AGM Address (2004)

by Phyllis Chew
President, ELLTA(S)

We had a very productive year. We signed three major agreements -- Japan, China and Russia. This makes ELLTA(S) the only language organization in Singapore with direct links to ETA-ROC (English Teachers Association -- Taiwan), Thai TESOL (Thailand), Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT), Far Eastern English Language Teachers' Association (FEELTA), and China English Language Teacher's Association (CELEA). I am happy and proud to announce that ELLTA(S) is -- at last -- a full-fledged member of PAC (Pan-Asian Consortium).

PAC is a promising umbrella body of language associations of Asia. ELLTA(S) is the 6th and latest member of PAC. Aware that many Asian countries have closer ties with their former colonial powers than with each other (their neighbors), PAC hopes to move towards creating a bond among professional language teachers' associations in Asia. The questions which concerns PAC are:

• Are we moving towards an Asian methodology?
• What is the usefulness, necessity, possibility of an Asian model?
• How do students learn best in Asia?
• Can textbooks be used across Asian countries such as Taiwan-Korea-Japan-China or Malaysia-Thailand?
• How can we best extend collaborative research across Asia?

I think we all known the great potential in English language teaching in Asia. Currently, the language learning and language teaching scene is dominated by directives, initiatives and methodologies from the West. Like our sister associations, we hope whether Asia and Asians can one day be motivated to find out what works best for them in their own unique classrooms.

This coming year will be a transition year not least because ELLTA(S)'s advisor and patron, Dr Rita Skuja has retired from her post as Head/ELL, National Institute of Education. It was Rita's vision which has driven ELLTA(S) down the road it has gone in the last two years.

Our Vice-President for the last two years, Dr Robyn Cox, is also leaving for greener pastures in England. While ELLTA(S) will miss her greatly, we also understand she must move ahead in her career. Robyn takes on a senior position as Head of the Primary Methods Team in the Univeristy of Worcester, England.

After the AGM, the Exco will have to brainstorm and come up with new directions. We need to brainstorm on how we can regroup ELLTA(S) and forge ahead. Already some people have approached us to do new and different things. There have been suggestions that we become a language students' club. The Singapore Teachers Union has expressed interest to use ELLTA(S) in their outreach to schools and regional countries. There has also been a suggestion that we organize a conference with SAAL and ERA on "Thinking Skills" in November 2005. Last but not least, the British Council is interested in co-sponsoring regional projects organised by ELLTA(S).

Next September will be an election year. By then, I will then have been President for three years -- the leadership of ELLTA(S) will need to be rejuvenated -- preferably with younger leadership. I ask you all to come forward to volunteer yourself, and take ELLTA(S) on to new directions and greater heights. By then, we would have established a name for ourselves both locally and regionally. By then, our website, magazine and school workshops would have become well established.

Dr Phyllis Chew
President, ELLTA(S)
8 September 2004

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