Keynote Speakers

Dr. Lo Yueh Yea

Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Biography: Dr. Lo Yueh Yea is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, specializing in academic writing, language and literacy education, intercultural communication, and technology-enhanced learning. Her work focuses on empowering multilingual learners through media and information literacy, translanguaging, and critical engagement with digital tools. As the author of academic books on academic writing for non-native speakers and English communication in multicultural contexts, Dr. Lo bridges research and practice to prepare learners and educators for ethical and impactful scholarship in the age of AI. She has led multiple collaborative projects on language education innovation, digital literacy, and is an active contributor to national and international conferences on language teaching, critical literacy, and educational transformation.

Topic: Media and Information Literacy for Academic Writing and Intercultural Communication in the Age of AI

Abstract: In an era shaped by rapid technological advancement and global academic collaboration, the ability to critically navigate, evaluate, and ethically use information has become more essential than ever, especially for non-native English speakers. This keynote explores how Media and Information Literacy (MIL) intersects with academic writing and intercultural communication, offering a transformative framework for researchers and educators alike. Drawing from research and practical experience in English for Academic Purposes, translanguaging, and intercultural communication, this session highlights strategies to support multilingual writers in making informed choices about sources, integrating AI tools responsibly, and expressing their scholarly voice with confidence. By viewing MIL not as an add-on, but as a core component of writing pedagogy and researcher development, we can empower learners and scholars to engage critically with diverse media, navigate cultural perspectives, and contribute ethically to global academic discourse. Through concrete examples and reflection, the keynote invites participants to rethink academic writing beyond linguistic accuracy to embrace it as an intercultural, digital, and critical practice fit for the age of AI.

Dr. Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya, Professor

Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

Biography: Dr. Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya is a Professor and Director of the Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia (PTPM) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang. He also serves as the President of the Malaysian Educational Technology Association (META). He holds a PhD in Multimedia Education from the University of Leeds and a Master of Education from the University of Manchester, UK. Before that, he pursued a bachelor’s degree at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. He has published more than 180 articles/papers in indexed journals such as Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), SCSI, SSCI, conference proceedings, and book chapters, primarily in the field of multimedia education. He has also presented over 18 speeches as a keynote and invited speaker, both nationally and internationally. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of Educational Communications and Technology, he received the Thailand AECT International Honor Award for the year 2023.

Topic: Formulation and Validation of a Digital Competency Assessment Instrument for Lecturers in Open and Distance Higher Education

Abstract: Open and Distance Learning (ODL) involves two fundamental characteristics: the delivery of instruction by lecturers who are not physically or temporally present with students, and a commitment to increased openness and flexibility in curriculum design, accessibility, and institutional structure. In Malaysia, there is currently no unified framework to assess the digital competence of higher education lecturers, especially those engaged in ODL. This study aims to design and validate a Digital Competence Standards (DCS) instrument tailored for lecturers who teach and manage ODL programs. The instrument includes 35 items adapted from four globally recognized frameworks: the Digital Competence Framework for Educators (DigCompEdu), ISTE Standards, IC3 Digital Literacy Certification, and the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM). Data were collected via an online survey administered to 35 selected participants. Analysis was conducted using Winstep version 3.69.1.11, evaluating item and person reliability as well as fit statistics such as infit, outfit, and point measure correlation indices. The findings indicate strong reliability for the DCS 2 instrument, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96, item reliability of 0.88, and person reliability of 0.96. Compatibility analysis showed that 34 of the 35 items met acceptable infit and outfit thresholds based on the Rasch model, though one item was identified for potential revision. Overall, the instrument demonstrates robust psychometric properties across the assessed indicators. This validated tool offers a reliable means of measuring digital competence among higher education lecturers and serves as a foundational framework to support the advancement of ODL in Malaysia's academic institutions.