Shuhan Wang discussed the complexities of the language ecosystem in the United States, emphasizing the need for multilingualism and multiliteracy. She used the Chinese language field as an example and highlighted the challenges faced by the field, including political tensions, confusion over educational priorities, and socio-cultural movements. This is based on her recent paper, A New Framework for Mandarin Language Education in PreK-Grade 12 Schools in the United States, published by Asia Society. She also discussed the issues faced by heritage language schools, such as teacher shortages; lack of motivation among students; and the need for clearer goals, more relevant curriculum design and instruction, and recognition of learners’ proficiency outcomes. She proposed a new framework for language education that includes three pillars of learning; purpose, process, and product of learning. She suggested that we focus more on the learners' needs, goals, and the development of human intelligence instead of measuring learners’ deficiencies in the heritage language. She also emphasized the importance of soft skills in the AI age, which cannot be replaced by robots. She concluded by suggesting strategies for navigating the current political and technological climate to enhance language programs.