The 60th International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) Congress
Introduction
The International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) was established in 1964 at the University of Nancy, France. Initially focused on serving linguists and language teachers in Europe, AILA has expanded its reach globally over the past 60 years, with affiliates from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.
As part of AILA’s 60th Anniversary celebration, a trilogy of World Congresses was launched, with the 21st AILA Congress taking place in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre was honoured to host this prestigious event, bringing together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts in applied linguistics from around the world.
The 21st AILA Congress in 2024, the second instalment of the 60th Anniversary trilogy, was held at The Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The event drew applied linguistics professionals from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and explore the theme of Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.
The Congress offered a range of opportunities for learning and engagement, including keynote addresses, plenary speeches from renowned scholars, symposia, and poster presentations. By bringing together thought leaders from various regions, AILA 2024 underscored its commitment to linguistic diversity and global collaboration.
The Centre was pivotal in making the 21st AILA Congress a resounding success. With its modern facilities and cutting-edge technology, The Centre provided an ideal environment for seamless interaction and engagement among delegates.
The Congress embraced a hybrid format, allowing in-person and virtual participation, a feature The Centre’s advanced technological infrastructure made possible. This hybrid approach ensured that linguists from around the world could participate in the Congress, even if travel limitations prevented physical attendance. Prof. Dr. Shameem Rafik-Galea, the Congress Chair, noted:
"One of our main goals was to bring researchers from all over the world to Malaysia, particularly those in Southeast Asia, so they could experience AILA. For many, it may have been their first and last chance to attend an AILA Congress. We wanted to inspire them to connect with applied linguistics at a global level."
The Centre's ability to host this large-scale international event demonstrated its commitment to excellence, with its state-of-the-art facilities accommodating the Congress's 1,700 participants and facilitating high-level presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.
A key feature of AILA 2024 was the integration of a hybrid format, a growing trend in international conferences. The Centre’s technological capabilities ensured that both onsite and virtual attendees could engage with the Congress's content, fostering a truly global dialogue. The seamless execution of the hybrid format at The Centre allowed for an inclusive event, furthering AILA’s mission of promoting linguistic diversity and equity.
The hybrid nature of the event demonstrated The Centre's adaptability in supporting innovative conference formats. Whether through live sessions, virtual presentations, or interactive workshops, The Centre ensured a cohesive and engaging experience for all delegates, regardless of their location.
One of the distinguishing factors of The Centre is its strategic location. Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, The Centre provided easy access to a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, catering to the diverse needs of delegates. The venue’s proximity to public transport and key city attractions further enhanced the convenience and experience for attendees.
The 21st AILA Congress at The Centre was a celebration of 60 years of applied linguistics, marked by collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of knowledge. The Centre’s modern facilities, central location, and advanced technology contributed significantly to the success of this event, further cementing its reputation as a world-class venue for international congresses. The Centre remains dedicated to supporting global events that inspire, educate, and connect professionals from all over the world.
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