The 18th International Congress of the Asian Planning Schools Association (APSA) will be hosted by the Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong on 28 – 29 November 2026. Founded in August 1993 during the 2nd International Congress of Asian Planning Schools in Hong Kong, organized by Professor Anthony Yeh of the Department of Urban Planning and Design (HKU), APSA has been a leading platform for advancing planning education and research across Asia.  Hosting this prestigious event again after more than three decades marks a significant milestone for the University and the wider urban planning community.

The theme of the 2026 Congress, “Planning Infinite Urban Futures”, reflects the dynamic and uncertain nature of contemporary urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In an era characterized by unprecedented rates of urban growth, particularly across Asian cities, planners face fundamentally new challenges concerning the scale, speed, and scope of urban transformation. As cities grapple with rapid technological transformation, climate change, demographic shifts, and evolving social aspirations, these challenges are not isolated but deeply interconnected – where actions taken to address one issue may generate unforeseen consequences for others. The concept of ‘infinite futures’ recognizes that urban development pathways are neither predetermined nor singular, challenging conventional planning paradigms that have traditionally sought singular ‘optimal’ solutions. Rather, planners must engage with multiple possible trajectories, embracing complexity and fostering adaptive approaches that can respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. This necessitates moving beyond static masterplans towards more flexible, scenario-based thinking that acknowledges fundamental uncertainties about technological change, environmental conditions, and societal preferences.

This Congress seeks to bring together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how planning can navigate this multiplicity of urban futures. We invite critical reflections on how planning theories, methods, and practices can be reimagined to address the interconnected challenges of sustainability, equity, resilience, and livability in an era of profound uncertainty. Through dialogue and knowledge exchange, we aim to cultivate more inclusive, imaginative, and forward-looking approaches to shaping the cities of tomorrow.

Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission

All participants may submit abstracts for presentation at the Congress during 23 March 2026 – 25 May 2026. Abstracts must be original, clearly focused, and concise. We invite submissions under the following tracks:

• AI, automation, and future cities
• Urban analytics and smart cities
• Climate resilience and adaptation
• Social equity and wellbeing
• Rural-urban interface
• Sustainable high-density cities
• Urban ecology and environment
• Healthy cities
• Urban heritage and conservation
• Planning education and pedagogy
• Transportation and infrastructure
• Housing and livability
• Design and place making
• Urban governance
• Urban and regional development

Full Paper Submission (Student Paper Competition Only)

Full paper submission is exclusively for participants entering the Student Paper Competition. The selected abstracts should submit the full paper by 30 September 2026.

Important Dates 

Venue

The conference will be held in Loke Yew Hall, Main Building, The University of Hong Kong.

Organizing Committee

• Professor Shenjing He, Chair
• Professor Anthony Yeh, Co-Chair
• Professor Jiangping Zhou, Paper Review Coordinator
• Professor Creighton Connolly, Coordinator of Tracks Chairs
• Professor Jin Zhu, Programme Coordinator
• Dr Vanessa Lo, Venue and Logistics Coordinator
• Professor Waishan Qiu, Marketing and Outreach Lead
• Ms Kit Tang / Ms Vanessa Chan, Administration Leads

Contact

Congress Secretariat: apsacongress2026@hku.hk