IASL 2002 Conference Logo

The 2002 IASL Conference

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 4-9 August

OFFICIAL CLOSING CEREMONY
Speech by IASL President
PETER GENCO

The Honorable Dato Abdul Rafie Mahat, Director-General, Ministry of Education, Malaysia,
Datin Dr. Nor Hayati Abdul Rashid Chairperson, IASL 2002 Organizing Committee,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Selamat Pagi! Good Morning! Guten Morgen! Bonjour!

In a knowledge society we seek answers.
I have had the opportunity to attend conference or professional development sessions in 14 countries. Each time is a new experience. Each time I learn. Each time I contribute. Each time I ask questions of myself and as I make my journey home, I try to answer my own questions about my experience.

  • What have I learned at this conference?
  • What have I contributed to this conference?
  • Which people have I met?
  • Who have I talked to?
  • What kind of discussions have I had?
  • How will I apply what I have learned?
  • How could I use the research findings?
  • How soon will the airline allow me to book my ticket to South Africa?
  • Will I remain in contact with colleagues I have met?
  • Do I understand IASL Better?
  • What have I learned about IASL?
  • How can I become more involved in the profession?
  • How can I become more involved in IASL?
  • When I return to Pennsylvania, how will I find the wonderful flavors of Malaysia food?
  • How will I share this experience with my colleagues at home?
  • Was it worth my time and effort to attend this conference?

The last question has an automatic answer for me. It is YES!

We have spent almost a week together at this conference. We have witnessed many now and exciting things. We have learned from and contributed to our profession.

Malaysia has hosted IASL twice. Malaysia is a traditional country moving toward the year 2020. Malaysia's has goals in education and visions for the future. Even though there may be controversy over the new practice of teaching math and science in the English language, leaders in education understand the value of a knowledge society.

In yesterday's newspaper, the New Straits Times (8.August.2002), the Honorable Dato Abdul Rafie Mahat, Director-General, Ministry of Education, Malaysia in discussing the math/science controversy, is quoted as: "...there was no need to view the wider use of English as a threat because it was a necessary tool to gain access to international sources of information." This is a view that leads to a knowledge society.

IASL also has many traditions. At least two of them began here in Malaysia at the 1989 conference. As you know, the auction is one of them. This tradition has benefited many, many people in the form of leadership development. This year's auction events raised over 5500 Malaysian Ringgets or approximately US $1500.

Another IASL tradition which began in Malaysia was the IASL flag. It was made here in Malaysia in 1989 and has been passed from one conference to the next. Thank you Malaysia for being a part of IASL.

Selamat Pulang. Have a safe trip home. Ich wunsche Ihnen eine gute Heimreise. Bon Voyage ý tout le monde.

Terima kasih! Thank you! Vielen Dank! Merci Beaucoup!

Last Updated 8 April 2003 (LAC)