THE US Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, hosted the Asean English Leadership Forum in Makati City from June 3 to 7.
The five-day forum aimed to advance policies on English Medium Instruction (EMI) and to examine how American artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve K-12 and higher education systems in Southeast Asia. EMI refers to the use of English to teach academic subjects.
The forum was designed by the Regional English Language Offices at US Embassies in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok and Hanoi. It convened 34 academic and government officials responsible for curriculum and language policy in schools and higher education institutions across all 11 Asean member states.
Each delegation, under the guidance of Martha Bigelow, Professor of Second Language Education at the University of Minnesota, formulated an institutional strategic plan on advancing EMI. The plans are intended for presentation to each delegation’s home university, school system, or education ministry.
Jeff McIlvenna said at the forum that as Asean Chair, the Philippines is shaping regional cooperation.
“The Asean English Leadership Forum showed what the US-Philippines partnership produces when we work toward a shared goal. Every participant built their own plan, grounded in their own institution, and left with something they can act on. That is American engagement producing real results,” McIlvenna said.
Participants visited the Philippine Normal University and the University of Makati to observe how the two institutions prepare students for English-speaking professional environments, a challenge noted by education leaders across the region. By reviewing curriculum standards developed through US collaboration programs, they explored practical ways to integrate professional language into technical degree programs in Asean.
AI was a central theme. Microsoft Philippines led a session on how US technology is being used to measure and deliver educational outcomes in schools across Southeast Asia. Participants learned to apply AI tools from the US for teaching and learning, including Microsoft Teams configured as an AI-powered language tutor that provides customized feedback and real-time interaction.
McIlvenna conducted a workshop on integrating AI as a learning tool while ensuring assessments measure actual student ability. Delegates discussed oral defenses and project-based evaluation as methods that keep human learning central to academic programs.
A key output of the forum was the Institutional Leadership Playbook, a step-by-step strategy document for academic leaders. It provides a blueprint for updating degree programs, setting teaching standards for technical staff, and securing approval from senior leadership.
Vichheka Khuon, a participant from Cambodia, said that under their national curriculum framework, achieving a high level of English proficiency is their immediate, vital benchmark for educators.
“While EMI is not yet active in our teacher education institutions, the Institutional Leadership Playbook developed through this Forum allows us to look toward the future. It provides a realistic framework to lay the groundwork today, ensuring that as we chart a long-term horizon toward EMI, we are steadily cultivating the faculty capacity and institutional standards necessary for enduring success,” Vichheka said
The Regional English Language Office (Relo) in Manila advances US interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties. Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, Relo works with educators and institutions to enhance English instruction and expand opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.
Each of the 34 officials left the forum with a strategic plan tailored to their institution and a copy of the Institutional Leadership Playbook. The materials are intended for use by universities, school systems, and education ministries as they review and update programs in the months ahead.