Military Regional English Language Schools (RELS) Conference

The bi-annual Military Regional English Language Schools (RELS) Conference, co-hosted by the Vietnamese People’s Army (VPA) and the Australian Defence Force from 29 May to 1 June 2012, is an Australian Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) sponsored conference that aims to enhance the partnership between the regional Defence language schools. The conference will consist of presentations, workshops and syndicate discussions about how to develop and improve military English language training in the region.

The theme for the conference is "Developing, Implementing and Maintaining Professional Development Pathways for Teachers and Speakers of English as a Second Language”. The conference will focus on fostering opportunities for collaborative teacher training & English language improvement opportunities through the DCP and individual country efforts. This conference will be attended by senior military and education officers from the defence forces of Vietnam, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Timor Leste and Tonga.

The Australian Defence Attaché to Vietnam, Group Captain Matthew Dudley said “I am delighted that the Australian Defence Force and the Vietnamese People's Army will co-host the Regional English Language Schools Conference here in Hanoi. I expect that the outcomes of the RELS Conference will directly benefit not only the regional programs but also the important bilateral English language program we have with the Vietnamese People’s Army. I hope that RELS participants will also take the opportunity while in Hanoi to explore Vietnamese culture and enjoy the beautiful city of Hanoi.”

The DCP between Vietnam and Australia started in 2000 with the focus on English language training for the Vietnamese People’s Army officers in Vietnam and training in Australia. Australia has become one the largest providers of training for the VPA with an alumni of more than 1000 officers. Every year, more than a hundred VPA members train in both countries, studying and exchanging their experiences.

Media contact:

English: Staff Officer Defence Cooperation Major Linda Birchley
Tel: 04-37 740 260
Email: [email protected]

Vietnamese: Senior Research Assistant-Defence Cooperation-Ms Le Minh Thu
Tel: 04-37 740 262
Email: [email protected]