Call for Abstracts
2026 APISWEA International Conference AI and Innovation for Social Work
June 5 - 8, 2026
Macau, China
About Conference
We are pleased to invite you to the 2026 International Conference of the Asia-Pacific Islands Social Work Educators Association (APISWEA), to be held in Macau, China, from June 5 to June 8, 2026. The conference theme, " AI and Innovation: Re-shaping Social Work Practice and Learning," aims to bring together global scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on social work across the Asia-Pacific region.
This conference will provide a diverse, cross-cultural platform for academic exchange, fostering in-depth discussions on social work’s professional development, educational innovation, practice transformation, and research collaboration in the context of rapid advances in artificial intelligence. We especially welcome contributions that focus on the challenges and opportunities facing communities in Asia and the Pacific Islands (API), and that explore how AI and innovation can be integrated in ways that are culturally responsive, ethically grounded, and contextually appropriate.
Through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogue, we seek to promote cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning, and to advance the renewal and sharing of the social work knowledge base.
Cluster Areas and Call for Abstract
Research abstracts are encouraged in all substantive areas, using scientifically sound qualitative and/or quantitative methodology. The research may take place at the micro, macro, or policy levels, which may span various forms of research.
(1) AI for Direct Social Work Practice
(2) AI for Social Work Research
(3) AI for Social Work Education and Pedagogy
(4) Innovative Intervention Research
(5) The Arts in Social Work for Asia
(6) Professionalization of Social Work in Asia
(7) Aging and Gerontological Social Work
(8) Children, Youth, and Families
(9) AI and Health and Mental Health Social Work
(10) Leadership, Organizational Management, and Workforce Development
(11) Social Work Collaboration and Exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative
(12) International Dialogue on Social Work in the Asia-Pacific Region
(13) Social Work Practice and Research in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
(14) Indigenous Community Development
(15) Ethics in AI and Innovative social work
Keynote Speaker
Researchers and practitioners from China’ Mainland and Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.
Workshops
Pre and Post conference trainings and hands-on workshops
1. AI Powered Social Work Practice and Education
2. AI-Assisted Research Grant Proposal Development and Academic Writing
Submission Instructions
We encourage submissions that describe how research has contributed to changes in individuals, organizations, communities, or policies. Community partners, research participants, policymakers, and other research partners are welcome as co-presenters. Please provide a less than 500 words abstract of the paper you wish to submit. Abstracts are preferred to be submitted in a structured format: Background and Purpose: description of the problem, study objectives, research question(s) and/or hypothesis (es). Methods: study design, including a description of participants and sampling methods, data collection procedures, measures, and appropriate analytic/statistical approach. Results: specific results in summary form. Conclusions and Implications: description of the main outcome(s) of the study and implications for practice, policy, or further research.
Presentation Formats
Oral Presentation
Poster Presentation
Interactive Workshop
Special Topic Session
Panel Discussion (Thematic Forum) Session
Conference Venue
Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira Taipa, Macau｜ City University of Macau (Taipa Campus)
Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira Taipa, Macau｜ City University of Macau (Taipa Campus)
Preliminary Conference Agenda
Timeline
(Closed!) First round deadline: March 1, 2026 （offer notifications by April 6, 2026）
Second round abstract: March 30, 2026 （offer notifications by April 20, 2026）
Third round deadline: April 10, 2026 （offer notifications by April 30, 2026）
Friendly reminder: Conference capacity is limited. Please submit early to receive the decision sooner and make travel arrangements in advance.
Proposal Review
All abstracts will be reviewed for the following:
Relevance of topic and conference theme
Clarity of the written proposal
Appropriateness of research method(s) and/or conceptual foundation
Robustness of analytical and/or theoretical frame; and
Significance for social work education, practice, research, and policy
Submit
Submit your abstract by clicking the link below!
https://socialwork.toppython.com/login.html
Please open in a computer browser for the full experience
Call for Proposals for
Special Topic Sessions and Thematic Forums
We warmly invite experts and scholars from all fields to propose and organize a Special Topic Session or Thematic Forum aligned with the conference theme during the conference. We welcome forward-looking topics that involve cross-institutional collaboration and strong, rigorous content to foster scholarly exchange.
How to apply: Please download the attachment and complete the application form. Submit it by email to the Conference Academic Committee by the end of March: [email protected]
How to apply: Please download the attachment and complete the application form. Submit it by email to the Conference Academic Committee by the end of March: [email protected]
Submission Requirements
- A Special Topic Session consists of a series of research presentations by researchers from multiple organizations/institutions. Sessions should be organized around a coherent session topic that supports the conference theme, with an emphasis on scientific rigor.
- Each session is 90 minutes and includes one chair/moderator and 3–5 presenters. Presenters must come from at least two different organizations/institutions.
- The applicant must hold an associate professor rank or above and submit the proposal to the Conference Academic Committee for review.
- As a rule, each applicant may submit or chair no more than two special-topic sessions and/or thematic forums.
- The Conference Academic Committee will review and determine acceptance based on the proposed topic, content quality, and venue capacity; applicants will be informed promptly of the decision.
Registration and Fees
Conference registration will be available from mid-March at https://socialwork.toppython.com/login.html. (This information is crucial; we require your response for hotel and food reservations.)
Hotel, Meals & Transportation Information
Conference Hotel
We will send a follow-up email shortly with details about the conference hotel(s) and assist participants with hotel reservations. Room rates are estimated at USD 70–150 per night ,(final rates are subject to hotel confirmation).
Complimentary Meals & Refreshments
(to Your Hotel / the Venue)
We will send a follow-up email shortly with details about the conference hotel(s) and assist participants with hotel reservations. Room rates are estimated at USD 70–150 per night ,(final rates are subject to hotel confirmation).
Complimentary Meals & Refreshments
- Lunch on June 6 and June 7
- Welcome Dinner on the evening of June 6
- Lunch on June 8 (for participants who have registered for the optional event)
- Coffee and refreshments will be provided during morning coffee time, breaks, and networking meeting
- Fly directly to Macau and arrive at Macau International Airport (MFM).
- Take a ferry from Hong Kong or Shenzhen to Macau. A commonly used arrival terminal is the Taipa Ferry Terminal.
- Travel to Zhuhai first, then enter Macau via a border crossing (a common route for travelers from China’s Mainland). You can fly into Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH)or take the high-speed rail to Zhuhai Railway Station or Hengqin Railway Station, then walk across the border.
(to Your Hotel / the Venue)
- Public buses. Macau has a comprehensive and affordable bus network. Fares can be paid by cash or Macau Pass; in many cases, you may also use the Alipay code to pay fares.
- Taxis. If you are short on time or your destination is not easily accessible by public transport, taxis is an alternative. Lines may be longer during peak hours, so please allow extra time.
Invitation for Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships at the APISWEA International conference offers a unique opportunity for exposure and leadership among individuals, schools, and organizations across API countries. Your sponsorship will play a vital role in covering various expenses related to organizing the conference, speaker fees, promotional materials, and other logistical arrangements. With your generous support, we will create a platform for scholars, researchers, and professionals from around the world to engage in meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.
As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer the following benefits:
As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer the following benefits:
- Inclusion of your organization as a sponsor in all conference materials, including the official program, website, banners, posters, and promotional materials.
- Logo placement prominently on all conference materials and acknowledgment in press releases related to the event.
- Provide advertising space in the conference handbook to promote your organization.
- One complimentary table booth position available during the conference.
Please contact Dr. Peter Szto ([email protected]) and Dr. Donghang Zhang ([email protected]) for more information on these opportunities.
Contact
For all your queries, please write to: [email protected]
You may also contact the Conference Organizing Committee directly:
The final conference schedules and handbook will be released in mid-May and will be posted on:
You may also contact the Conference Organizing Committee directly:
- Dr. Peter Szto, APISWEA President and 2026 Conference Chair (General inquiries and APISWEA affairs): [email protected]
- Dr. Donghang ‘Josh’ Zhang, 2026 Conference Coordinator (General inquiries, academic affairs, academic collaboration, and conference sponsorship): [email protected]
- Ms. Jenny Lok, 2026 Conference Coordinator (General inquiries, local affairs, institutional partnerships, and conference sponsorship): [email protected]
- Ms. Binbin Wang (Abstract submission, registration, website technical support, and promotion): [email protected]
- APISWEA Official Website: https://apiswea.weebly.com
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Official Website (City University of Macau): https://fhw.cityu.edu.mo/home
- Faculty of Health and Wellness WeChat Official Account (City University of Macau): @澳城大FHW
- Xiaohongshu (RED) Account (City University of Macau): @CityU-大健康
- Dawning Counseling WeChat Official Account: @道寧咨詢
The final conference schedules and handbook will be released in mid-May and will be posted on:
- APISWEA website: https://apiswea.weebly.com/2026-macau-conference.html
- Host institution website: https://fhw.cityu.edu.mo/2026APISWEA
- Host institution’s social media platforms
Sponsors and Supporting Organizations
