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.

APSS-led Smart Campus Innovation Project Takes Both Gold Award and Global Education Award at QS Reimagine Awards 2024

PolyU's "Engage, Empower, Excel: Smart Campus Innovation", an interdisciplinary team led by Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS, achieved significant success at the QS Reimagine Education Awards and Conference 2024 in London. His team not only won the Gold Smart Omnichannel Campus Category Award, but also secured the prestigious Global Education Award – the ultimate recognition that celebrates the “champion of champions”. The winning team led by Dr CHU consists of experts from various departments: Dr Hilda CHEUNG, Lecturer of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), Dr Jeffrey HO, Associate Professor of School of Design (SD), Dr Pauli LAI, Lecturer of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Dr Kai-pan MARK, Senior Educational Development Manager of Educational Development Centre (EDC), along with Mr Charles WOO (Project Fellow) and Miss Kathy LAM (Project Assistant), APSS CAVE-cum-Studio Device members. Of 13,000 global submissions to QS Reimagine Awards in 2024, 155 projects were shortlisted, making PolyU's dual achievement—especially the prestigious Global Education Award—an exceptional milestone in education innovation. As the only local institution in Hong Kong to receive a gold award this year, PolyU has made a significant impact, marking a notable moment in this event. Congratulations to Rodney and his team for their great achievement at QS Reimagine Awards 2024.  As always, colleagues at APSS are all committed to providing students with innovative quality teaching at all levels. More details about the project are available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ne1jvUhf-8

Enhancing Capacity Building for Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Educators in the Mainland

Prof. Ben Hok-bun KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN) at PolyU, has successfully secured a donation of HK$ 4,218,150 from the Keswick Foundation to conduct practice research in the Mainland. The details of the project are: PI: Prof. Ben Hok-bun KU Co-PIs:  Prof. Juan CHEN (Professor of APSS, Associate Head, Associate Director of MHRC); Dr Siu Wai LIT (Principal Clinical Associate of APSS); Dr Sui-kan YIP (Assistant Director (Partnership and Development) of CGDN. Project title: Capacity Building for Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Educators in the Chinese Mainland: A Practice Research on Building China DSW Education Funding amount: $4,218,150 Funding scheme: Keswick Foundation Limited (Donation) Project period: 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2027 Project summary: This project aims to help the China DSW programme meet global standards, construct China’s DSW education system, and evaluate the pathway of building China DSW education.   Congratulations to Prof. KU!  Our heartfelt thanks go to the Keswick Foundation for the continued support to the advancement of social work education and research in the Mainland!

Forging Knowledge Exchange and Research Partnership in the Field of Social Sciences: MoU Signing between Shangdong University and PolyU

On 4 December 2024, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) of PolyU and School of Philosophy and Social Development of Shandong University (SDU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic partnerships in the field of social sciences between the two institutions. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS at PolyU, and Mr Xifeng XU, Minister, Officer for the Office for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, and Director of the International Chinese Language Education at SDU. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Prof. Shucai LI, President of SDU, witnessed the signing.  Online coverage: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/H-fmmkZikZHwMtFGfReNWg

International Conference on Chinese Social Work Practice Research Held at Peking University

On 30 November 2024, the international conference titled “Synthesizing Knowledge: Chinese Social Work Practices Research and Its Dialogue with the World” was successfully held at the Peking University, China. The event brought together numerous experts and scholars in social work from both domestic and international backgrounds to discuss the latest advancements and future directions in social work practice research. The conference was co-organised by the Department of Sociology at Peking University, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Peking University - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre, and the China and Global Development Network at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It was jointly supported by UNICEF China Office and the China Association for Social Work Education. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Former Vice-President (Student and Global Affairs) at PolyU and Honorary Professor of APSS, Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Centre Director of China and Global Development Network at PolyU, Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS and Dr Herman LO, Associate Professor of APSS and Co-Centre Director of Professional Practice and Assessment Centre at PolyU delivered remarks and speeches to over 300 participants, including social work educators and students, professionals from social work institutions, and representatives from various sectors across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Argentina, Belgium, the Philippines, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Moldova, the United States, South Africa, Thailand, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The conference fostered rich discussions on integrating social work practices and research, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants from diverse backgrounds. Online coverage: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/yw8MfAJ9Z8QUNbvCbPnyQQ https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-dptuHOLrpQ7gojgSHN5Bw

APSS Welcomes International Delegations in the Fall of 2024

Between October and November 2024, APSS was delighted to receive seven delegations, student groups, and visiting scholars around the world. From knowledge exchanges to academic discussions, APSS is eager to explore collaboration opportunities with these delegates and their institutions.   Photo Visiting schedule 13 October 2024 – 12 November 2024: Visited by Prof. Dr Mohammad Tarikul ISLAM, Professor, Department of Government and Politics, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh (supported by GEO Belt and Road Academic Fellowship Scheme)   24 October 2024: Visited by Dr Maree HIGGINS, Senior Lecturer, Social Work Program Director, Academic Lead of Field Education, School of Social Sciences, Arts Design and Architecture, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia   31 October 2024: Student group visit, Sogang University, Korea     1 November 2024: Student group visit, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Chiang Mai University, Thailand   12 November 2024: Visited by Prof. Patrick O'LEARY, Co-Director of the Disrupting Violence Beacon, Director of Violence Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Australia   15 November 2024: Visited by Dr Weihua LIU, Associate Professor, School of Law, Humanities and Sociology of Wuhan University of Technology, Hubei, the People’s Republic of China   15 November 2024: Visited by Prof. Dr Michael GEBEL (Chair of Methods of Empirical Social Research, Director of the Institute for Sociology, University of Bamberg, Germany) and Prof. Dr Karl-Heinz GERHOLZ (Professor for Business and Human Resource Education, University of Bamberg, Germany)  

Collaborative Agreement and Grand Opening of the Joint Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has announced a collaborative agreement with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan (KazNU) and the opening of the Centre for Sustainable Development on 21 November 2024. This event, held at KazNU, marks a significant step in enhancing international cooperation in social work, social development research, and sustainable tourism research. The agreement was signed by Prof. Hok-bun KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network at PolyU, and Prof. Erkin Ermanovich DUISENOV, Deputy Chairman of the Board and First Vice-Rector of KazNU. The Centre for Sustainable Development aims to conduct interdisciplinary research to address social challenges in Central Asia and beyond. Prof. Ku emphasised the centre's mission to foster international dialogue and establish itself as a leading think tank in global innovation and sustainable development. PolyU anticipates a productive collaboration with KazNU and other partners to advance sustainable tourism initiatives in Central Asia. Other coverage: https://polyucgdn.com/article/258

APSS Entry Scholarship for Self-financed Taught Postgraduate Programmes 2024/25

The APSS Entry Scholarship for Self-financed Taught Postgraduate Programmes is available to outstanding students admitted to taught postgraduate programmes at the master’s level. Awardees are nominated based on admission results and academic achievements. The scholarship offers one-off awards of varying amounts, ranging from HK$10,000 to HK$80,000.   Congratulations to awarded students! Let’s hear what some of them have to say: Ms Zitong TANG Master of Applied Psychology   “I earned my undergraduate degree in the United States at Indiana University (IU) Bloomington. After completing my internship, I realised that there is a huge cultural difference between North America and Asia, especially in a subject like Psychology. So, I decided to come back to Asia to continue my education. Luckily, I found the Master of Applied Psychology programme, which offers courses that interest me and is also not overwhelmingly long. So far, I enjoy most parts of my campus life.”   Ms Cheuk Yui LUI Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs)   “Graduating from the Australian National University (ANU) with a major in Psychology, my current role as a counsellor at a private practice clinic involves assisting psychologists with assessments and providing training to students with special educational needs in various schools.   Recognising that PolyU offers the Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs) programme, which focuses on practical skills and knowledge to support individuals with diverse learning needs, I was eager to apply and further my studies. I believe that this programme will enable me to provide more effective and targeted services to those in need.” Mr Man Nok CHOI Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling   "I hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Although my academic path has been full of challenges, I have persevered and overcome them. As a social worker, I have extensive experience in family services and school support services, and hold various professional certificates. Counselling students with special needs and their caregivers is part of my job. I believe that this course will enhance my theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which ultimately will improve my service quality."     Ms Pui Yin CHAU Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy   “I have been serving in the mental health field for over 10 years, and am currently working as a clinical leader in a mental health service for children and youth. It was my honor to study in the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, which I believe to be a great opportunity to pursue my clinical development. By studying in the programme, I also wish to deepen my clinical practice and develop my knowledge to support clients and their families with mental health challenges.”             Ms Yueting DENG Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology   “I graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. My professional journey includes a significant internship with Haodong Education Technology Company in Dongguan, China. I am also actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, such as serving as a teaching assistant in Psychology courses for over 300 students, Chinese tutoring, and being a mentor for a peer mentor programme. I chose the Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology programme because of its strong focus on real-world applications in education and community contexts, which aligns with my interest in understanding and addressing the psychological needs of diverse populations.”       Ms Peiyi LIU Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development   “After getting the Undergraduate degree in Social Work, I came to PolyU to continue my postgraduate studies. My two prior internships in NGOs cultivated my interest in social development and social policy, and I believe that the Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development programme, at both academic and practical levels, will help me enhance my skills in policy analysis and evaluation while providing me valuable insights into social development.”     Mr Ka Him NG Master of Social Work   “Supporting youth to grow has always been my passion. It has been motivating to me as a Social Work Assistant in youth services since 2015.   The Master of Social Work programme in PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences aligns well with my needs and interests. It helps me comprehend social phenomena at a deeper level through both theories and practice. The programme helped me to utilise my abilities and channel my passion in service.”  

A Delegation from the China Disabled Persons' Federation

On 6 November 2024, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University warmly welcomed the delegation led by Mr Kai CHENG (程凱先生), Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (中國殘疾人聯合會) on campus.   During this meeting, several PolyU colleagues, including Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associated Dean of FHSS, Interim Director of MHRC & Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of APSS, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head & Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology of APSS, Prof. Marco PANG, Head & Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation of RS, Dr Qiaobing WU, Associate Head & Associate Professor of APSS, Prof. Amy FU, Associate Head & Professor of RS, and Dr Jenny HUI, formerly Lecturer of APSS, gave a brief introduction of the latest development of PolyU, FHSS and the two academic departments.   This meeting concluded with insightful discussions, marking a successful engagement between PolyU and the Federation.

PolyU FHSS Congregation 2024: Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Futures

Congratulations to all graduates of the 2023/24 academic year! Over 475 graduates from our Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate programmes gathered on 7 November 2024 for the 30th Congregation of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS). We were joined by the FHSS and APSS communities to celebrate this significant milestone for all of our graduates and our pride in their accomplishments.  Words of appreciation and encouragement echoed through the venue, acknowledging the graduates' hard work and the knowledge they gained during their time at PolyU. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Tsz For LO (Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship) and Miss Corina CHEUNG Pui Ying (Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology) for their inspiring valedictory speeches. Graduates had the opportunity to capture valuable memories with the photography service provided by the APSS Graduates Association. We hope these photographs serve as cherished mementos of their time at PolyU. Once again, congratulations to all graduates on their remarkable accomplishments. May their future be filled with continued success and fulfilment! We commend the following graduates for additionally making the Dean's Honours List: Name Award Title LEUNG Tsz Ying Ivy Bachelor of Arts in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management NGAI Yuk Shing PAN Jianlong TANG Cheuk Yin CHEN Jingqi Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship JIN Shumin LO Tsz For NG Pui Yu SHUM Yuen Ho SONG Wanzi FUNG Wing Chi Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Work HON Sze Wan LAM Maan Fu LEUNG Tsz Ho LEUNG Kai Yip Christopher Master of Applied Psychology ZHEN Mengni CHAN Chi Fung Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs) CHUI Chun Yin HO Wai Yin TAM Sum Yuen YUAN See Wing Vivian CHENG Yick Chee Janet MA in Guidance and Counselling CHAU Yeung CHO Pang Chi Dorcas CHUNG Wing Yan GAO Wujie KWOK Yee Ling LAU Sin Man LYU Qi PAU Sze Wing SHEK Wing Sum TAM Wai Ling WU Jiani CHEUNG Ho Yan MA in School and Community Psychology CHEUNG Pui Ying Corina CHAU Pui Han MA in Social Policy and Social Development HE Yixiao HUANG Rongze KUANG Yinger LIN Siyuan LIN Yaxuan LU Zhenyuan NG Yin Wah SHE Xiyi SO Wing Yee TANG Kaiwei WANG Shenglin WONG Wing Yee WU Yifei YANG Le YI Xinyu ZHANG Siwei CHAN Po Lam MA in Social Work (Family-centred Practice and Family Therapy) CHAN Shun Lai Carol CHEUNG Fung Ping LAI Hoi Yin MAK Hiu Yee NG Wai Him SEE Yun Ning CHOI Yan Yee Master of Social Work HO Chi Wing NG Ching Fung TANG Pui Yin TO Kwok Ho TSANG Hiu Yan WONG Ching Shan WONG Pang Fei WONG Shing Kai YU Tsz Ching