Welcome Message

It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I welcome you to the 2026 Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists (HKAST) Convention. This landmark event, to be held at The University of Hong Kong, not only marks our first-ever large-scale convention on speech-language pathology in Hong Kong, but also celebrates the remarkable 45-year journey of HKAST in advancing the local profession of speech-language therapy.

Honoring 45 years of achievement, HKAST has evolved from a humble community of dedicated professionals into a dynamic organization dedicated to excellence in practice, education, and research. This convention offers a unique platform for speech-language therapists, audiologists, educators, researchers, students, and allied professionals from around the world to come together, share innovative ideas, and forge meaningful collaborations.

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our four distinguished local universities—The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University—whose partnership underscores our collective commitment to advancing standards and knowledge in speech-language therapy.

As we gather in this exciting milestone year, let us embrace the spirit of connection, curiosity, and inspiration. I am confident that the insights gained and relationships built during this conference will propel our profession forward and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

May the 2026 HKAST Convention spark new ideas, promote collaboration, and create lasting memories. To our guests, friends, and colleagues both locally and internationally, I eagerly look forward to connecting with you all in Hong Kong.

It is a heartfelt pleasure to welcome you to the HKAST Convention 2026. This year is especially meaningful, as we gather not only for our first-ever convention of this scale, but also to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists (HKAST). Over the past 45 years, HKAST has grown from a small professional community into a vibrant organization representing speech therapists across Hong Kong and beyond. This convention marks a new chapter in our journey—bringing together distinguished scholars, clinicians, educators, and students from different regions, disciplines, and service settings.

We are deeply grateful for the strong support of our four local universities—The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Their collaboration highlights our shared vision to advance professional standards, research, and education in speech therapy.

Most importantly, this event is a celebration of connection. It is a time to exchange ideas, share experiences, and inspire one another as we continue to shape the future of our profession.

On behalf of the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists and the organizing committee, thank you for joining us in this milestone year. May the HKAST Convention 2026 be a meaningful and memorable experience for us all.

Warmest regards,
Jody Lam
President, HKAST
Co-Chair, 2026 HKAST Convention