APISWEA International Conference
2026 Macau
Conference
June 5–8, 2026 · Macau, China
Conference Theme
Re-shaping Social Work Practice and Learning
Exploring the future of social work through technology, innovation, and international collaboration.
Conference at a Glance
Date
June 5–8, 2026
Four-day international conference
Location
Macau, China
Asia-Pacific Region
Venue
City University of Macau
Taipa Campus
Exploring AI and Innovation in Social Work
The 2026 International Conference of the Asia-Pacific Islands Social Work Educators Association (APISWEA) brought together scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on social work.
With the theme "AI and Innovation: Re-shaping Social Work Practice and Learning," the conference provided a cross-cultural platform for academic exchange and discussion of professional development, educational innovation, practice transformation, and research collaboration.
Particular attention was given to the challenges and opportunities facing communities in Asia and the Pacific Islands, including how AI and innovation can be integrated into social work in culturally responsive, ethically grounded, and contextually appropriate ways.
Through interdisciplinary and international dialogue, the conference sought to strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning across the global social work community.
Research and Discussion Areas
The conference welcomed qualitative, quantitative, and interdisciplinary research across micro, macro, and policy levels. Fifteen thematic areas guided the conference's scholarly exchange.
AI for Direct Social Work Practice
AI for Social Work Research
AI for Social Work Education and Pedagogy
Innovative Intervention Research
The Arts in Social Work for Asia
Professionalization of Social Work in Asia
Aging and Gerontological Social Work
Children, Youth, and Families
AI and Health and Mental Health Social Work
Leadership, Organizational Management, and Workforce Development
Social Work Collaboration and Exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative
International Dialogue on Social Work in the Asia-Pacific Region
Social Work Practice and Research in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
Indigenous Community Development
Ethics in AI and Innovative Social Work
Workshops and Professional Learning
The conference program included pre- and post-conference training opportunities and hands-on workshops focused on emerging technologies and research development.
AI-Powered Social Work Practice and Education
AI-Assisted Research Grant Proposal Development and Academic Writing
Presentation Formats
The conference call invited a variety of presentation formats to encourage scholarly exchange, interdisciplinary discussion, and collaborative learning.
Hosted in Macau
Taipa Campus
Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira
Taipa, Macau
Located in Macau, the conference venue provided a setting for international academic dialogue and collaboration among social work scholars and practitioners.
Getting to Macau
Conference travel information identified three common routes:
By air:
Macau International Airport (MFM).
By ferry:
Ferry connections from Hong Kong
or Shenzhen.
Via Zhuhai:
Travel to Zhuhai and cross the
border into Macau.
Local transportation options include public buses and taxis.
Abstracts and Conference Participation
Abstract Submission
The original call invited research abstracts of fewer than 500 words. Structured abstracts were preferred, including:
- Background and Purpose
- Methods
- Results
- Conclusions and Implications
Submissions could address changes in individuals, organizations, communities, or policies. Community partners and other research collaborators were welcomed as co-presenters.
Abstract Review Criteria
According to the original conference announcement, submissions were assessed on:
- Relevance to the conference theme
- Clarity of the proposal
- Appropriateness of research methods or conceptual foundations
- Strength of the analytical or theoretical framework
- Significance for social work education, practice, research, and policy
Submission Timeline
First Round
March 1, 2026
Notification: April 6, 2026
Second Round
March 30, 2026
Notification: April 20, 2026
Third Round
April 10, 2026
Notification: April 30, 2026
Special Topic Sessions and Thematic Forums
The original call also invited proposals for special topic sessions and thematic forums.
Sessions were planned for 90 minutes and included a chair or moderator and three to five presenters.
Presenters were required to represent at least two different institutions or organizations.
Conference Resources
Additional information and original conference announcements are available through the following websites.
Original Conference Website
Access the original APISWEA 2026 Macau Conference announcement, including conference information and historical participation details.
View Original WebsiteCity University of Macau
Visit the host institution's conference website for additional information and resources related to the 2026 international conference.
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