To promote research in the field of teaching and learning Chinese as a second language and to facilitate the application of research findings, Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) held its 4th International Conference on the Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Second Language (TLCSL2015) at the Convention Centre of Ngee Ann Polytechnic from 9th to 10th September 2015. The conference was an ideal platform for both local and overseas researchers, scholars and educators to share their research findings and teaching experiences.

This year, the International Conference was graced by Ms. Ho Peng, Advisor of Ministry of Education and Chairperson of SCCL Board of Directors. As the Guest-of-Honor, Ms. Ho was invited to preside over the Opening Ceremony and launch the "Chinese Language Teaching Resources Platform" and the Interactive Graded Picture Book Series entitled Rainbow Bridge, which were the latest resources developed by SCCL. As part of the SG50 celebrations, young academic representatives from various academic institutions paid tribute to eight pioneer-generation academics, who have contributed significantly to Chinese language education in Singapore.

Ms. Ho Peng giving the opening address

Invited guests visiting the research exhibition

Young academic representatives presenting flowers to the pioneer-generation academics

 

During the two-day conference, nine renowned scholars from Singapore and overseas, namely, Dr. Andreas Guder, Prof. Shih-Chang Hsin, Dr. Yuan Boping, Dr. Soh Kay Cheng, Prof. Virginia Yip, Assoc Prof. Huizhong Shen, Assoc Prof. Lin Pei-Jung and Assoc Prof. Chen Der-Thanq, were invited to deliver speeches on Chinese language and education. Their sharing of research findings received tremendous responses from the audience.

Besides the speeches by invited speakers, the conference comprised three concurrent symposiums, namely Pre-school, Academic and Teaching Practice, to cater for the varied needs of conference attendees. A highlight of this conference was six university concurrent sessions and five action research sessions, which was the  ultimate manifestation of the conference theme of "The Teaching of Chinese Language in a Multilingual Environment: Innovative Practice, Transformative Learning".

 

Keynote speaker Dr. Andreas Guder

Keynote speaker Prof. Hsin Shih-Chang

 

TLCSL2015 was co-organized by Ngee Ann Polytechnic, National Institute of Education, SIM University and Lianhe Zaobao, and supported by Singapore Chinese Teachers' Union and Singapore Middle School Chinese Teachers' Association. It also received strong support from Ministry of Education, Academy of Singapore Teachers and Early Childhood Development Agency. The successful conference attracted nearly 1000 participants from 17 countries, and 209 papers were presented by international academics and forefront teachers of Chinese language.

 

 

Keynote speaker Dr.Yuan Boping

Keynote speaker Prof. Virginia Yip

Dr. Chin Chee Kuen, Executive Director, presenting souvenir to keynote speaker Dr. Soh Kay Cheng

Panel Discussion 

Group photo of invited guests and speakers