Est. 1991

The Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development (HASALD) is a professional organisation whose members are educators from both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong.

Mission

HASALD educators work in tertiary, secondary or primary institutions or in training institutions. Thus, the Association provides an opportunity for professional networking.

During the academic year, there is an active schedule of monthly presentations from local members and visiting scholars. These monthly presentations may take the form of workshops, research reports, discussion of learning materials, or any topic of interest to the membership.

The main aim of these meetings is to exchange information and discuss current issues in learning and education. The Association hopes to serve as a forum for discussion.

Latest HASALD News & Events

HASALD-Supported Event: The 2026 Hong Kong International Forum on Language AptitudeMay 28, 2026
This three-day international forum is dedicated to exploring the latest frontiers in language aptitude research and its practical applications. Building on over six decades of inquiry into language aptitude theory, testing, and pedagogy (see Wen et al., 2019; Wen et al., 2023), the forum will examine how our understanding of language learning potential is being… Read more: HASALD-Supported Event: The 2026 Hong Kong International Forum on Language Aptitude
Seminar: Mik FanguyMay 12, 2026
The Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development (HASALD) would like to invite you to attend the following seminar: Is more interaction always better in group writing? Evidence participation patterns in Google Docsby Dr Mik Fanguy Online collaborative writing is a widespread learning approach in higher education, but practitioners still ask a basic question: does more interaction… Read more: Seminar: Mik Fanguy
Seminar: Nate Ming CurranApril 17, 2026
The Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development (HASALD) would like to invite you to attend the following seminar: (How much) do students prefer native speaker teachers? Insights from online tutoring platforms (OTPs)by Prof. Nate Ming Curran Online tutoring platforms (OTPs) are digital marketplaces that connect language teachers and language learners for one-off lessons. Because they facilitate… Read more: Seminar: Nate Ming Curran

Current HASALD Committee

President
Dr Mable Chan

Language Centre,
Hong Kong Baptist University

Secretary
Dr Max Diaz

Department of English and Communication,
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Treasurer
Dr Amy Kong

Department of English,
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Constitution

Name

The name of the organisation shall be the Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development (HASALD).

Registered Address

The registered address shall be the work address of the President.

Missions

The missions of the Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development (HASALD) shall be:

To plan, co-ordinate and aid actively in the development of self-access learning in Hong Kong and abroad.
To embrace the interests of members, foster scholar pursuits, promote international connections, and enable collaborative initiatives across language learning centres.

Membership

Membership of the Council shall comprise two groups:
OFFICERS and MEMBERS, all of whom shall have the right to vote.

There shall be two types of members:

Individuals from local language centres and primary and secondary school teachers.
Colleagues from both UGC-funded and non-UGC-funded tertiary institutions.

There shall be three elected officers, including the Treasurer, Secretary, and President, who are registered and concerned members of HASALD. Other non-elected officer positions may be established by the elected officers if deemed necessary.
Officers shall be elected for a three-year term and may make themselves available for re-election after completing three years of service.
Whenever a vacancy shall be deemed to exist, the membership will select by majority vote new Officers, who will serve the unexpired term. The person should be selected from registered and concerned members of HASALD. Candidates for election during the previous election should be given consideration.
In the event of withdrawal from membership, fees will not be refunded, and replacement of the member will not occur until the subsequent AGM. Membership can be ceased by either submitting a written withdrawal or by non-payment of the subscription for 6 months after its due date. Refunds will not be granted under any circumstances.

Elections

An Annual General Meeting of HASALD will be held in August each year, or earlier if deemed necessary by the elected Officers.
During the Annual General Meeting of HASALD, members will elect a new President whose term as President will begin at the conclusion of the meeting.
The HASALD members shall elect the Treasurer and the Secretary from the members.
The appointed Secretary shall perform such duties as customarily appertain to that office. The Secretary shall assume all duties of the President in his/her absence and shall assist the President in the performance of his/her duties.
The appointed Treasurer shall perform such duties as customarily appertain to that office.
HASALD shall publicise that nominations are open for election of Officers.
All nominees shall be members of HASALD.
The election shall be conducted during the Annual General Meeting in August, or earlier if deemed necessary by the elected Officers. Voters may vote once and must be registered members of HASALD.
The Officers shall be responsible for the collection, tabulation and verification of the ballot results.
Following the election, the President shall notify each new Officer of his or her election and the time and place of the next regular meeting. Non-elected candidates shall also be notified.

Meetings

HASALD shall hold its regular meetings at a time and day determined by the members at the previous meeting.
A simple majority vote of the members present is required for approval of each or any proposal before the members.

Amendments

A motion to amend the Constitution must be presented to the members at a regular meeting. If the motion is supported by 2/3 vote this will be brought forward to the next Annual General Meeting.