Dear friends,

In order to interpret the theme completely and accurately, the annual conference will generalize systematically and exhibit intensively the following from six basic aspects: culture，system，technique，resource，quality and service, especially taking culture and regulation assurance for open and distance education as the topics of the annual conference. The 22^nd AAOU Annual Conference will provide a broad and rational platform for the educators and the friends from all social sectors who are engaged and interested in open and distance education.

For more than 20 years since the establishment of AAOU, Asian and international open education has been making new achievements with the idea of life-long learning, the progress of economic globalization and educational technology, but it is faced with new opportunities and great challenges as well.

It is of great significance to summarize the achievements made so far, grasping the new trends of distance education development, discussing new missions in building life-long learning systems and society, strengthening friendship and cooperation among educators and friends from various social circles, pushing forward the scientific development of open and distance education in Asia and the world and promoting economic development, social progress and human civilization.

Tianjin is the birthplace of China’s modern higher education, a famous financial center and a historical and cultural city in North China, which is also a cooperative city for the 2008 Olympic Games. Following the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, Tianjin Binhai New Area has become the third service area and the third engine to drive the rapid development of Chinese economy.

October in Tianjin enjoys invigorating and pleasant autumn climate --- the sky is high and the air is brisk, the crops are abundant and scent of fruits wafting in the breeze, which is the best and harvest season of the year. The prosperous and vigorous Tianjin is the ideal place for international scholars to exchange views, observe, study and sightseeing.

We believe that you could feel the charm of Tianjin City with coexistence of traditional culture and modern spirits, and you could see by your own eyes and experience the latest achievements of Chinese economic development since the reform and open policy carried out in China.

I hereby on behalf of 60,000 students, faculty and staff of Tianjin Radio & TV University and myself, invite the members of AAOU and all friends who are interested in the theme of the 22^nd AAOU Annual Conference to attend this pageant meeting. We are looking forward to your suggestions and research results to be shared and spread around the world. We will give our warm welcome to every distinguished guest from all parts of the world.

Let us spend the substantial and pleasant time together in Tianjin, enjoying the golden season of autumn and composing the new chapters of open and distance education together.

Thank you.

Prof. Feng Xue-fei
Principal of Tianjin Radio and TV University