The Centre for Language and Literacy Education (CLLE) of the Faculty of Education at the University of Macau successfully held the “Symposium on Empirical Research in International Chinese Language Education” on 28 November 2025 at the Theatre of the Student Activity Centre. The symposium brought together distinguished scholars from Beijing, Zhejiang, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR to exchange insights on cutting-edge issues in international Chinese language education. The event attracted teachers, researchers, and students from various institutions.

The symposium opened with an opening remark by Prof. Wei GE, Vice Rector (Research) of the University of Macau. Prof. Ge highlighted the global significance of Chinese language education and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research development and academic collaboration in this field. This was followed by remarks from Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean and Director of the Centre for STEM and AI Education of the Faculty of Education of the University of Macau, Prof. Fan emphasized the growing importance of empirical research and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing Chinese language education, especially in an era where technology continues to reshape teaching and learning practices. Afterwards, Mr. Yongxian LI, Deputy Director of the General of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, Macao SAR and Prof. Wei GE, Vice Rector (Research) presented the souvenirs to all keynote speakers.

The symposium invited six distinguished scholars to deliver keynote speeches, covering a wide range of important areas including language acquisition, language assessment, research methodology, and the application of artificial intelligence in language education. Prof. Chun LAI from The University of Hong Kong shared her research on the extramural social media experience of ethnic minority students in Hong Kong, examining how such engagement influences their acculturation and Chinese language learning. Prof. Hongbiao YIN from The Chinese University of Hong Kong discussed the methodological shift from systematic review to theorization, highlighting the possibilities and feasibility of developing theoretical frameworks through research synthesis. Prof. Haiwei ZHANG from Peking University introduced recent advancements in Hanzi and word size tests for Chinese as Second Language (CSL) learners, demonstrating new insights into language proficiency assessment.

Prof. Peijian SUN from Zhejiang University explored the use of AI conversational tools in supporting Chinese speaking development, analyzing the oral performance patterns exhibited by learners when interacting with chatbots. Prof. Wei XU from City University of Macau presented findings from research on Thai learners of Chinese, discussing how artificial intelligence interacts with learner motivation and the mediational pathways linking ideal/ought-to selves with learning attitudes. Prof. Yang GONG from University of Macau discussed the teaching and learning of Chinese as a Heritage Language (CHL), introducing key linguistic features and pedagogical considerations of CHL learners, and offering new perspectives for the development of heritage language education.

In the closing session, Prof. Shulin YU, Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) and Director of the Centre for Language and Literacy Education of the Faculty of Education of the University of Macau expressed their commitment to continuing the promotion of research and collaboration in international Chinese language education and to hosting more high-level academic activities that contribute to the development of Chinese language education worldwide. The symposium was concluded successfully with a closing session marking the end of a full day of academic exchange.

Prof. Wei GE	Prof. Lianghuo FAN
Presented the souvenirs to the keynote speakers
Group Photo	Prof. Dongbo ZHANG
Prof. Chun LAI	Prof. Shulin YU
Prof. Hongbiao YIN	Prof. Zhicheng MAO
Prof. Yang GONG	Prof. Mingyao SUN
Prof. Haiwei ZHANG	Prof. Zhouhan JIN
Prof. Peijian SUN	Prof. Tien Ping HSIANG
Prof. Wei XU	Symposium in progress

Thank you for your kind attention.

Faculty of Education