Mekong TESOL International Conferences

Our Conferences

Mekong TESOL is more than an academic conference. It stands as a symbol of connection, innovation, and progress in language education across the Mekong region, where language is seen as a bridge linking knowledge, emotion, and humanity.

Our Vision

Advancing innovation and collaboration in TESOL across the Mekong region and beyond.

Our Mission

Connecting educators and researchers to share knowledge and shape the future of language education.

Our Community

Mekong TESOL International Conferences aspire to create an inspiring academic space where language, technology, and people come together to shape new directions for English language education in the region and beyond.

The conference welcomes a diverse community of participants, including:

  • English Language Lecturers and Teachers: From universities, colleges, high schools, and language centers.
  • Researchers and Scholars: Conducting studies in TESOL, applied linguistics, and language education.
  • Students: Majoring in English Language Studies, English Education, or related fields.
  • Educational Leaders and Administrators: Policymakers, principals, deans, and department heads.
  • Curriculum Developers: Professionals involved in designing and implementing English language programs.
  • Educational Solution Providers: Representatives from publishing houses and educational technology organizations.

Our Highlights

Participants engaging at Mekong TESOL International Conferences

Engagement of 3,500+ Participants

bringing educators, researchers, students, and educational leaders together across five Mekong TESOL editions since 2016

Presentations, workshops, webinars, and professional exchange at Mekong TESOL

164 Academic Sessions

including keynote and plenary talks, concurrent and poster presentations, interactive workshops, and webinars across diverse areas of English language education

International speakers and participants at Mekong TESOL

International Reach Across 13+ Countries & Territories

connecting educators, researchers, speakers, and educational organizations across the Mekong region, Asia, and the wider global TESOL community

Our History

Established in 2016, the Mekong TESOL International Conference has grown into one of the most reputable academic forums in the Mekong Delta, connecting researchers, experts, lecturers, and English teachers from Vietnam and around the world to exchange ideas and share innovations in English language teaching.

Over five successful editions, Mekong TESOL has continuously expanded in scope, quality, and impact — making significant contributions to advancing English teaching capacity and fostering international educational integration in the Mekong region and across Vietnam.

The 1st Mekong TESOL - 2016

TAILORING ENGLISH TEACHING TO REGIONAL NEEDS

The inaugural conference marked the beginning of Mekong TESOL, laying the foundation for a vibrant network of English language teachers across the Mekong Delta.

Scale: Over 350 participants

Program: 04 plenary sessions, 33 concurrent presentations

Keynote Speakers:

  • Ms. Heather Swenddal - RMIT University (Vietnam)
  • Dr. Amanda Baker - University of Wollongong
  • Paul Grainger - National Geographic Learning
  • Dr. Nguyen Thu Huong - Hoa Sen University

Sponsors:

  • Bangkok University
  • Cambridge Assessment English
  • CDIMEX
  • Cengage Learning
  • Oxford University Press
  • FAHASA
  • National Geographic Learning

The 2nd Mekong TESOL - 2018

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY

This edition marked an expansion of collaboration with the Can Tho Department of Education and Training and several international educational organizations, solidifying Mekong TESOL’s position as a regional academic forum with national impact.

Scale: 500 participants

Program: 04 plenary sessions, 30 concurrent presentations

Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Amanda Baker - University of Wollongong, Australia
  • Prof. Kris van den Branden - KU Leuven, Belgium
  • Assoc. Prof. Pham Thi Hong Nhung - University of Foreign Languages, Hue University, Vietnam
  • Assoc. Prof. Jonathan Newton - Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Sponsors:

  • IDP IELTS
  • National Geographic Learning

The 3rd Mekong TESOL - 2021

CONTEXTUALISING AND INNOVATING LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING (Online)

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference maintained its strong appeal, showcasing the Mekong TESOL community’s adaptability and commitment to innovation in English language education.

Scale: 863 participants

Program: 14 webinars featuring 15 speakers

Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Willy A. Renandya - National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Dr. Amanda Baker - University of Wollongong, Australia
  • Assoc. Prof. Le Van Canh - VNU – University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam

The 4th Mekong TESOL - 2023

RE-ORIENTATION IN ELT: EMBRACING CHANGES AND FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

The conference continued to expand its international reach, featuring experts from Oxford, Cambridge, National Geographic, Pearson, and other renowned institutions. It played a vital role in promoting innovation in English language teaching and supporting teachers’ professional development.

Scale: 800 participants

Program: 04 plenary sessions, 30 concurrent presentations

Keynote Speakers:

  • Assoc. Prof. Jonathan Newton - Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
  • Dr. Hà Văn Sinh - PTC English Language Center, Nha Trang, Vietnam
  • Dr. Finita Dewi - Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
  • Dr. Michael Burri - University of Wollongong, Australia

Sponsors:

  • IEC Group
  • Regional English Language Office (U.S. Department of State)
  • National Geographic Learning
  • CDIMEX
  • MM Publications
  • Oxford University Press
  • Cambridge University Press
  • FAHASA
  • Du Học VISA
  • Macmillan Education
  • Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

The 5th Mekong TESOL - 2026

BEYOND LANGUAGE: RE-EMPOWERING LEARNERS THROUGH SKILLS, EMOTIONS, AND CONNECTIONS

Marking the 10th anniversary of Mekong TESOL, the fifth conference brought together more than 1,000 delegates and 99 speakers from Vietnam and abroad. Centred on skills, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections, the conference created a platform for sharing research, innovative classroom practices, and emerging approaches to English language education in a rapidly changing context.

Scale: 1,200 registrants

Program: 04 keynote sessions, 04 invited sessions, 35 oral and workshop presentations, 17 poster presentations

Keynote Speakers:

  • Prof. Ika Lestari Damayanti - Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
  • Prof. Rob Waring - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, Vietnam
  • Dr. Nguyen Thu Le Hang - University of Languages and International Studies, VNU-HN, Vietnam
  • Assoc. Prof. Erika Matruglio - University of Wollongong, Australia

Invited Speakers:

  • Mr. David Fay - Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy Hanoi
  • Ms. Thereza Vahlstrom - National University of Battambang, Cambodia
  • Assoc. Prof. Barry Bai - The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Mr. Nguyen Dang Viet Chuong - ETS

Sponsors:

  • IEC Group
  • National Geographic Learning
  • Du Học VISA
  • Raffles College of Higher Education
  • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
  • CDIMEX
  • TOEFL
  • FAHASA
  • Macmillan Education
  • Stamford International University
  • Regional English Language Office
  • Oxford University Press
A Week of Academic Exchange in Can Tho
09-09-2026
A Week of Academic Exchange in Can Tho

The 5th Mekong TESOL International Conference

A Week of Academic Exchange in Can Tho
09-09-2026
A Week of Academic Exchange in Can Tho

The 5th Mekong TESOL International Conference

Exclusive Pre-Conference Workshop Recap
09-09-2026
Exclusive Pre-Conference Workshop Recap

The 5th Mekong TESOL International Conference

Exclusive Pre-Conference Workshop Recap
09-09-2026
Exclusive Pre-Conference Workshop Recap

The 5th Mekong TESOL International Conference

Recap #3
09-09-2026
Recap #3

The 5th Mekong TESOL International Conference