Rapid development within the ASEAN community has prompted governments and academics institutions alike to push their educators to be able to participate in the global discourse of teaching and research, invariably requiring the use of the defacto franca lingua of English. Despite some of the significant hurdles facing these professionals in upgrading their communicative abilities, a number in the State Islamic University of Sultan Syarif Kassim (Riau, Indonesia) are seeing success due in part to the motivation and skills equipping provided through a SEEDS supported initiative.

Throughout these past few semesters, several groups of lecturers have been developing their ability in academic writing and reading in English, in addition to growing confidence in speaking and listening in order to successfully qualify for further study and research grants. Currently five lecturers are in the process of application for federal bursaries to continue their studies abroad. In addition to assisting these academics with upgrading their language abilities through classes, the SEEDS consultant is currently conducting research (as part of a TOEFL graduate studies program) which will facilitate improved methodology and increased program effectiveness. Currently, an investigation and analysis of learners’ needs is underway, from which the findings will be used to modify the language-teaching curriculum.

By focusing on seeing key educators increase their academic competence, SEEDS aims to multiply the impact of invested development to the next generation of Indonesia’s academics.