In the attempt to conduct the 15th Asia TEFL Conference in 2017, Prof. Hyo-Woong Lee, Ph.D, a lecturer of Korea Maritime and Ocean University and the President of Asia TEFL, has just visited Yogyakarta State University (YSU) on Friday (4/3). The visitation was to coordinate with Prof. Dr. Rochmat Wahab, M.Pd,M.A., ad YSU Rector, and Prof. Suwarsih Madya, Ph.D. as the Vice Rector IV. Attending the agenda were Prof. Fuad Abdul Hamied Ph.D as the Vice President of Asia TEFL, Prof. Dr. Joko Nurkamto as the President of TEFLIN, Prof. Didi Sukyadi, Ph.D, as member of TEFLIN, and several commitees from YSU.

In his speech, Prof.Lee suggested Indonesia is the 4th country in Asia that will hold the event for the second time. He also reminded the attendees of the success of Indonesia in hosting the similar conference in Bali in 2008. At that time, Prof. Suwarsih Madya,Ph.D chaired the event, becoming the person in charge. Now, she is again appointed the PiC for the same agenda in YSU.

“Profesor Suwarsih Madya is the chairperson of the 2008 conference in Bali. This is great. I am convinced the same agenda held in YSU would also be successful” says Prof Lee. Further, he revealed Asia TEFL(The Asian Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) is the second biggest English teachers association in the world after American TESOL. Thus, YSU deserves an honour for hosting such annual event.

YSU Rector welcomed the great opportunity for becoming the host institution. “With all the experience in conducting international conference, YSU is more than ready to hold Asia TEFL conference,” Rochmat Wahab ascertained. Moreover, he himself argued YSU is strongly committed to make Indonesia more advanced. “This is not merely involving YSU, but also Indonesia as the host country. Though maybe I will no longer in my current position, I’ll ensure every thing will be prepared under my leadership,” he added.

Prof. Lee was amazed of the total support given by YSU Rector in this event. He is sure the big support would make Asia TEFL conference run smoothly. (RN)