Latest News and Achievements of APSS (Mar 2025 issue)
Professor Eric CHUI’s Recent Appointment and Re-appointment
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 (PReCIT), is recently appointed or re-appointed in the following committees:
- Prof. CHUI is appointed as an expert advisor to Tencent WeTech Academy from 2025 to 2028.
- Prof. CHUI is re-appointed as an Honourable Advsior for the year of 2025/26 for Social Services Department of Yan Chai Hospital.
- Prof. CHUI is re-appointed as a member of the Judging Committee for the Investor and Financial Education Programme for Vulnerable Groups 2025-26.
- Prof. CHUI is going to serve as Co-Director of PReCIT at PolyU, in effect from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2028.
Prof. Sylvia CHEN Honoured with Prestigious Roles
Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Assoc. Dean (FHSS), Interim Director of MHRC & Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, has achieved two significant honours.
1. Prof. CHEN has been appointed to the Social Sciences Panel for the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2026, a global initiative promoting world-class research and excellence in Hong Kong’s universities.
2. Prof. CHEN has also been awarded the 《旭茉JESSICA》「成功女性大獎」2025, recognising her outstanding academic achievements and societal contributions. This prestigious award celebrates accomplished women across industries who serve as role models, inspiring future generations with their success and dedication. Previous recipients of the award comprise numerous prominent individuals. (https://jes-network.com/awardee-home?currentAwardYear=2024)
Prof. Elsie YAN Appointed as Standing Member of the Review Committee on Human Resources Decisions (2025–2027)
Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS, has been appointed to a pool of standing members of the Review Committee on Human Resources Decisions for the period from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2027. The Review Committee is responsible for handling appeals against decisions on human resources management-related issues at PolyU.
Project / Grant Awards
Department Secures Over HK$1.55 Million Grant for Research Evaluation
PI: 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
Proposal Title: Evaluation of “Strive and Rise Programme” for the 2025 Cohort (the Third Cohort)
Co-Is:
Prof. Chi Kit NG (Assistant Professor of APSS)
Dr Raymond TAM (Senior Lecturer of APSS)
Dr Kong YAM (Senior Lecturer of APSS)
Funding amount: HK$1,555,750
Project period: 30 April 2024 – 29 April 2025
Project summary: The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the “Strive and Rise Programme” in enhancing the participating mentees’ (1) ability in goal setting, (2) ability in financial planning, (3) interpersonal skills and social network building, (4) self-confidence, (5) self-esteem, (6) resilience, (7) sense of responsibility & empathy, and (8) sense of belonging, which in turn will help them to develop a positive outlook on life, set goals for their future and strive for upward mobility.
Announcement of Awardees for the 2024/25 Postdoc Matching Fund Scheme (First Round)
The 2024/25 PolyU’s Postdoc Matching Fund Scheme (First Round) results have been announced. This prestigious scheme aims to support outstanding postdoctoral researchers by providing funding to advance their academic and research careers. Below are the awardees for this round:
Principal Investigator (PI): Prof. Edward K.L. CHAN, RGC Senior Research Fellow & Chair Professor of Child and Family Welfare
Postdoctoral Fellow: Dr Zaixuan ZHANG
Awarded Amount: HK$390,000.00
Principal Investigator (PI): Prof. Herman LO, Associate Professor of APSS
Postdoctoral Fellow: Dr Jiwen ZHANG
Awarded Amount: HK$389,135.32
Congratulations to the awardees!
Media Reports
(Photo captured from HKCD)
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.
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
Dr Javier PANG Provides Free Music Training to Grassroots Kids
Dr Javier PANG, Lecturer of APSS, was interviewed by Ohpama (under Sing Tao Group) on WeWahMusic, Hong Kong’s first non-governmental organisation that provides free piano classes and music workshops to grassroots kids, co-founded by him in 2011. Dr PANG was honoured with the “Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power” of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024 by the Hong Kong Red Cross for his good deed.
Online coverage:
Ohpama - https://polyu.me/4kbdGFy
Prof. Shixin HUANG on Vital Roles of Personal Care Workers
Prof. Shixin HUANG, Assistant Professor of APSS, penned an article on Ming Pao Daily News about the significance of personal care workers, the most vital manpower that fuels the operation of residential care homes.
Online coverage:
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3QqVEBw
(Photo captured from Sing Tao Daily)
Prof. Eric CHUI on Study of Adolescent Dropouts
A study conducted by the Youth Outreach (YO) estimated that about 3.15% of adolescent students have a potential tendency to drop out among which about 60% are under the age of 15. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the PReCIT and an executive committee member of YO, said in a YO’s press conference on 24 February 2025 that dropping out may be caused by a lack of sense of success, motivation or schools’ resources.
Online coverage:
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4kaTcgn
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/41uvLHz (subscription required)
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3Qv5HWz
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4hQ4pRN
Prof. Eric CHUI was Interviewed on Study of Adolescent Dropouts
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS, Co-Director of the PReCIT and an executive committee member of Youth Outreach (YO), was interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “Open Line Open View” to elaborate the study of adolescent dropouts by YO, as well as the Project Cool Teen youth counselling programme. The programme aims to enhance school dropouts’ learning interest and motivation, improve their problem-solving skills, and equip them with basic life skills.
Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/3CVruDH (1:42:42 - 1:46:58; 1:54:12 - 2:09:36)
(Photo captured from On.cc)
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.
Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/news-and-events/news/2025/hkmfta-annual-conference-2024-25/
Online coverage:
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3DNaHD5
Line Today - https://polyu.me/3FuQX7T
Oriental Daily: Link
.jpeg?h=532&w=800&rev=02a5dcfe046f43ed9dcfd0f3602c2b0e&hash=7FA9B7F0B5500674331017F013A64220)
PolyU Survey Finds Age-Friendly Measures Significantly Boost Seniors’ Spending
A PolyU survey led by Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS and Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, has found that while only a quarter of older consumers are satisfied with senior-friendly measures provided by local businesses, proactive measures aimed at senior consumers could boost their willingness to spend by as much as 146%. Prof. BAI said that age-friendly policies are not just a moral obligation but a strategic economic opportunity.
Online coverage:
i-Cable - https://polyu.me/4hIj80l
CRHK - https://polyu.me/4hHyTom
China Daily - https://polyu.me/4isCxDH
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4hFCfIn
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/42hhPjt
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/422sNt0
am730 - https://polyu.me/4hIdIm8
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/41RVwR7
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4j3lfgp
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4ciIzol
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4iTMlXa
Capital Magazine - https://polyu.me/4hICToG
Business Times - https://polyu.me/420azs3
Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4isEsrT
Line Today - https://polyu.me/4iMQXyi
Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4kXMef6
Jornal Va Kio - https://polyu.me/4kSVnFP
華人頭條 - https://polyu.me/4iFgcDa
(Photo captured from China Philanthropy Times)
Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Presentation Ceremony Successfully Held
The 13th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Presentation Ceremony co-organised by the Department of Sociology at Peking University, the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU and Peking University – PolyU China Social Work Research Centre was held on 22 - 23 March 2025. The awards aim to recognise distinguished social work students, service projects and scholars.
The Lam Woo China Social Work Training and Development Fund was co-founded by the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU and Peking University in 2009 with the support of the Lam Woo Foundation, aiming to nurture social work talents and take forward education and practice of social work in China.
Online coverage:
China Philanthropy Times - https://polyu.me/4iUNaPG
IFENG - https://ishare.ifeng.com/c/s/8i4I71C96Ay
(Photo captured from Sing Tao Daily)
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the PReCIT, and Dr Chili WU, Assistant Director of PReCIT and Principal Research Fellow of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, elaborated on the Centre’s recommendations about the development of the Northern Metropolis in an exclusive interview with Sing Tao Daily.
Online coverage:
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3R7YZGcHeadline Daily – https://polyu.me/4iZrlyB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15fyUMafgo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7315206457916813313/
Talks, Events and Press Conferences
.jpeg?h=545&w=800&rev=3992694149ef4e30940141bbfbe345cd&hash=AFCE7FEBB9217AE7A276244EFA5183BB)
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/QQlAP
.JPG?h=533&w=800&rev=a1e56fb6905843fc866e59676dd29fbd&hash=6E5F87BB208E161734D29EEEFBD71984)
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/JsHGr
.JPG?h=533&w=800&rev=39eee3e83e2047288e12be87495b7a93&hash=DF07479DF2A25204F49605A40FE96B9E)
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/unPmO
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).
Read more: https://polyu.hk/MQeOl
.jpg?h=533&w=800&rev=d9be57011296438e804344f1c23f6aac&hash=90EC0FEFEBA2287B1ED35CF1F6C2283B)
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. The students eagerly engaged with the speakers, asking questions and exchanging ideas, making the event a vibrant hub of learning and inspiration.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/FEcwk
.jpeg?h=600&w=800&rev=d04f77b5b0ba401f83c678036a7e8329&hash=CEC517C25DD0DEE2EE5953C3FF9F7886)
Visiting Bishkek State University named after K. Karasaev (BSU) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Foster Academic Collaboration
On 2 April 2025, Prof. KU Hok Bun, Professor of APSS and Director of the CGDN, and Dr Sui Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Partnership and Development) of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN), visited Bishkek State University (BSU) that is named after K. Karasaev in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The goal of the visit was to discuss future collaboration between PolyU and BSU. A special training session for students and faculty of the Social Work programme was conducted. Furthermore, meetings with university leadership and the administration of the Faculty of Social Psychology were held to discuss joint educational and research projects.
Read more: https://polyucgdn.com/article/283
Students and Alumni Corner
APSS Graduates Association Hosts Engaging Half-Day Tour on Bellflowers and Water Lilies
The APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) hosted a half-day tour focused on the study of bellflowers and water lilies. The event, held on 19 January 2025, attracted participation from 13 alumni and current students. Participants engaged in hands-on activities and discussions about these beautiful plants, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of local flora.
.jpeg?h=600&w=800&rev=75127ba0695a4cb9b1b90b9b42351ab5&hash=31426E3E3F0C7B978CC64C78CAEDEF3A)
APSS Graduates Association Participates in Community Care Day at Jockey Club Yan Chai Hub
On January 18, 2025, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) participated in the Alumni Volunteer Day organised by the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office at the Jockey Club Yan Chai Community Hub (賽馬會「仁濟薈」). This meaningful event focused on visiting residents living in subdivided units and included health check-ups, a session for sharing experiences, and a summarising of the day's activities. The initiative aimed to foster community care and support for those in need.
.jpg?h=533&w=800&rev=52e4040c51d04e309964896197ffef6f&hash=50D69234AF0B3D7F6BA1FFA78F8D32CD)
APSS Alumni Celebrate Unity and Joy at Chinese New Year Basin Feast 2025
On 15 February 2025, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) successfully organised a memorable "Chinese New Year Basin Feast" (the Feast) at PolyU Alumni Atrium and A core podium. This Feast attracted an impressive turnout of 176 APSS alumni, staff, students and APSS community.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/KwwecWatch the highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGH27ygvz6o
Dr Carl Abelardo T. ANTONIO, who completed his PhD studies on 22 January 2025. He received the Faculty Distinguished Thesis Award of FHSS in recognition of the high quality of his thesis: "In research of an inter-sectoral collaborative model for drug rehabilitation in the Philippines: a case comparison study". Dr ANTONIO is an Associate Professor of Health Administration and Director of the National Graduate Office for the Health Sciences at the University of the Philippines Manila. Congratulations to Dr ANTONIO!
.jpg?h=534&w=800&rev=8073159a44ed4d229f07c54948d564e3&hash=8A01AF649E33131F34501421C55BA7F5)
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/wfnrg
Watch the highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2SUYHxBZg8
.jpeg?h=600&w=800&rev=0ada4939947949d9bba868a00b5e7166&hash=CB4B222137AC0EA01394AAB686BD6C4C)
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 the 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!
Read more: https://polyu.hk/JQkOx
