology, and the intersection of multilingualism.
The opening ceremony was held on May 27 at the Chancellor’s Art Centre, officiated by Dr. Hazri Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brunei Darussalam.
In his welcome speech, he stated: "This year's theme is timely. In a world transformed by AI, disrupted by digitalization, and challenged by the increasing spread of misinformation, our ability to communicate with purpose, ethics, and inclusivity is more important than ever."
Among the guests at the opening ceremony were Xiao Jianguo, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei, Professor Chen Changfeng, President of the Asia-Pacific Language Association, Professor Jantima Kheokao, President of the Asia-Pacific Language Research Association, as well as UBD's assistant vice-chancellor, deans of various faculties, department heads, and representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the USA.
The conference invited five keynote speakers from leading global institutions to discuss topics such as the emerging generation of artificial intelligence, digital ethics, multilingualism, language policy, and sustainability.

Professor Qiu Jianjun from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore critically reflected on how AI is reshaping reading, listening, and writing, calling for a renewed focus on human agency in education. Other keynotes explored cognitive challenges brought about by online scams, attention deficit, and information overload.
On the second day, the conference shifted focus to Southeast Asia's perspectives on cross-linguistic and sustainable communication policies. The closing ceremony took place on May 28 at the Institute of Leadership, Innovation and Development (ILIA), hosted by Associate Professor Pengiran Mohamad Iskandar, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Education at UBD.
This conference marked a significant milestone for the UBD Language Centre, cementing its role as a regional hub for intercultural dialogue and sustainable communication.