The 2nd International Conference on Teaching Arabic Language and Literature (ICTALL 2025), held under the theme “Prospects for Teaching Arabic Language and Literature in Southeast Asia: Local Experiences and Inspiring Models,” concluded on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and organized by Sultan Azlan Shah University (USAS) in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia, in cooperation with ICESCO’s Center for Arabic Language for Non-Arabic Speakers and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY).

In ICESCO’s opening address, Dr. Majdi Bin Haji Ibrahim, Head of the Center of Arabic Language for Non-Arabic Speakers, reviewed the Organization’s key orientations in the field of Arabic language teaching for Non-Arabic Speakers. He emphasized ICESCO’s commitment to promoting Arabic globally through diverse content that fosters dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples, responds to learners’ goals, and continuously develops teaching curricula. He also highlighted the importance of diversifying resources, tools, and services through a forward-looking approach that considers the future role of modern technology in language education.

During the conference’s first session, Dr. Majdi Bin Haji Ibrahim presented a research paper titled “Language Immersion in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Insights and Experiences,” in which he reviewed ICESCO’s experience in organizing several language immersion programs in Southeast Asia. These programs, launched mid-year, targeted three countries in their initial phase: Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

The opening session also featured addresses by Dr. Wan Sabri bin Wan Yusof, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Azlan Shah University; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Qarni, Advisor for Educational Affairs at the World Assembly of Muslim Youth; and His Eminence Dato’ Seri Haji Wan Zahidi bin Wan Teh, Mufti of Perak Darul Ridzuan State.

On the sidelines of the conference, a roundtable meeting was held with representatives of participating organizations, institutions, and universities to discuss joint strategies among Arabic language curriculum developers and digital platform providers. Additionally, ICESCO’s representative held a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Azlan Shah University, who also serves as Secretary of the Association of Islamic Universities in Asia. They discussed prospects for cooperation through student and training exchange programs and the organization of academic forums. The Vice-Chancellor expressed his interest in ICESCO joining the Association, which currently includes 85 Islamic universities across Asia.