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A new special issue of the international academic journal English Language Testing in Asia, titled "Evolving Glocalization in Language Testing in Asia," has recently been published. The issue explores developments and innovations in English language assessment across China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The special issue was co-edited by Dr. Jessica Row-whei Wu, Deputy CEO at the Language Training and Testing Center (LTTC), and Professor Lynda Taylor, a renowned language assessment scholar. They also co-authored the introductory article, "Reframing Glocalization in Language Testing: Asian Perspectives on Assessment, Learning, and Validation." The article highlights how English language assessment in Asia has increasingly moved beyond the conventional binary of "international versus local," developing assessment approaches that address local needs while maintaining international quality standards. It further conceptualizes glocalization as an interconnected ecosystem, encompassing policy development, learning support, validation, technological innovation, and stakeholder engagement, all of which contribute to the continued development of language assessment.

The special issue also features "Evolving from Necessary Evil to Learning Partner: Glocalization and Learning-Oriented Assessment in GEPT and BESTEP," co-authored by Dr. Rachel Yi-Fen Wu, Director General for Research & Development, and Anita Chunwen Lin, Director of the Teaching and Training Department, both at the LTTC. The article explains how the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT) and the BEST Test of English Proficiency (BESTEP) draw on Learning-Oriented Assessment (LOA) and the socio-cognitive framework as their conceptual foundations. Through policy support, teacher professional development, and AI-enhanced feedback mechanisms, the two tests foster a constructive relationship between assessment and teaching, helping transform language tests from traditional "gatekeeping tools" into "learning partners" that support the learning process.

The publication of this special issue not only showcases Taiwan's achievements in developing its own English language assessments but also highlights how GEPT and BESTEP have become important examples of glocalization in language assessment through continued improvements in test quality, an expanding body of validation research, and deeper international collaboration and exchange. In recent years, GEPT and BESTEP scores have also gained recognition from universities overseas, helping students in Taiwan apply for international study and educational programs while expanding their opportunities for global learning.

Read the Articles：
• Special Issue Introduction
• GEPT/BESTEP Article

▲ "Evolving Glocalization in Language Testing in Asia," published in June 2026.