The 13th Malaysia International Conference on Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (MICOLLAC 2025) officially opened its doors at the St. Giles Wembley Hotel in Penang, with the ceremony graced by the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai.
The event welcomed distinguished guests including Professor Ir. Dr. B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazlina Abdul Halim, Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hardev Kaur, Chair of MICOLLAC 2025.
The three-day international conference brings together around 200 participantsfrom various countries, offering a platform for intellectual discourse, research sharing, and academic collaboration in the fields of language, literature, and culture.
Held under the theme “Bridging Words and Worlds: Dynamic Dialogues in Languages, Literatures and Cultures,“ MICOLLAC 2025 underscores the critical importance of language studies in a rapidly changing global landscape. In his opening remarks, YB Wong Hon Wai congratulated the organisers—the Department of English, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM—for their commitment to promoting the humanities and strengthening academic exchange.
“MICOLLAC has grown into a vibrant platform for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts to engage in meaningful dialogue around language, literature, and cultural understanding,” he noted. “Its 13th edition, held here in Penang—a state with dual UNESCO recognition—reflects not only the realities of our contemporary world but also resonates strongly with the multicultural fabric of Malaysia.”
Wong also stressed the relevance of language studies in today’s globalised world, where technological advances, human mobility, and socio-economic shifts are reshaping society at an unprecedented pace.
“As the world becomes more interconnected, the role of language in bridging divides, fostering empathy, and facilitating cooperation is more crucial than ever,” he said.
Supporting this view, Professor Ir. Dr. B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin emphasized that MICOLLAC continues to play a vital role in knowledge development, global network building, and the elevation of Malaysia’s academic presence on the international stage.
“The study of languages is not merely academic—it’s foundational to understanding cultures, navigating global challenges, and building inclusive societies,” he added.
As MICOLLAC 2025 progresses through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and scholarly exchanges, it continues to reaffirm the transformative role of language education in shaping a more connected, thoughtful, and culturally literate world.
The conference will conclude on Thursday, August 28, 2025.