2022 PolyU Israel Study Tour

Dr Ben KU, Associate Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network, and Ms Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Development and Partnership) of China and Global Development Network recently led a study tour to Israel. In total, 13 students from the Doctor of Social Work programme and four PhD students from APSS went on the tour to Israel with funding support from Keswick Foundation.    With the main theme of “Social Work of Reconciliation”, the study tour was held from 11th to 21st December 2022. The study tour was conducted in collaboration with Borderless Friendship Foundation from Thailand. The highlight of the tour was the two roundtables at University of Haifa and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The schedule was packed with visits to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), foundations, and cultural centres. For example, they visited Beit HaGefen – an Arab-Jewish cultural centre, Muslala in Haifa, an NGO by artists, residents, and community activists of the Musrara neighborhood in Jerusalem, Kaima Organic Farm, Jerusalem Intercultural Centre, Musalaha – an NGO that teaches, trains and facilitates reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, and the Rossing Centre for Education and Dialogue.   Students cherished the valuable learning experience and inter-cultural exchange. They were actively involved in exchanging views with the locals, NGOs and experienced practitioners, which further consolidated the knowledge they had learnt in class.

Nurturing Junior Researchers to Promote Mental Health among Youngsters in Hong Kong

Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS, and Miss Cynthia LEUNG, Project Assistant of APSS, participated in the Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2022, which was organised by the Global Engagement Office of PolyU. Both led a team of three secondary school students to understand the mental health of young people in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore co-production as a strategy to promote the welling of our youths.   The team was invited to share their research findings with Ms Alice MAK, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Mr Clarence LEUNG, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, and Mr Gordon CHEUNG, Political Assistant to Home and Youth Affairs, in mid-September, 2022. The team also attended an interview for a Commercial Radio Hong Kong programme - Beautiful Sunday (政好星期天) about mental health of local secondary school students on 9 October 2022. [Click here to listen to the radio programme]   APSS is working closely with the Hong Kong Government and non-profit organisations in projects focusing on enhancing provision of integrated health and social services for vulnerable populations, and promoting the career development of young people in Hong Kong.

Workshop Benefiting APSS Colleagues Teaching and Research Development

The Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee (DLTC) organised a workshop on 20 December 2022.CAVE-cum-Studio Device.   We are honoured to invite Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Chair Professor of APSS, and Li and Fung Endowed Professor in Service Leadership Education, to share his illuminating insight and experience on writing and publishing papers on Teaching and Learning; and Dr Rodney CHU, Chairperson of DLTC and Senior Teaching Fellow of APSS, to introduce the CAVE-cum-Studio Device (CSD) that will come into service in January 2023 and demonstrate the use of CSD in the workshop.   We believe that the Learning and Teaching endeavours of the Department will move to a new horizon by employing novel and innovative pedagogical strategies. 

Farewell to APSS Inbound Exchange Students in Semester One of 2022/23

With Semester One of 2022/23 coming to an end, APSS organised a Chinese dim sum ‘Farewell’ lunch gathering for inbound exchange students who are going to return to their home universities soon. The students enjoyed the local cuisine and traditional dim sum delicacies. Many interesting conversations we had over the lunch, with topics including culture, travelling and university life. We are grateful for their presence and involvement in APSS, and we wish them every success in their studies! More cross-cultural activities will be organised in the coming semester. Stay tuned!

Joining Force with the CIIF to Implement Social Capital Development Project in the Community

APSS has been collaborating with The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) on a practice research project “Evaluation as Learning Tools: Practice Research for the PRH Projects" to energise the community and build a caring society. The project’s annual seminar “Practice Research - The Process of Developing Social Capital by Social Workers’ 2022 Conference: Community Work, Recovery and Developmental Orientation in COVID”held on 9 December 2022.   As a note of appreciation, a certificate was presented to Prof. CHUI in the opening session of the CIIF 20th Anniversary Forumby Mr KWAN Chuk-fai, MH, JP, Chairman of CIIF Committee on 14 December 2022. A certificate was presented to Prof. CHUI in the opening session of the Forum by Mr KWAN Chuk-fai, MH, JP, Chairman of CIIF Committee as a note of appreciation.   APSS will continue to support the community through collaborations with the government and NGOs, and strive to educate students who provide compassionate human services to the society.

Enhancing Students’ Overseas Learning Opportunities

APSS always strives to establish mutually enriching collaborations with universities worldwide in order to provide overseas exchange opportunities for our students.  We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Fudan University, China, for student and staff exchange for five years. In addition, APSS has also renewed student exchange agreements with the University of Calgary, Canada, and JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland. We hope that this will enhance students’ overseas learning opportunities, promote well-rounded development, and nurture a global perspective. Apart from the aforementioned universities, many more are available under our student exchange programme.    In 2023/24 academic year, APSS offers 12 exchange institutes for our student's consideration.  The University of Queensland, Australia University of Calgary, Canada Fudan University - 復旦大學, Chinese Mainland Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland [Agreement renewal is in progress]  JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland  The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Nagoya University, Japan National University of Singapore, Singapore Linköping University, Sweden National Taiwan University - 國立臺灣大學, Taiwan University of Birmingham, UK University of Leeds, UK Students who are interested in the exchange programme can contact Ms Beckie Li, our Student Exchange and International Affairs Coordinator, or visit the following websites for more details: APSS Departmental Website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/experience-and-opportunities/current-students/student-exchange/ The Globe Engagement Office:  https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/exchange-and-study-abroad/outgoing-students/semester-exchange/

The Outstanding Students Award Scheme 2022

Ms Wing Kiu LAU (BA (Hons) in Social Work) is selected as the most outstanding student. This award is a testament not only to her outstanding academic accomplishments during her studies in APSS but also to her strong leadership ability, active involvement in extra-curricular activities, substantial community service and exemplary personal merit. Wing Kiu has aptly demonstrated numerous qualities that make this award well-deserved.   On her achievement, Wing Kiu said, “This Award is truly one of my significant milestones in life! My four-year journey at PolyU has been so fruitful and meaningful. Gaining a more reflective understanding of the social work practice and learning extensive theoretical knowledge, I have explored my interests and grown professionally. Besides, I am also very grateful to receive sincere guidance and support from my Departmental staff, mentor, family and friends. They have motivated me to contribute to the best of myself and explore my potential through reaching out to a variety of learning opportunities, including exchange programmes and extracurricular activities. Broadening my perspective on the world and society, I have improved myself to become a more well-rounded and knowledgeable person.” Congratulations to Wing Kiu on her award! 

Launch Ceremony of PReCIT

As part of the University’s 85th Anniversary celebratory events, PolyU hosted the “Forum on Integrating I&T into GBA and the National System cum Launch Ceremony of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT)” on 24 November 2022. About 300 guests, staff members, students, alumni, and leaders from I&T, finance, and academia attended this grand occasion and exchanged views on how Hong Kong can proactively integrate into the Nation’s development plan.   The launch ceremony officially set in motion PReCIT’s endeavour to spearhead interdisciplinary, multisectoral collaboration that answers to the research and policymaking challenges in three areas: Carbon-neutral Cities, Greater Bay Area I&T development, and One Belt and Road Development (with a focus on Southeast Asia). Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, concluded the event with closing remarks. In his talk, Prof. CHUI reiterated the importance of a concerted effort from all sectors of the community to establish and sustain a conducive environment that attracts high-calibre I&T talents to Hong Kong.   For more information about PReCIT’s events, please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/. PolyU Press release: English - https://polyu.me/3GH1MC8; Chinese - https://polyu.me/3OAc3SC   Online coverage: Commercial Radio - https://polyu.me/3Oygc9w Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3XzxBTE Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/3tX3Uy5 Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3EzZAtE Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3GLaOyc Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3tVNl5x Xinhua Net - https://polyu.me/3ADILwr China News Service - https://polyu.me/3i519YR 6do.news - https://polyu.me/3gvKwoK Sina - https://polyu.me/3V4YE7z Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3gsCTQ8 Capital Magazine - https://polyu.me/3GGv9Vg Master Insight - https://polyu.me/3u1U51Q China Daily - https://polyu.me/3GUsSFQ People.com - https://polyu.me/3V9twDN SZNews - https://polyu.me/3EECjqd

Prof. Edward CHAN attended the RGC Award Presentation Ceremony 2023

The Research Grants Council (RGC) held an award presentation ceremony on 7 Nov 2022 to honour 87 academics from the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities for their distinguished research achievements and significant contributions to the higher education sector. Prof. CHAN was awarded the RGC Senior Research Fellow Scheme for his project “Family Polyvictimization and Social Policy Responses in East Asian Societies”.  Prof. CHAN Ko-ling Edward, Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, is the first in the globe to examine family poly-victimisation (FPV), which refers to the co-occurrence of at least three types of family violence. Further coverage was published in Nov 2022, elaborated on Prof Chan’s award-winning research in an interview with am730. He said that the study does not only aim at understanding the issues, but also helps society to prevent family violence and save lives. Online coverage on am730 - https://polyu.me/3TZN5Ns

APSS Celebrates the 85th Anniversary of PolyU with our Alumni!

On 22 November 2022, in celebration of the 85th Anniversary of PolyU, APSS successfully held the Alumni Reunion Luncheon at Hotel ICON. During the Luncheon, our APSS alumni and students, current staff, and former colleagues, shared many great conversations and old memories with one another.   It was a great honor to have Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, kick off the Luncheon by delivering his opening remarks. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, welcomed all alumni, VIPs, student, staff and former colleagues to the event. He also presented the APSS Outstanding Alumni Award 2022 to Mr Charles CHAN, Executive Director of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong, and souvenirs to the Dean of FHSS and our alumni performer.   We are grateful that many former colleagues attended to share the joy of the momentous occasion. Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor of APSS, and Dr Samuel LEUNG, formerly Teaching Fellow, joined the event via Zoom. Mr Alexander KWAN, one of our esteemed former colleagues, attended in-person and greeted our alumni and guests on stage. While enjoying Chinese cuisine, attendees were treated to a fascinating magic show, masterfully performed by our alumni Mr Ivan CHONG who graduated with a BA in Social Policy and Administration, and received First Class Honors, in 2022. He currently runs a start-up company (Magia Entertraining Ltd). Many attendees left with smiles on their faces and cheerful spirits.   We look forward to meeting more alumni and former colleagues in the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the Department of Applied Social Sciences in 2023. Please stay tuned for our upcoming talks and events on the APSS website.   Watch the Luncheon highlighted video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3i5ia0--3Y&feature=youtu.be