The primary aim of the SEAMEO Regional English Language Centre was to maintain and raise the standards of the teaching and learning of English in the countries of Southeast Asia.
The name of SEAMEO Regional English Language Centre was changed to SEAMEO Regional Language Centre to reflect its expanded role of assisting member countries in teaching other languages that had social and economic importance at a national or regional level, beyond improving the teaching of English.
SEAMEO RELC increased its footprint in language education through the publication of the RELC Journal, the Portfolio series and the Anthology series, which were widely distributed throughout the region.
SEAMEO RELC’s dedicated efforts in contributing towards language education in the region were recognised when the organisation received the ASEAN Award for its outstanding contributions towards the promotion and development of regional friendship, international understanding, goodwill and cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.
In 2000, SEAMEO RELC launched its first series of Grammar Matters which topped the Straits Times’ Bestsellers list.
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