Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Spanish Institute (UniKL MSI) strengthened its international academic presence by sharing research on artificial intelligence-assisted language learning at the CELEAP 2026 international conference, held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, from 19 to 20 September 2026.
Representing UniKL MSI, Spanish Language Lecturer Dr Khong Hou Keat delivered an oral presentation entitled “Más allá del idioma: Aceptación de chatbots de inteligencia artificial en el aprendizaje de lenguas,” which explored the acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in language learning.
His participation placed UniKL MSI within an international conversation on how emerging technologies such as generative AI and conversational chatbots are reshaping language education, student engagement and contemporary teaching practices.
CELEAP 2026 brought together approximately 65 participants from 15 countries, providing a platform for academics, educators and researchers involved in Spanish language education across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange research, pedagogical approaches and emerging ideas.
The conference featured academic presentations, plenary sessions and networking activities designed to strengthen connections within the international Spanish language education community.
It was organised by the Spanish Education Office for Southeast Asia, Instituto Cervantes in Manila, the Embassy of Spain in Kuala Lumpur and USM’s School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SoLLaT).
For UniKL MSI, the participation went beyond presenting research.
It provided an opportunity to increase the international visibility of the institute’s work in AI-assisted language learning, educational technology and language education research, while establishing professional connections with academics and researchers from different countries.
These linkages could support future opportunities in international research collaboration, academic exchange, joint scholarly activities and knowledge sharing, strengthening UniKL’s wider global academic network.
Dr Khong said international academic conferences provide an important avenue not only for research dissemination but also for building relationships that could develop into longer-term institutional collaborations.
“CELEAP allowed me to share UniKL MSI’s work in AI-assisted language learning while connecting with colleagues who share similar interests in Spanish language education.
“I hope these connections will develop into meaningful research and academic collaborations in the future,” he said.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through innovation in language teaching and learning; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the application of artificial intelligence in education; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through international academic networking and opportunities for future research collaboration.
