26th AFELTA: Embracing AI in Language Testing and Assessment
At the 26th Academic Forum on English Language Testing in Asia (AFELTA), researchers and practitioners from various examination and assessment organisations in Asia discussed the affordances of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in large-scale language testing, as well as the responsible and sustainable use of AI in diverse educational and policy contexts. The forum, hosted by Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), was held from 21 to 22 August 2025 in Shanghai.
Dr. Yan Xun, Professor of Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education, and Educational Psychology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign delivered the keynote speech on recent developments in AI-empowered language testing and assessment across four key domains: automated item generation and delivery, automated scoring, test security, and adaptive testing.
Dr. Yan Xun sharing his valuable insights with the AFELTA delegates
SEAB was represented by Senior Assessment Specialist Mr Andrew Leo and Assessment Officer Ms Serene Tan, both from the Assessment Planning and Development Division. The team shared the following: (1) how technology is leveraged to enhance teaching, learning and assessment in Singapore, (2) SEAB’s e-Examination journey, and (3) the implementation of GCE N(T)-level English Language Paper 1 e-Examination in Singapore.
Delegates interested in e-Examination implementation found the segment on SEAB’s e-Examination journey and application of technological affordances to augment authenticity and interactivity within an English national assessment especially valuable. They also appreciated the sharing on how AI-enabled tools in the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) facilitate the provision of immediate and customised feedback to students.
Sharing by SEAB
Left: Mr Andrew Leo presenting on e-Examination implementation in a national English language assessment in Singapore
Right: Ms Serene Tan sharing how technology is leveraged to enhance teaching, learning and assessment in Singapore and SEAB’s e-Examination journey
The SEAB team also gleaned valuable insights into ongoing research and studies pertaining to English Language testing in other countries.
Representative from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)
For example, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), having explored the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the development and validation of its Test for English Majors (TEM), shared the potential and limitations of this approach.
Representative from Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA)
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) shared its exploration of transitioning the delivery mode of its speaking paper from face-to-face to an Internet-Delivered Speaking Test using a video conferencing platform.
Representative from Korea English Language Testing Association (KELTA)
The Korea English Language Testing Association (KELTA) shared its findings on the potential of AI and immersive environments in enhancing descriptive assessment practices in primary English.
The second day of the conference featured a round-table discussion titled Applying AI in Language Testing and Assessment: Challenges and Ethical Considerations. Before the dialogue, each organisation was invited to share current practices and approaches on the application of AI in language testing and assessment. SEAB further shared about AI-enabled tools for more learner-centred assessments as well as the AI in Education Ethics Framework developed by the Ministry of Education, Singapore. The latter was of particular interest to the other delegates, who share similar concerns regarding the responsible and sustainable use of AI in language testing and assessment.
During the dialogue, researchers and practitioners discussed various aspects such as the expertise required for AI integration and core local assessment problems that AI can address.
Overall, the conference was an enriching and enjoyable one as it offered much insight into English Language testing in Asia – in particular, the fundamental issues and ethical considerations in leveraging AI in language testing assessment as well as opportunities to network with researchers and practitioners across Asia.
The SEAB team with the Korean and Hong Kong delegates at the conference dinner
Visit to the Shanghai Municipal Educational Examinations Authority
On 20 August, Mr Andrew Leo and Ms Serene Tan, also paid a special visit to the Shanghai Municipal Educational Examinations Authority (SMEEA) to congratulate them on their 30th Anniversary this year. On behalf of SEAB, they presented SMEEA with a lacquerware plaque and a congratulatory letter.
Established in June 1995, the SMEEA oversees various entrance examinations in Shanghai, including the National College Entrance Examination or Gao Kao (高 考). The visit on this commemorative occasion reinforces the longstanding relationship and professional ties between SEAB and SMEEA forged over the years.
The SMEEA had visited SEAB in 2019 and 2024. The Centre Director of SMEEA, Ms Zhang Bo [章波院长], was very appreciative of SEAB’s visit to congratulate them on their 30th Anniversary. She extended her sincere gratitude to our Chief Executive, Mr Yue Lip Sin and staff of SEAB. We hope to continue to strengthen the bonds and close network that we have established in the coming years.
Mr Andrew Leo and Ms Serene Tan, SEAB presenting the 30th Anniversary gift and congratulatory letter to Ms Zhang Bo, Centre Director of SMEEA.
