Collaborative Discussions
Engage in dynamic dialogues to foster innovative ideas and enhance your expertise.
Expert Insights
Gain valuable insights from leading scholars to shape the future of university language education together.
Interactive Sessions
Collaborate with peers to gain practical skills and effective strategies through a variety of engaging sessions.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with a vibrant community of language professionals to share ideas and explore innovations.
Keynote Speakers
Professor Christine Goh
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Professor Ken Hyland
University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
Professor Kay O’Halloran
University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
Professor Xiaofei Lu
Pennsylvania State University, United States
Programme
Registration
Opening Ceremony
Keynote: Professor Ken Hyland
Parallel Sessions
Tea Break
Parallel Sessions
Lunch; Poster Sessions; Campus Tour
Parallel Sessions
Tea Break
Parallel Sessions
Keynote: Professor Kay O’Halloran
Welcome Reception
Victoria Harbour Evening Walk
Registration
Keynote: Professor Xiaofei Lu
Parallel Sessions
Tea Break
Parallel Sessions
Lunch; Campus Tour; AHKLC AGM
Keynote: Professor Christine Goh
Parallel Sessions
Tea Break
Keynote Speakers Forum
Closing Ceremony
1st Announcement of the Conference & 1st Call for Proposals
Abstract Submission Deadline
Registration Opens
Final Extension for Abstract Submission Deadline
Notification of Abstract Acceptance
Presenter/Early Bird Registration and Payment Deadline
Notification of Presentation Schedule
Registration and Payment Deadline
CAES Conference 2026 – AHKLC Symposium
Events
Opening Ceremony
Date: 2 June 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 08:30–09:15
Venue: CPD-LG.07-10, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, The University of Hong Kong
Join us as the conference officially opens with inspiring welcome addresses from the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Professor Jay Siegel; the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor David Pomfret; and the Director of CAES, Professor Clive Lee. The ceremony will feature a lively showcase of the conference themes, setting the tone for two days of innovation, exchange, and collaboration. We will wrap up the session with a group photo with our guest speakers, keynote speakers, and conference participants.
HKU Campus Tours
2 Days, 4 Campus Sites
Date: 2 & 3 June 2026 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Time: 13:30-14:05
Venue: HKU Main Campus
Meeting Point: Registration Desk, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, Centennial Campus, HKU
Join us after lunch for a nostalgic glimpse into HKU’s timeless charm!
On Day 1, we will explore the historically iconic Main Building and pass by the revitalized Main Library, the heart of the University’s intellectual life.
On Day 2, we delve into the Edwardian beauty of May Hall and Eliot Hall, two of the University’s oldest buildings. We will discover the heritage and stories preserved within all these red-brick monuments.
Note: Participation is limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Please sign up via the Conference Hub for Participants.
Welcome Reception
Date: 2 June 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 18:30-20:00
Venue: Loke Yew Hall, Main Building, The University of Hong Kong
Unwind and connect with fellow delegates at the Welcome Reception in Loke Yew Hall, located in HKU’s iconic Main Building and celebrated for its stunning neoclassical East–West architectural design. Enjoy an evening of networking, interactive games, and cheerful conversations over drinks and refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to celebrating together.
‘Ding Ding’ Your Way to the Iconic Victoria Harbour: A Tram-Tastic Evening
Date: 2 June 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 20:00-21:30
Venues: HKU to Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry
Meeting Point: Loke Yew Hall, Main Building, HKU
Join us to discover the magic of Hong Kong through this easy walking, tram, and ferry route! This journey begins amidst the century-old red bricks of the University of Hong Kong, winding down through the nostalgic Whitty Street Tram Depot and the revitalized Central Market. We will cap off the night with a quintessential cross-harbor trip on the Star Ferry and a cozy walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
Note:
a) This itinerary may be subject to minor changes in the event of inclement weather.
b) This is a self-funded route (commuting cost under HK$10); payment by Octopus or credit card is accepted.
c) Participation is limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Please sign up via the Conference Hub for Participants.
Keynote Speakers Forum
The Future of Innovation in Language Education: Advancing Pedagogy, Practice and Research
Date: 3 June 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 17:15-18:05
Venue: CPD-LG.07-10, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, The University of Hong Kong
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| Professor Christine Goh (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) |
Professor Ken Hyland (University of East Anglia, United Kingdom) |
Professor Kay O’Halloran (University of Liverpool, United Kingdom) |
Professor Xiaofei Lu (Pennsylvania State University, United States) |
Join our keynote speakers in a dynamic closing forum that brings together the conference’s most compelling ideas, challenges, and future possibilities. Drawing on insights from across the two-day programme, this session highlights how innovation can shape pedagogy, practice, and research, while offering practical directions for the future of language education—an inspiring finale to the conference.
Closing Ceremony
Date: 3 June 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 18:05-18:30
Venue: CPD-LG.07-10, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, The University of Hong Kong
Immediately following the Keynote Speakers Forum, we will bring the conference to a joyful close, we will revisit highlights through a special video montage capturing the most memorable moments. Participants are then invited to take part in sharing their visions for future innovations and emerging trends. The Conference Chair, Dr Lillian Wong, will conclude the conference with festive reflections and heartfelt thanks to all who make the conference a success.
Location
Yuet Ming Auditorium
Meng Wah Complex
The Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre
The venue of the Conference is The Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, located at HKU’s Centennial Campus where the Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) and the Faculty of Arts are based. The venue is directly accessible by Mass Transit Railway (MTR) – HKU Station Exit C.
(Click to enlarge the Floor Plan)
HKU Campus
The Conference is held at HKU’s newer Centennial Campus connected to the Main Campus. Modern architecture and historic buildings, including the original 1912 Main Building, are part of our vibrant campus community that awaits your exploration.
CAES Conference 2026 Partner Hotels
(listed below in the order of their distance from HKU, all along the MTR Island Line)
Hotel Jen sits in a lively local neighborhood in Western District, right beside the HKU MTR Station, offering convenient access to the HKU campus and the rest of the city. CLICK HERE to register.
Courtyard by Marriott sits near the harbourfront in a quieter part of Shek Tong Tsui, with easy access to local trams and the Central & Western District Promenade.
ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan is surrounded by traditional dried‑seafood shops and trendy cafés. It is also within walking distance of the Central ferry piers to Macau and the outlying islands.
Hotel Alexandra is in Fortress Hill, a mixed residential-commercial area with cozy cafés, comfy parks, and quick MTR/tram connections to Causeway Bay’s shopping and dining.
The Stellar is located on scenic Chun Yeung Street, North Point, an authentic district where trams pass directly through bustling wet markets. It is also within walking distance of the newly opened East Coast Boardwalk.
[Getting to HKU]
[The University of Hong Kong is easily accessible via public transport. The most convenient way is to take the MTR Island Line to HKU Station (Exit A1). Numerous bus and minibus routes also serve the campus.]
[From Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), you can take the Airport Express train to Hong Kong Station, then transfer to the MTR or a taxi for a short ride to the university.]
Registration
We are excited to welcome you to the conference! To secure your spot, please follow the link below to complete your registration and payment.
Early Bird
Until March 31, 2026
Standard
Until May 11, 2026
- Conference registration will include admission to all presentation sessions, conference materials, tea and lunch, Conference Welcome Reception, networking events and guided visits (sign-up required due to limited spaces).
- Conference registration fee is non-refundable and registration is not transferable to other parties.
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Every endeavor will be made to follow the arrangements printed in our publicity materials. The conference organisers however reserve the right to alter the arrangements without prior notice under unforeseeable circumstances.
- By registering for and participating in the conference, you consent to the organisers recording and using your images and audio/video recordings.
- The conference organisers are not responsible for any loss and/or damage to personal belongings during the conference period.
Get In Touch
Our team is here to help. Reach out with any enquiries about call for proposals, registration or the programme.
Email: conference2026@hku.hk
Phone: +(852) 3917 2004
CAES General Office: Rm 6.60, 6/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
Organising Committee
Programme Sub-Committee: Dr. Clarence Wang, Dr. Sherman Lee
Events Running Sub-Committee: Dr. Derek Chan, Dr. Kevin Pat, Dr. Locky Law
Finance and Registration Sub-Committee: Dr. Patrick Leung, Jessica Hui
Hospitality Sub-Committee: Dr. Greg Wu, Carly Ng
Publicity Sub-Committee: Grace Chang, Serina Chan, Emma Leung, Paul Pan, Denise Wu
Technical Team: Wilson Chow, Benny Wong
Administration Manager: Cathy Wong
Secretary: Ka Chun Leung
Supporting Organisations
