This book brings together a group of active researchers and leading scholars of international social work with a special interest in contemporary issues and developments in Asian & Pacific Island regions. The original works stem from peer-reviewed paper presentations and invited keynote speeches at the APISWEA International Conferences, offering a comprehensive exploration of “state of the art” of Asian Pacific Islander social work research and practice with additional contributions from the broader international community. The manuscripts span diverse clusters, from professionalization and education in social work to emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence in practice, responses to epidemics, and the integration of indigenous perspectives in social work. By addressing critical themes such as localization, community development, and international collaboration, this rare collection provides valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners.

Along with a sister volume entitled Social Work and Social Sciences in the New Era: Cultural Perspectives and Asian Pacific Island Approaches, the book serves as an essential resource for social work professionals, educators, policymakers, and researchers who seek to understand and contribute to the evolving landscape of social work in the Asia-Pacific region. It is particularly beneficial for those involved in shaping the future of social work education, practice, and policy, ensuring that the unique needs and perspectives of diverse communities are effectively addressed. 

Sheying Chen, Ph.D. & MSW (UCLA), is Professor of Public Admin./Social & Health Policy and former Assoc. Provost for Academic Affairs at Pace University in New York, USA. A pioneer in rebuilding social work (1986-1989, SYSU-HKU joint venture), community service (1988, China Civil Affairs Administration lecture series), and public policy (1985-1988, Guangdong Socioeconomic R&D) in China, he is also the founding director of Centers for Social Work Study at Tsinghua University (2016-2019, Beijing-Xiamen). He is the Editor-in-Chief for Springer Nature Series on International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration, and Practice and Co-EIC for Springer Nature Series on International Perspectives on Aging.

Peter Szto, Ph.D., is Professor of Social Work at Azusa Pacific University (previously with the Grace Abbott School of Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha), USA. He worked for 12 years in various inpatient and community mental health settings in Michigan and Philadelphia before entering the academy. His current research involves visualizing social welfare with projects in China, Singapore, and Omaha.

Tuti Alawiyah, MSSW, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Social Welfare Department of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia. She has over 10 years of experience working in health, social services, and non-governmental organizations across various international programs in Indonesia. Her current research includes Islam, spirituality, and social work; adolescent mental health in Indonesia; and non-governmental welfare organizations."