APSS PhD Student Delivered Talks in Leeds and Oxford

Mr Peng WU, a PhD student of APSS, was invited to deliver talks at the University of Leeds and the University of Oxford, sharing insights from his doctoral research. He is supervised by Prof. Hok Bun KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, and Prof. Crystal KWAN, Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services and Associate Professor of APSS.   On 4 December 2024, Peng delivered a talk in a seminar series organised by the Centre for Business Law and Practice at the University of Leeds, which focused on new technologies and research methods in business law. His presentation was titled “Digital Revolution in Rural China: The Rebellion of Commercial Bureaucracy and the Reinvention of the Spirit of Capitalism.”   On 13 January 2025, Peng shared his research with the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford. His talk, titled “Moral Fluidity and Digital Economies: Socio-Economic Transformations in Rural China,” was chaired by Professor Todd Hall, Director of the University of Oxford China Centre.   Peng is currently visiting the University of Oxford, where he is advised by Prof. Rachel MURPHY, Professor of Chinese Development and Society. His visit is supported by the Research Student Attachment Programme at PolyU. He shares, “I am grateful to APSS and my supervisors for their support, who have given me the opportunity to engage with the global academic community. This experience inspires me to pursue my future academic career.”   Online coverage: University of Leeds: https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/law/news/article/2085/new-technologies-and-research-methods-in-business-law-seminar-series-for-early-career-researchers University of Oxford: https://talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/90715242-4749-459c-9953-95e6009d4fab/

APSS Greater Bay Area Study Tour

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised a Greater Bay Area (GBA) study tour for students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management (AASSM) programme from 7 to 10 January 2025. A total of 23 students from the programme participated in this enriching learning experience. Dr Xinxin CAI, Research Assistant Professor of APSS, and Ms Minyuan LI, Project Associate of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, led the study tour to Zhuhai, Foshan, and Guangzhou. The study tour aimed to enhance students' understanding of cross-boundary eldercare policies in the GBA and prepare them for future internships and career development through experiential learning. Students visited the Hengqin Comprehensive Service Centre of the Guangdong Office of the Macao Neighbourhood Association Federation (澳門街坊會聯合總會廣東辦事處橫琴綜合服務中心), a cross-boundary community service centre; Chang Xiang Hui nursing home in Foshan (佛山市暢享薈養老院有限公司), a residential care home for the elderly participating in the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong; Yuexiu Yueluju (廣州越秀悅麓居), a continuing care retirement community; and Yuexiu Haiyiyuan (廣州越秀海頤苑), a high-end urban elderly care complex. Students designed and prepared activities as well as interacted with older adults during the process, which was well-received. The tour provided students with invaluable exposure to diverse real-world eldercare practices, fostered their adaptability in professional settings, and deepened their understanding of cross-boundary eldercare policies and services. In addition to the service-related field trips, the tour included visits to several historical and cultural sites included in the One-Belt-One-Road initiative, enriching students' understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. The students had a fruitful tour, gaining both professional insights and cultural knowledge that will benefit their future development.

PolyU APSS’s Social Sciences Ranked No.68 in the World — Times Higher Education

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) is ranked 68th globally for Social Sciences in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025.  Also, we are very pleased to note that PolyU’s Social Sciences ranks the first in Hong Kong in terms of its “Research Quality” which demonstrates colleagues’ commitment to pursuing excellence and promoting research for social responsibility, leadership and care.   Online coverage: HK01: https://www.hk01.com/article/1096553?utm_source=01appshare&utm_medium=referral THE: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/hong-kong-polytechnic-university PolyU: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/about-polyu/university-ranking/ Kin Liu - https://polyu.me/3E4H001 CCTV - https://polyu.me/4hjn7Rg Xinhua Net - https://polyu.me/4awP5qj People’s Daily - https://polyu.me/42sQyME Australian Chinese Daily - https://polyu.me/42kwM5Q The Chinese Press - https://polyu.me/3PO0gl5 Sina - https://polyu.me/4asDOY2

Year-4 BA (Hons) in Social Work Students Share Insights on Learning and Collaboration

On 10 January 2025, the Excellent Teachers on Teaching Excellence (ETTE) Symposium, one of PolyU’s flagship teaching and learning events, captivated audiences with its theme: “Strategic Planning in Higher Education: Learning and Teaching Perspectives.”   Two student speakers were Miss Audrey Tsz Kiu AU and Miss Chinny Ching Yi SIN, both year-4 BA (Hons) in Social Work students from APSS. Audrey emphasised the importance of resilience and adaptability in learning, noting how applied learning and interdisciplinary collaborations can be used to enhance her ability to address community needs effectively.   Chinny shared how PolyU’s transdisciplinary education and practical opportunities, such as integrated projects and fieldwork placements, prepared her for real-world challenges. Reflecting on her placement experience, she shared how she worked with her service users to navigate complex and ill-defined personal and social problems by using knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom. Both students underscored the significance of hands-on opportunities and experiential learning at PolyU in fostering personal growth and professional competence.   APSS, as always, is proud of the student active participation and encourages students to keep reviewing, analysing and evaluating their personal and professional experience!

Shared Commitment to Children’s Rights and Protection Across the Globe

On 11 January 2025, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), in collaboration with the Department of Children and Youth (Thailand), the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The Social Work Professions Council of Thailand, the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), hosted a seminar on migration, family strengthening and alternative care for children at the MSDHS headquarters in Thailand. This landmark event marked the first initiative following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PolyU and The Social Work Professions Council of Thailand. The partnership aims to enhance the professional development of social workers and child protection practitioners in Thailand. Participants, who are policy-makers, senior social workers and child protection professionals, took part in the exchange of ideas and benefitted from insights shared by esteemed international experts. Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD, Professor of Social Work at the University of Pretoria and the President of IASSW, discussed the needs and challenges of refugees and their children in South Africa. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, delivered a presentation on “Alternative Care for Children,” highlighting innovative approaches to child protection in the context of Hong Kong.  The conference concluded with remarks from Ms Apinya CHOMPHUMATH, Director General of the Department of Children and Youth, MSDHS, who expressed her gratitude to the participants for recognising the contribution of social workers in child protection.  This collaborative reflects the shared commitment between PolyU and global organisations to improve child protection systems and foster regional knowledge exchange.

Happy Retirement 2025

We would like to announce the retirement of Mr Sik Chung YEUNG (Chung sir), Lecturer of APSS, Mr Yim Shek HO (Shek Gor), Clerical Officer of APSS and Ms Fanny CHENG, Executive Officer of APSS, who have all dedicated decades of service to our department. Their unwavering commitment and contributions have been invaluable, and they will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their contributions to APSS and PolyU.  Wishing them all the very best in their new ventures! 

Success Achieved at the 2nd International Conference on ASEAN Social Work and Social Development

The 2nd International Conference of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Social Work and Social Development, themed "Social Work Horizons: Charting the Path with Research and Practice," was successfully convened in Bangkok between 9 and 10 January 2025, attracting over 210 participants from across the ASEAN region. This conference served as a vital platform for exchanging innovative ideas and fostering collaboration on pressing issues such as sustainability, poverty alleviation, elderly care, and youth empowerment. A keynote speech by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, entitled "Safeguarding Vulnerable Children in Hong Kong: The Role of Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting & Innovative Practices in Small Group Homes" emphasised the ongoing need to promote child protection initiatives. The conference began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Durham University, setting the tone for collaboration. It culminated with a separate agreement with The Social Work Professions Council of Thailand, further solidifying partnerships among institutions to enhance collaboration in social work research, training, and practice, and fostering a more integrated approach to addressing social issues in the region. Prof. Ben KU, Director of the China and Global Development Network and Professor at APSS, delivered the closing remarks and emphasised the theme of solidarity and mutual support within ASEAN social work, highlighting the importance of cultivating a culture of love, collaboration, and care. He expressed a vision for ASEAN social work to shine brightly, offering light and hope to the world amidst challenges. Organisers, including the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, ASEAN Training Centre on Social Work and Social Welfare, and Social Work Professions Council of Thailand and Faculty of Political Science of Chulalongkorn University expressed their appreciation for the contributions of participants and speakers, which contributed to the event's success. Participants left inspired and equipped with new knowledge and connections to drive impactful change in their communities. Online Coverage: News on Royal Thai Government website: https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/92207 News on The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security website: https://www.m-society.go.th/news_view.php?nid=41581 News on Social Work Professions Council of Thailand website:  (Conference) https://swpc.or.th/news_detail.php?id=6821 (MoU) https://swpc.or.th/news_detail.php?id=6822 (Child protection workshop) https://swpc.or.th/news_detail.php?id=6823   Thailand Local News: https://pimthaionline.com/?p=105595 https://www.thailandplus.tv/archives/892443  

MoU Signing Ceremony between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Durham University

APSS proudly announces our new partnership with Durham University’s Department of Sociology. This collaboration aims to enhance the field of applied social sciences through shared research initiatives and community engagement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS at PolyU, and Prof. Geetanjali GANGOLI, Head of the Department of Sociology at Durham University. With a significant gathering of social workers, academics, and policymakers, the ceremony took place during the 2nd International Conference of the ASEAN Social Work and Social Development 2025 “Social Work Horizons: Charting the Path with Research and Practice” in Bangkok. This event underscores our global commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in social sciences.

Winter Institute 2024: APSS Partners with Global Universities for Cross-Cultural Social Work Programme

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at The University of Chicago (UoC) and the Department of Sociology at Peking University (PKU), successfully held the Winter Institute 2024. From 9 to 21 December 2024, the programme took place in Hong Kong and Hanoi, Vietnam, hosting 24 postgraduate students and four faculty members from the participating institutions, including Prof. Ben Hok Bun KU (Director of the China and Global Development Network and Professor of APSS), Dr Qiaobing WU (Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS), Prof. Robert CHASKIN (McCormick Foundation Professor and Faculty Director at the University of Chicago), and Prof. Yuegen XIONG (Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Social Policy Research at PKU).   The two-week programme at PolyU, Dr WU, Dr Grace SEO (Associate Professor of APSS), Dr Vincent CHENG (Assistant Professor of APSS), and Mr Vincent YEUNG (Lecturer of APSS), featuring lectures on topics such as cross-border migration, children’s well-being, and poverty. To enhance learning, the programme featured debriefings, discussions, community walks, and field visits. Students also visited the Trapped Experience Center and engaged with refugees. While in Vietnam, they explored social protection services and supported women in the coffee industry.   The Winter Institute concluded with presentations comparing social issues across the U.S., Mainland China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, emphasising diverse approaches to poverty and inequality.

APSS and Goldsmiths Strengthen Ties with MoU Signing Ceremony

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Goldsmiths, University of London (Goldsmiths), held a significant MoU signing ceremony on 18 December 2024 to foster collaboration in social work education and research. On the same day, Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS, was invited to speak at the Goldsmiths Teaching Partner Forum - Global Dialogue on Children’s Social Welfare: A Hong Kong – UK Exchange.   Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of APSS, delivered a talk topic: “Leveraging Innovations in Education and Teaching for Nurturing Competent and Humanistic Social Workers for Tomorrow” to Goldsmith’s students on the following day of the visit. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thank you to our APSS alumna, Dr Carmen YAU, Lecturer in Social Work, Placement Coordinator, and Lead of the Wellbeing Research Unit at Goldsmiths, for supporting the visit in Goldsmiths.   Online coverage: https://www.gold.ac.uk/news/hong-kong-polyu-mou/