Diversity in Career Development Practices
2026 APCDA Hybrid Conference
April 27- May 8
Universiti of Malaya
Kaula Lampur, Malaysia
The Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA) provides an international forum for sharing career development ideas and experiences in the Asia Pacific. The audience will consist of delegates from many Asian countries and regions as well as other parts of the world. The conference provides opportunities for networking, sharing among practitioners, and identifying new resources. Join us online or in-person to share and discover new ideas and visions of the future.
Dates:
- Registration Opening: January 5, 2026
- Scholarships Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Earlybird registration Ends: February 28, 2026
- Awards Deadline: March 10, 2026
- Regular Registration ends: March 31, 2026
2026 Annual Conference will be hosted by the prestigious Universiti of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
As the oldest and most respected university in the country, Universiti of Malaya is an ideal host for our hybrid conference, bringing together thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners in career development from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital city, the university provides a perfect backdrop for meaningful discussions, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. Known for its dynamic economy, multicultural society, and commitment to education, Kuala Lumpur seamlessly blends tradition with innovation—making it a truly inspiring venue.
Visit Melaka after the 2026 APCDA Conference
By Dr. Poh Li Lau
Malacca (Malay: Melaka), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the name of both a state and a city in Malaysia, located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, facing the Strait of Malacca. Today, Melaka is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in history, culture, and food. It is filled with colonial buildings, ancient churches, museums, temples, and traditional shophouses.
SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre provides Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure clients are equipped with necessary skills to live independently and return to work. Each skill training module is comprehensive and suitable for clients who are receiving treatments due to industrial injury or suffering from related illness. With these comprehensive modules, our centre is equipped to cultivate quality trainees on par with ordinary trainees! We will tour this center. (https://www.rehabmalaysia.com/en/vocational. )
After touring the SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre, we will enjoy the sites of the old city. One of the most famous areas is Jonker Street, known for its weekend night market, street food, and antique shops. Tourists also enjoy visiting places like A Famosa, Stadthuys, St. Paul’s Hill, and Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum. Melaka is also famous for its unique Peranakan (Baba Nyonya) culture, which blends Chinese and Malay traditions. This can be seen in its food, fashion, and architecture. Local dishes like Nyonya laksa, chicken rice balls, and cendol are must-tries.
Sites in Melaka
Dutch Square (Red Square) Melaka
The famous place in Melaka is Holland Square. Most of the buildings in the Netherlands are mainly red, so the whole area of the square is mostly red and orange-red buildings. Among them, the famous Red House, which is said to be built in 1650, is the oldest existing Dutch building in the Far East. In the early days, it was a Dutch residence and office, and now it has been changed to the Malacca Museum. The most picturesque points of Malacca and the most prominent buildings of Dutch Square are Stadthuys and Christ Church.
Jonker Street Night Market
The Jonker Street Night Market typically kicks off around 6 PM and runs until late into the night, making it the perfect spot for an evening outing. The best time to visit Jonker Street is on the weekend, especially Friday and Saturday nights, when the market is in full swing, and the atmosphere is electric. Jonker Street Night Market is a leisurely shopping and culinary experience, offering nearly 500 stalls for food, drinks, local handicraft items, packaged snacks, herbs, spices, tea, coffee, jewellery, clothes, accessories, shoes, and chocolates.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is located in Melaka, a world UNESCO Site. The house is a combination of three terrace lots that were acquired by the Chan family in 1861. Four generations lived in the house before it was opened as a museum in March 1985. The museum showcases the local history of descendants of ethnic Chinese-Malays called Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan in the state. Visiting hours from 10.00am to 4.30pm every day.
https://www.babanyonyamuseum.com/
Melaka Straits Mosque
Opened in 2006, this iconic mosque is renowned for its unique design that creates the illusion of floating on water during high tide, offering a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. With its golden dome and breathtaking views of the Strait of Melaka, the mosque presents a unique blend of modern Islamic architecture and traditional Malay craftsmanship.
A’Famosa Fort
A Famosa, which means ‘The Famous’ in Portuguese, is one of the oldest surviving European architecture in Asia. The only remnant that history has spared of this once mighty fortress is the tiny gate called the Porta de Santiago.
Muzium Samudera (Flor de La Mar)
The Maritime Museum in Malacca is a renowned attraction located along the Malacca River, inside a striking replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar, which sank near Malacca in the 16th century. This impressive museum offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime past, showcasing its pivotal role in the spice trade and its connections to various cultures and nations. Inside, exhibits include ship models, old maps, and artifacts that highlight how Malacca flourished as a major trading port, linking East and West.
St Paul’s Church
Situated atop the historical St. Paul’s Hill, St. Paul’s Church is not only the oldest church building in Malaysia but also a revered landmark in Southeast Asia. Established in 1521, the church is a timeless testament to Melaka’s diverse cultural heritage and stands today as part of the Melaka Museum Complex.
Melaka River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing 45-minute Melaka river cruise along Sungai Melaka and witness the city’s vibrant heritage. Explore Melaka’s rich history and contemporary wonders as you journey past some of Melaka’s most stunning landmarks. The Melaka River Cruise operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, welcoming you on board with the option to either bask in the town’s daylight beauty on its day cruises or enjoy the serene views that Melaka has to offer by night.
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