The Cambridge English Leadership Summit 2026 (Asia Pacific Edition), organized by Cambridge University Press & Assessment through its Cambridge English division, was held on 23–24 April 2026 at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Carrying the theme “English Language Education in the Age of AI,” the summit brought together approximately 200 education leaders, policymakers, public officials, and educational practitioners from across Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and other Asia Pacific countries.
The event featured distinguished speakers from the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, representatives from the Ministries of Education of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, as well as education leaders from various countries, making it a strategic platform for regional collaboration, innovation, and policy dialogue. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants explored the future of English language education amid rapid technological advancement, particularly the integration of AI in teaching, learning, and assessment.
“The integration of human-centred AI is not about replacing educators, but empowering them to deliver more impactful and inclusive learning experiences,” said Sonya Tobing, Head of Country for Cambridge English Indonesia.
Sessions such as innovating teaching and learning through AI, teacher development for the digital era, and building national English ecosystems highlighted the urgent need to align educational policy with practical classroom implementation.
YPI Al Azhar’s Consistent and Active Participation in CELS 2026 Representing Indonesia
A significant highlight of the summit was the active participation of YPI Al Azhar, which once again received Cambridge English’s trust to represent Indonesia in this prestigious regional forum. This continued involvement reflects YPI Al Azhar’s longstanding reputation and strategic contribution to English language education development, both nationally and regionally.
Representing YPI Al Azhar, Dra. Hj. Ai Kiki Rokibah, Head of the Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education (Dirdikasmen YPI Al Azhar), delivered a featured presentation under the theme: “Success Stories Across the Region: The Cambridge English ILA Approach.”
In her presentation, she shared YPI Al Azhar’s success story in building a sustainable English language ecosystem through its collaboration with Cambridge English since 2010. She emphasized how YPI Al Azhar has consistently strengthened quality assurance in English learning across Al Azhar schools nationwide.
One of the major milestones highlighted was YPI Al Azhar’s achievement as an Authorized Exam Centre of Cambridge English, serving as a quality assurance framework for English learning standards across Al Azhar schools throughout Indonesia. In its first year alone, the centre successfully engaged 4,500 participants—an impressive accomplishment that demonstrates YPI Al Azhar’s strong commitment to measurable educational excellence.
