Welcoming Speech from the Rector of Galuh University

Assalamualaikum wr.wb. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning First of all, let us thank Alloh, the Almaighty, for blessing and guiding us into the right path, and for granting all means and opportunities together here to attend this very meaningful occasion. On behalf of the Galuh University management, we are greatly honored and pleased to welcome you all to the TIE-ALL SAW (The International English Applied Linguistics Seminar and Workshop) on the topic Positioning the students at the centre stage: How can educators help the students learn English optimally?. This seminar is a joint seminar between Galuh University and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as follow up of the collaborative program between two universities. Ladies and gentlements As we know that teaching English in Indonesia has become a crucial issue due to global changes and cyber civilizations. Practitioners have always been very keen on conducting research and discussions in order to find approaches in teaching English as a foreign language in Indonesia. One of the important issues of approach on TEFL is due to the importance of learners position at the centre stage of the teaching learning process. To raise educators awareness of the issues on the TEFL, English Education Program of Galuh University collaborating with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and West Java Regional TEFLIN is holding the conference to offer a virtual opportunity to share ideas and experience of the related issues. We would also like to extend our gratitude to 1. Prof. Dr. Fuad Abdul Hamied, the president of TEFLIN, 2. Prof. Dr. Nenden Sri Lengkanawati, the coordinator of regional TEFLIN of West Java, 3. Bachrudin Musthafa, Ph.D, The Dean of Language Faculty of University of Widyatama Bandung, 4. Prof. Dr. Imran Ho Abdullah and Prof. Dr. Supyan Hussin, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 5. Dr. Mary Ellis, National Institute of Education Singapore, 6. Eran William (Regional English Language Office) USA Embassy, 7. Peter Colguhoun Morse (New Zealand), who have accepted our invitation to become the featured speakers of todays conference. Ladies and gentlemen, finally allow me on behalf of Galuh University to wish you a fruitful and pleasant international conference, and officially declare this TIE-ALL SAW open.

Wassalamualaikum. wr.wb

Ciamis, February 2013

Prof. Dr. Suherli, M.Pd Rector of Galuh University