16/07/2018
Cambridge Assessment, a not for profit department of the University of Cambridge, has announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration with SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (RELC) to better support teachers and students teach as well as learn English. This will be done by giving greater access to the Cambridge English Qualifications – internationally recognised exams covering all levels from children to adult learners that ensure learners develop necessary skills to effectively write, read, speak and listen in English. The partnership will also promote the Cambridge CELT-P and CELT-S qualifications that improve the professional skills of primary and secondary English teachers.
Mr Saul Nassé, Group Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment, said: “Cambridge English is committed to helping people to learn English and prove their skills to the world. We are delighted that our partnership with SEAMEO RELC allows us to provide first-class professional development for teachers who are a gateway for students to upskill themselves through the English language. We are excited to provide language learners access to English qualifications which will be useful throughout their lives, especially as Southeast Asia continues to make its mark on the global stage.”
SEAMEO Regional English Language Centre Director and CEO, Ms. Susan Leong, said: “English is a priority for education systems in our region as ASEAN has adopted English as the working language among the member countries. Hence there is a need to acquire English language skills and access to the Cambridge English Qualifications helps to ensure that students are learning practical English language skills to help them in their education and professional lives.”
The two organisations will also collaborate to offer tests from Cambridge Assessment Admissions testing as well as specialist tests for people who want to study medicine or to pursue careers in healthcare in English-speaking countries. These tests include Cambridge Personal Styles Questionnaire, Thinking Skills Assessment and Mathematics Skills for educational and healthcare stakeholders as well as the Biomedical Admissions Test and Occupational English Test for healthcare workers.
SEAMEO Regional Language Centre, is one of the 24 specialist centres established by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) to promote regional cooperation in education, science and culture among the 11 SEAMEO member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
About Cambridge Assessment
Cambridge Assessment is part of the Cambridge Assessment group. It is responsible for the Cambridge English Qualifications, teacher certification and other testing services for more than five million people every year in over 140 countries. Cambridge Assessment English is the co-owner of IELTS, the world’s leading test of English for international migration and higher education, along with British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia.
About SEAMEO Regional Language Centre
SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (RELC) is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1968 by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO). SEAMEO RELC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and remains dedicated to its mission of developing language education in the region and the promotion of international cooperation among language professionals. RELC works with language specialists and language educators from the Southeast Asian region by providing language courses, workshops and other customised programmes that contributes to language education and its development. RELC also organises language courses for anyone who is keen to further develop their language skills. SEAMEO RELC hosts an annual international conference that provides the platform for language thought leaders and think tanks to share and discuss research and ideas for language education and development. These findings are also shared with the worldwide community through its journals and publications.