Symposium on Social and Emotional Learning and Positive Youth Development in Chinese Societies

APSS hosted a one-day symposium on 20 March 2025, titled "Fostering Social and Emotional Learning and Promoting Positive Youth Development in Chinese Societies", funded by the Yuen Grant of the University of Chicago. The event gathered scholars, practitioners, and community members to explore innovative research and approaches to Social and Emotional learning (SEL) and Positive Youth Development (PYD). The day began with opening remarks by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology. The keynote sessions featured ground breaking research on SEL advancements in rural China, presented by Prof. Curtis MCMILLEN and Ms. Linyun FU from the University of Chicago, alongside insights from Ms. Zhen ZHANG and Ms. Lihuang SHAO of the RICI Foundation on community-based SEL programme development. Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, showcased the PATHS programme, a school-based PYD project in Hong Kong, highlighting its impact on youth development. The presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A session, allowing participants to delve deeper into the findings. In the afternoon session of the symposium, a series of presentations highlighted the impactful research of Prof. Juyeon LEE, Assistant Professor of the University of Hong Kong, Prof. Julie ZHU and Prof. Diya DOU, Assistant Professors of APSS, and Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS. Their work explored vital topics including teacher social-emotional competence, family resilience, parenting practices, and adolescent development – offering valuable insights into the dynamics shaping youth and family well-being. The symposium concluded with Prof. McMillen's remarks emphasising the importance of continued collaboration in advancing social-emotional learning (SEL) and positive youth development (PYD) across diverse populations. The event left participants inspired to translate these insights into meaningful actions that support youth well-being in Chinese societies and beyond.

Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024/25

Our Department is proud to announce that Miss Cho Man FONG, a Year 4 student from the BA (Hons) in Social Work, was awarded both the Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024/25. The Presentation Ceremony was held on 3 April 2025 at Hotel ICON. Congratulations to Miss FONG on her remarkable achievement!   Reflecting on the honour of receiving two prestigious Awards, Miss FONG shared:   “Adolescence is a critical period in growing up, yet it is not always easy to get through. I clearly know this because I have faced many challenges during that time as well. Fortunately, there was a school social worker who supported me throughout the challenges that I faced. As a former service user, I recognise the profound impact that social workers can have on students. Since then, I have cultivated an interest in social work. After getting into PolyU, my passion for social work was further deepened during the field placement … During my field placement at an agency serving sexual minorities in Hong Kong, I utilised my leadership skills to engage participants and build meaningful relationships. As a facilitator and mediator, I coordinated volunteer activities, resolved disagreements among participants, and encouraged productive discussions. Additionally, I served as a volunteer with The Samaritan Befrienders, providing online support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts … After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a school social worker, inspired by the support I received from the school social worker during my challenging adolescence. These two Awards strengthen my confidence to guide and empower youth, particularly those facing confusion and difficulties during their formative period. Ultimately, I aspire to inspire others as I was inspired, embodying the values of empathy, resilience, and dedication.” 

Kicking Off PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025

On 22 March 2025, APSS hosted the Opening Ceremony and Workshop One for the PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025. Over 130 secondary school students and their teachers attended the event. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, delivered a welcome speech, encouraging young people to drive innovation and technology for social good.   The event featured two dynamic guest speakers, Mr. Justin CHAN, COO of CLAIRE Clinical AI Research Limited and Ms. Rosie CHAN, Founder of JAPJAP Zero Waste Limited, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys in promoting well-being and effective waste management. Their stories sparked curiosity and motivation among the students. Additionally, two talented APSS students majoring in Social Work, Miss Wing Ki LEUNG and Miss Ka Yiu CHAN, showcased their innovative App that designed to improve sleep quality for those who are struggling with sleep problems.   The students eagerly engaged with the speakers, asking questions and exchanging ideas, making the event a vibrant hub of learning and inspiration.   Stay tuned for more updates as these young minds continue to ignite social change! We know they can make a difference in the society which they live and care!

International Talk on Narrative Identity and Resilience Among Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care

APSS held a highly anticipated international talk entitled "Making Sense of the Senseless and Finding Identity in Difficult Lives" on 19 March 2025. This talk featured an esteemed speaker Prof. Curtis MCMILLEN, David Mary Winton Green Professor at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago.   In his captivating presentation, Prof. MCMILLEN presented the findings from a qualitative interview study that used narrative identity theory to explore how emerging adults construct useful life stories and identities from exceptionally difficult circumstances.   The talk was moderated by Prof. Lu YU, Associate Professor and Associate Head in APSS; and concluded by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology. The event not only fostered an engaging discussion but also left attendees with profound insights into the complexities of narrative identity and the resilience of emerging adults formerly in foster care.

APSS Active Participation in Social Work Day 2025

On 18 March 2025, APSS colleagues, alumni, and students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work (BASW) participated in the Kick-off Ceremony of “With You Along the Way” (「同途有你」), organised by the Hong Kong Social Workers Association and various social work training institutes in Hong Kong. The theme of this year is "Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing," which highlights the importance of caring for and respecting each generation to build caring societies, sustain the environment, and share wisdom for a better future.   During the ceremony, our BASW year-4 student, Ms. Kelly TAM, received a flag presentation from the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Chris Yuk-han SUN, JP, while Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS and Programme Leader of BASW, accepted a certificate of appreciation from the Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Edward Wing-hang TO, JP.   Students also met with two alumni, including Ms. Yvonne CHAK, Director of Hong Kong Christian Service and outstanding APSS alumna of 2023, and Ms. Emily LEE, Deputy Chief Executive of Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, to gain insights into the development of social services in Hong Kong.   Additionally, an agency visit to The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong (ELCHK) Multidisciplinary Outreaching Support Team was arranged, where our alumna, Ms. Allen LAM, Service Director of ELCHK, shared her inspiring journey as a social worker. 

HKMFTA Annual Conference 2024-25 Successfully Concludes at PolyU, Highlighting Youth Mental Health and Collaboration

The Hong Kong Marriage and Family Therapy Association (HKMFTA) Annual Conference 2024-25 concluded successfully at the PolyU campus on 15-16 March 2025. The event, themed "Hong Kong Families, Schools and Community Collaboration: Joining Hands to Promote the Mental Health of Our Younger Generation," addressed youth mental health issues.   The two-day conference featured four keynote speeches, twelve workshops, and two symposiums on nurturing and maintaining youth mental health and family resilience. The HKMFTA Research Committee also presented the research results on how the school clinical practitioners facilitate the school-family-community collaboration to help students with mental health challenges.   Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, emphasised that safeguarding youth mental health is a collective societal responsibility. As a supporting organisation, APSS is proud to have contributed to this significant event, aligning with its commitment to youth mental health and support.   Online coverage: Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3DNaHD5 Line Today - https://polyu.me/3FuQX7T Oriental Daily: Link

APSSGA's Movie Screening and Fundraising Event

On 8 March 2025, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) successfully organised a Movie Screening and Fundraising event. The event, which also included a ‘Director Sharing Session’, was held at Premiere Elements. About 100 APSS alumni, students, and colleagues came together to watch the movie “The Way We Talk” which received seven nominations in the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, and the main female character won the Best Leading Actress in the 61st Golden Horse Awards for her role.   After watching the movie, its director, Mr Adam Sau Ping WONG, joined us to share about the background and preparation to produce this remarkable movie which was very received.   All proceeds from this fundraising event will go to the APSSGA Hardship Fund (APSSGA Award). The Award is established to support APSS students with financial difficulties. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who generously donated to this meaningful cause.   Donations to the APSSGA Award can be made at the following website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/about-apss/giving-to-apss/

APSS Students Meet with the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of Hong Kong

About 20 APSS students participated in an enriching outside classroom learning activity on 18 February 2025.  Organised by the LegCo Secretariat under the “Meeting with Members of the Legislative Council” programme, the activity included a tour of the LegCo Complex and an interactive session with Hon Andrew Kwan-yuen LEUNG, the President of the LegCo. The students showed enthusiasm about current affairs and seized the chance to raise questions with the LegCo President on various burning social issues, including youth development, education, economic development and aging. This experience provided students with a valuable platform to relate theoretical knowledge learnt in classroom with real-world governance and policymaking, thereby deepening their understanding of Hong Kong’s legislative processes. Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4hEuPpF Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4k2r3rA Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3EDyhSI Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3EGAcWV Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3D84tx7 HK01 - https://polyu.me/3Qpb8Ge

Seminar on Social Policy Education and Publishing Workshop

The Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship of APSS hosted two sessions delivered by Dr Ruby CHAU, Associate Professor in Public and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham and Editor of Social Policy and Society, on 19 February 2025. Both sessions were moderated by Prof. Iris LO, Assistant Professor of APSS.   Seminar on Social Policy Education: Challenges and Opportunities in the UK and Beyond   Drawing on the concept of international public and merit goods, Dr CHAU illustrated the opportunities for social policy education in the UK and beyond to pursue social justice and social equality.   Publishing Workshop in a Q1 Journal – An Interactive Session with the Editor of Social Policy and Society   Dr CHAU also held an interactive workshop on publishing in Social Policy and Society, a world-leading Q1 journal in the field of social policy. She shared her insights on the journal’s aims and scope, peer review process, and strategies for increasing chances of publication in an academic journal.   For more details about the journal: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/social-policy-and-society

Long Service Awards 2024

The Department of Applied Social Sciences extends sincere gratitude to Long Service Awards 2024 recipients for their unwavering dedication. They have demonstrated years of hard work, commitment, and passion, while earning the utmost respect from peers. Each esteemed colleague has significantly contributed to the successful development of the Department. 13 colleagues are honoured with the Long Service Award 2024, served from 5 to 35 years. They are: (In alphabetical order of surname) Dr Yammy CHAK Ms Rebecca CHAN Ms Fanny CHENG Ms Ella CHOW Ms Winnie FUNG Ms Jasmin HE  Miss Phoebe LEUNG Ms Lilian LEUNG  Dr Siu Wai LIT  Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK Ms Emily SIU Ms Winnie WONG Dr Lu YU  Congratulations to all the recipients!  It is with great pride and appreciation that their achievements inspire and motivate a supportive Department environment, and we look forward to celebrating future successes together!