ESB International heads to Bett Asia as it looks to strengthen partnerships across Asia
English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International) is looking forward to joining education leaders from across the region at Bett Asia in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Chief Executive Adrian Gallagher will make a short stop in Malaysia during the ESB Singapore Roadshow, a week-long programme of meetings with international schools and education partners taking place from 21–25 September. Bett Asia, held at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur, brings together educators, school leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the Asia-Pacific education community.
Building partnerships across Asia
Over the coming year, ESB International is keen to connect with more international schools, education groups and partners across Asia that share its belief in the importance of confident and authentic communication.
The Singapore Roadshow has been designed to strengthen existing relationships, develop new partnerships and explore how schools can support learners through oracy, public speaking, debating, enrichment and English language development. Adrian’s visit to Bett Asia creates an opportunity to extend those conversations beyond Singapore and meet education leaders from across the wider region.
This matters because the role of spoken communication extends far beyond a single subject or activity. Whether learners are explaining an idea in science, contributing to a group discussion, presenting research, debating a topical issue or preparing for university and employment, the ability to communicate clearly and listen effectively supports participation across school life.
Our Singapore Roadshow is about listening to schools, understanding what they want for their learners and exploring where ESB International can add genuine value. Bett Asia gives us the chance to broaden that conversation and meet educators and potential partners from across the region.
As our international oracy work grows, we want to build long-term partnerships with schools that recognise communication as an important part of preparing young people for the future.
Adrian Gallagher, Chief Executive of ESB International
Where can oracy fit within an international school
One of the strengths of our unique oracy qualifications is their flexibility.
Schools can embed oracy into the core curriculum, using qualification activities alongside existing classroom learning, or offer qualifications through the co-curriculum, including enrichment, debating, public speaking and wider learner development programmes.
ESB International’s qualifications are designed to complement learning across different subject areas rather than confining speaking and listening to the English classroom. Learners might research and present a curriculum topic, interpret literature, construct and defend an argument, respond to questions or engage with their peers through structured discussion.
For international schools, that creates several practical opportunities.
Structured progression in communication skills
We offer oracy qualifications from early years and primary education through secondary and post-16. As learners progress, they can move from developing early confidence and expression to more sophisticated presentation, debating, critical thinking and evidence-led communication. Our Level 3 qualifications also carry UCAS Tariff Points, providing additional relevance for learners considering higher education in the UK.
Authentic speaking and listening experiences
Our oracy assessments take place in small, supportive groups, while learners are assessed individually. This creates opportunities for speaking, listening and responding that more closely reflect real communication, while encouraging collaboration and engagement with others.
Learner choice and
agency
Learners are given meaningful opportunities to choose what they speak about, including topics, texts and areas that reflect their interests. Learners can also choose from four unique pathways at Level 1 and Level 2 that personalise their experience even further.
In person or remote
assessment options
Assessments are delivered and marked by trained and standardised assessors, either in-person or online. Every learner who successfully passes their ESB assessment will be sent a physical certificate.
Independent recognition
of achievement
Our oracy qualifications are externally assessed. Assessments are delivered and marked by trained and standardised assessors, giving schools an independent framework through which to recognise learners’ communication skills. Our qualifications at Level 1 and above are accredited by Ofqual.
Specialist qualifications for learners with SEND or EAL
We believe in oracy for all, and offer accredited qualification options for learners with SEND or EAL that offer those learners more accessible opportunities to engage with their oracy skills alongside their peers.
Starting a wider conversation
ESB International has championed confident communication for more than 70 years. As its work with international schools develops, the organisation is looking forward to learning from educators across Asia and exploring how its qualifications can complement different curricula, school cultures and learner priorities.
Bett Asia is an important opportunity to continue that conversation.
If you are attending Bett Asia on 23 September and would like to meet Adrian Gallagher to discuss oracy, public speaking, debating, EAL or opportunities to work in partnership with ESB International, get in touch with the team to arrange a conversation in Kuala Lumpur.
