Opening Remarks
Wen-Chang Chen
President, National Taiwan University
Chairman of the LTTC Board of Directors
Po-Chiao Lin
Chief Secretary, Ministry of Education
Sherry Hsin-ying Li
Professor, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, National Taiwan University
CEO of the Language Training & Testing Center (LTTC)
Keynote Speeches
listed in order of presentation
Jessica Row-whei Wu
Deputy CEO, The Language Training and Testing Center
Bio
Dr. Jessica Wu is Deputy CEO at LTTC, with a PhD in Language Testing and over 30 years of experience in localized language assessment in Taiwan. She played a key role in developing the GEPT and BESTEP, supporting bilingual education and policy alignment. A recognized expert, she advises the government on test development and language policy, and led the creation of GEPT iPrep, an AI-powered learning platform. A strong advocate for test glocalization, she bridges local needs with global standards. In 2022, she received the Davies Lecture Award and now serves on Taiwan’s Language Education Promotion Committee.
Rachel Yi-fen Wu
Director General for R&D, The Language Training and Testing Center
Bio
Rachel Yi-fen Wu holds a PhD in language testing and serves as Director General for Research and Development and Director of the Testing Editorial Department at the Language Training and Testing Center (LTTC). She has been instrumental in the development and validation of Taiwan’s key assessments, including the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT), the BEST Test of English Proficiency (BESTEP), and the AI-powered GEPT iPrep platform. Her scholarly publications span a monograph, book chapters, and journal articles, focusing on language testing and assessment in Taiwan within a global context.
Topic
Emerging Impacts of BESTEP: Supporting EGAP, ESAP, and EMI in Taiwan’s Universities
Abstract
This presentation reports on the emerging impacts of the BEST Test of English Proficiency (BESTEP) within Taiwan’s evolving tertiary landscape of English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP), English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP), and English-Medium Instruction (EMI). Launched in 2023 with support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, BESTEP was designed to prepare students for academic English demands while providing institutions with data to improve teaching quality and strengthen international competitiveness. Its four intended objectives are to (1) enhance student proficiency, (2) serve as a learning partner, (3) connect learning, teaching, and assessment, and (4) promote positive washback.
Three years into implementation, evidence suggests that these intended objectives are being realized. Student performance shows steady gains across all four skills, and students increasingly view BESTEP not only as a test but also as a learning companion that motivates them to take ownership of their progress. Institutions have benefited from CEFR-aligned LTTC resource packs, and BESTEP data are feeding into a growing learner corpus that identifies criterial features to inform EMI-related teaching and resource development.
These outcomes highlight BESTEP’s role in linking assessment, pedagogy, and policy in Taiwan’s EGAP/ESAP/EMI context. Looking ahead, continued collaboration with universities and policymakers will be vital to sustain and extend BESTEP’s impact, ensuring its long-term contribution to bilingual higher education in Taiwan.
Joint Presentation
Topic
Assessment-Informed Pedagogy in Practice: Linking EGAP and ESAP through Shared Materials
Abstract
Recent analyses of the BEST Test of English Proficiency (BESTEP) highlight a recurring challenge among Taiwanese university students: difficulty in interpreting charts and diagrams and expressing integrated information coherently in speaking and writing. To address this gap, the Language Training & Testing Center (LTTC) developed EAP Power Up: Synthesizing Textual and Visual Information for Academic Success, a new resource book designed to strengthen essential skills in visual–textual integration for academic and professional contexts.
To support effective classroom use of this resource, LTTC initiated the Project on the Development of English Visual–Textual Integration Teaching Resources in collaboration with four universities—Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), National Chung Cheng University (CCU), National Taiwan University (NTU), and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST). This project fosters a sustainable teaching–learning ecology that connects assessment insights with pedagogy.
This session begins with an overview of the project by the LTTC, followed by lesson plan demonstrations from EAP teachers at the partner universities. These showcase how the same book units can be adapted across courses of different CEFR bands and purposes, spanning English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP) and English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP). Specifically, participants will:
- Gain insight into the project’s vision and collaborative process,
- Observe how EAP Power Up is applied in both EGAP and ESAP contexts,
- Explore strategies for tailoring shared materials to different proficiency levels and disciplinary needs, and
- Learn from teachers’ reflections, classroom implementations, and student feedback.
By highlighting concrete lesson plans and outcomes, this panel demonstrates how test developers, curriculum designers, and teachers can co-create context-relevant resources that link assessment, teaching, and learning. The initiative offers a practical model for reform in higher education English instruction, with EGAP and ESAP as cases that can inspire broader applications across other ESP domains.
Chair & Discussant
Chiou-lan Chern
Professor in the Department of English, National Taiwan Normal University
Bio
Chiou-lan Chern is a professor in the Department of English at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), where she serves as the Director of the Foreign Language Education Division in charge of university-wide common core English language programs. Her research interests include L2 reading instruction and critical thinking as well as English and bilingual teacher education. Her publications include book chapters with Springer Nature, Cambridge University Press, Palgrave Macmillan, and Multilingual Matters as well as articles in journals like Teaching and Teacher Education, English Language Teaching, English Teaching and Learning, and Journal of Language, Identity and Education. She has conducted various MOE funded projects to organize professional development programs for English and bilingual teachers.
speakers listed in order of presentation
Anita Chunwen Lin
Director of the Teaching and Training Department, Language Training & Testing Center (LTTC)
Bio
Anita Chunwen Lin is currently the Director of the Teaching and Training Department at the Language Training & Testing Center (LTTC) in Taipei, Taiwan. She has been closely involved in the research and development of English language tests developed by the LTTC. She has also participated in the center’s projects related to learning resources, enhancement programs for English language teachers and bilingual teachers at different education levels, and stakeholder communication.
National Chung Cheng University
Gina Wen-Chun Chen
Director of the Center for Language Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature
Bio
Gina Wen-Chun Chen holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University at College Station and an M.A. in TESOL from New York University. She has been recognized with three Outstanding MOE Teaching Practice Research Project awards, as well as accolades for Teaching Excellence and Outstanding Young Scholar. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Center for Language Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at National Chung Cheng University. Her expertise includes technology-enhanced language learning, teacher professional development, and ESP-EAP.
Yu-Ning Lai
Project Assistant Professor in the Center for Language Studies
Bio
Dr. Yu-Ning Lai is a Project Assistant Professor in the Center for Language Studies at National Chung Cheng University, where she teaches General English courses. She received her Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Florida and holds a double master’s degree in TESOL and Applied Linguistics from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Before joining Chung Cheng University, she was an adjunct lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Florida, where she taught Chinese as a Foreign Language. Her research interests include sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and TESOL, with particular focus on pragmatics, language identity, second language acquisition, and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Shao-Ting Alan Hung
Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Director of Language Center, and Executive Director of the Office of Bilingual Education Initiatives
Bio
Prof. Shao-Ting Alan Hung is a Professor in the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. He currently serves as the Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Director of Language Center and Executive Director of the Office of Bilingual Education Initiatives. He received his PhD in Language Education at Indiana University, Bloomington and has published on technology-enhanced language learning, EMI, ESP, and EAP. His recent projects focus on VR/AR/AI in language education and EMI curriculum design and assessment. He has also delivered talks internationally and actively participates in TESOL community. Outside of academia, he enjoys life as a dad, raising two children with his husband—a role that brings him both joy and inspiration.
Tzu-Ling Huang
Lecturer in the Language Center
Bio
Tzu-Ling Huang is a lecturer in the Language Center at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, specializing in digital learning, curriculum development and design, and interpreter training. Prior to her academic career, she worked as an in-house interpreter at Far Eastern Department Stores Ltd., facilitating communication between local teams and international architects and designers from Benoy, Concept i, GARDE Co., Ltd., and KISHO KUROKAWA architect & associates. Her work supported the execution of multiple retail construction and renovation projects in Taiwan. This professional experience inspires her pedagogical approach with insights into cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Chiung-jung Tseng
Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Bilingual Education
Bio
Chiung-jung Tseng is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Bilingual Education at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology. She earned her Ph.D. in Literature from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at National Cheng Kung University. Her research interests include English pronunciation, computer-assisted language learning, and self-regulated learning. Dr. Tseng is dedicated to empowering learners through self-regulated learning strategies and digital tools, aiming to foster autonomy and effectiveness in bilingual education.
Hsin-Yi Cyndi Huang
Associate Professor at the Center for Bilingual Education and Director of the Chinese Language Center
Bio
Dr. Hsin-Yi Cyndi Huang is an Associate Professor at the Center for Bilingual Education and also the Director of the Chinese Language Center at STUST. Her research focuses on technology-enhanced language learning, English writing, ESP, multimodal learning, interdisciplinary studies, and Mandarin learning.
National Taiwan University
Li-sheng Steve Lee
Senior Project Manager at the Center for Bilingual Education
Bio
Li-sheng Steve Lee holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics (Second Language Acquisition) from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. He is the most senior Project Manager at the Center for Bilingual Education at National Taiwan University (NTU), where he leads initiatives supporting the university’s bilingualization efforts. In addition to his administrative work, Steve serves as an Adjunct Instructor at NTU, teaching Freshman English (EMIPP), Academic English for Management, and Academic English for Social Sciences. His work combines program management, curriculum design, and classroom teaching, helping students strengthen their academic English skills and preparing them to succeed in EMI courses and beyond.
Yi-Chi Chen
Lecturer at Academic Writing Education Center
Bio
Yi-Chi Chen (Freddy) is a university lecturer specializing in ELF writing pedagogy, ESP course development, and EMI education. With a decade of experience in EFL instruction, he has recently participated in the development of the EMI course Academic English for Bioresources and Agriculture at National Taiwan University. His teaching highlights second language acquisition concerns and emphasizes practical academic communication skills. By integrating language, technology, and cross-disciplinary communication, he aims to support both students and educators in developing effective English-medium instruction practices.
Panel Discussion
Topic
Enhancing EAP/ESAP Resources to Build Students’ Readiness for EMI
Abstract
In alignment with the Ministry of Education’s BEST (Bilingual Education for Students in College) Program, higher education institutions across Taiwan are taking steps to enhance resources that build students’ academic readiness. These efforts include curriculum reform, new courses, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP), which aim to move students beyond English for General Purposes (EGP) and ultimately support their transition into English Medium Instruction (EMI) classrooms.
As the BEST Program enters its fourth year in 2025, attention is increasingly turning to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the above-mentioned efforts, particularly tracking the impact of EAP/ESAP courses on students’ subsequent performance in EMI contexts. At the same time, universities are considering future directions, such as how to build students’ abilities to complete performance tasks (英語展能) and how to create supportive environments that enable them to demonstrate such abilities.
This panel brings together representatives from EMI resource centers and their international partners to share insights from ongoing initiatives aimed at better addressing students’ academic and discipline-specific needs. Distinguished scholars and experts with first-hand experience supporting EMI transitions will reflect on the planning and implementation of these initiatives and highlight practical solutions to common challenges encountered in the process.
Subthemes include:
- Policy and Implementation: Institutional policies aimed at strengthening or reforming existing English training programs and related resources, as well as the key measures adopted to put these policies into practice.
- Teacher Support: Programs or resources aimed at enhancing the skills required to design and deliver EAP/ESAP courses effectively, alongside strategies for fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty.
- Student Support: Differentiated support mechanisms to address varying levels of English proficiency, and initiatives to enhance students’ ability to complete academic and professional performance tasks.
- Challenges and Outlook: Major challenges in bridging gaps between EGP, EAP/ESAP, and EMI; approaches for evaluating effectiveness; and future plans to advance the ongoing efforts described above.
The session begins with an introduction by the chair and then moves to panelist presentations and audience interaction. This exchange aims to encourage meaningful dialogue and promote collaboration among university educators.
Chair & Discussant
Tzu-Bin Lin
Distinguished Professor, National Taiwan Normal University
Bio
Professor Lin has extensive academic experience, particularly in diverse cultural settings, and has held various leadership positions at National Taiwan Normal University. He leads a major project integrating bilingual teaching in over 200 primary and junior high schools. Prof. Lin collaborates internationally with institutions in Singapore, Sweden, and Japan on teacher education. His research focuses on education policy, bilingual education, media literacy, and multicultural education. He has published over 80 papers and led 30 research projects globally. Since February 2025, he has served as Executive Director of FICHET, promoting international cooperation, Mandarin learning and, international student recruitment.
speakers listed in alphabetical order
Final Commentary
Before the closing ceremony, Professor Vincent Wuchang Chang will be invited to provide recommendations and reflections as a synthesis and final commentary on the day’s sessions.
Vincent Wuchang Chang
Professor, Department of English, National Taiwan Normal University
Co-Chair of the BESTEP Advisory Committee
Bio
After receiving his Ph.D. degree in Linguistics from the University of Florida in 1986, Professor Chang returned to Taiwan to continue teaching at the Department of English, National Taiwan Normal University until his retirement in 2011. He served as Chairperson of the Department of English from 1999 to 2005 and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts from 2005-2008. After retirement from NTNU, he served as Dean of College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Chinese Culture University from 2010 to 2012. He is now teaching part-time at both NTNU and Ming Chuan University. He is known for his research in discourse analysis, testing and assessment, and Taiwan’s ELT. He is currently the co-chair of the BESTEP (BEST Test of English Proficiency) Advisory Committee.