The Asia Leadership Roundtable 2026 (ALR 2026), themed “Taking Stock: Evolving Leadership Research Networks and Impact in Asia,” was successfully held in Hong Kong SAR, China, from 5–6 June 2026. The event was co-hosted by The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (APCLC) and the Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).

Over 60 renowned leadership scholars from around the world participated in the Roundtable, sharing cutting-edge research findings and critically examining emerging issues facing educational leaders in the Asia Pacific and beyond. Participants came from 21 different countries and regions.

The Roundtable commenced with welcoming remarks from Professor Sedat Gümüş, Director of the Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (APCLC), and Professor Zachary Walker, Head of the Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL). Following the welcome, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), delivered an inspiring opening speech. President Lee emphasized the significance of the Roundtable, reinforcing EdUHK’s commitment to serving as a leading hub for educational leadership research in Asia.

The program included keynotes delivered by distinguished scholars who examined the challenges and trajectories of educational leadership across contexts; the need to rethink research methodologies; regional perspectives; and the interplay between leadership, innovation, global shifts, and context. These were complemented by interactive discussion sessions on networking for impactful research and on pathways to building indigenous theories of school leadership in Asia.

On 4 June 2026, participants had the opportunity to join school visits to HKMA David Li Kwok Po College and Maryknoll Convent School, including guided tours and professional dialogues with school leadership teams. Additionally, an optional International Simulation-based Learning for School Leaders (ISLSL) Project meeting was convened by Prof. Philip Hallinger on the morning of 6 June.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all keynote speakers, panelists, facilitators, chairs, and participants for their invaluable contributions that made ALR 2026 a resounding success. The successful organization of ALR 2026, with participation from 21 countries and regions, underscores EdUHK’s leadership in advancing scholarship on school leadership, education policy, and professional development globally.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to future ALR events as we continue to shape the future of educational leadership in Asia and beyond.