MoU Signing with Chiang Mai University

On 21 June 2024, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Chiang Mai University (CMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thailand, solidifying our commitment to knowledge exchange, collaboration in service-learning programmes, student exchange initiatives, and joint research projects. The MoU marks a significant milestone for both institutions in establishing a close academic and research partnership.   On the same day, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of APSS, also delivered a talk at CMU on the topic of "Moving Education Forward: Building Sustainable Societies Through Innovation and Technology". The talk emphasised the importance of academic development and innovation in promoting sustainable communities.   Prof. CHUI expresses his sincere gratitude to the K. C. Wong Education Foundation for their invaluable support in making these collaborations possible.

“Bric-a-Brac” Premiere to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse

With the generous support from Lee Hysan Foundation and C.F. & Nancy Tao Foundation (the Foundations), Project “Happy Edward: Preventing Elder abuse and Supporting Abuse Victims” led by Prof. Elsie YAN of APSS produced a 35-minute short film “Bric-a-Brac” to raise public awareness of elder abuse.   The film premiered at the Hong Kong Art Centre on the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June 2024. It was well received by more than 300 audience including LegCo members, Hon So-wai LAM and Dr Hon Chi-yuen TIK, SBS JP, former Secretary for Labour and Welfare Dr Chi-kwong LAW, GBS, JP, and representatives from the Foundations. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of PolyU’s FHSS also attended the premiere screening.     Directed by Ms Yan Yan MAK, “Bric-a-Brac” has won a total of 10 awards including Best Senior Film, Best Actress (Ms Alice FUNG So Bor) and Best Supporting Actor (Mr Eric KOT Man Fai) at the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles and the World Film Festival in Cannes.   APSS welcomes NGOs, schools and concerned parties to submit screening requests at https://www.bricabrac.asia/ to arrange for private screening.   Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOKZNPmbGKk

Eleven Outstanding APSS Students Honoured with Coveted HSBC Scholarships 2023/24

APSS is pleased to announce that eleven APSS students were selected as recipients of coveted HSBC Scholarships. A big congratulations from APSS to the winners for their achievements!   Awardee of HSBC Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) Scholarship 2023/24 Selection criteria: This award prioritises individuals who have a clear career plan, relevant expertise, and a commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the GBA region. Award price: HK$80,000   Hei Man CHIU Year 1, BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences “It is a great honour for me to be awarded the HSBC scholarship. I am excited about the opportunity to expand my horizons and make a positive impact on society.”     Awardee of HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship 2023/24 Selection criteria: The selection is based on academic merit, involvement in extra-curricular activities and community service, as well as financial needs. Other key factors determining the success of nominees include English proficiency, leadership qualities, commitment to service as well as other personal qualities, including the overall potential of the nominees. Award price: HK$50,000   Cheuk Lam LAU Year 2, BA (Hons) in Social Work “Being the recipient of the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship is an immense honour for me. During my studies in APSS, I have had many opportunities to acquire various skills and knowledge in social work, and I have received tremendous support from my teachers and classmates in APSS. I am very grateful to be part of APSS.”     Awardee of HSBC Social Work Scholarship 2023/24 Selection criteria: The selection is based on outstanding academic performance and strong commitment to the betterment of society. Award price: HK$25,000   Man Yuk CHAN Year 2, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “It is my honor to be awarded the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. I would like to thank APSS for providing me with valuable learning experiences that will allow me to become a reflective and skillful helping professional in the future.”   Cho Man FONG Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “This inspiring and humanistic programme has encouraged me to reflect deeply on my personality and the meaning of life, significantly enhancing my self-understanding and confidence. The unwavering support from the faculty has been invaluable, further solidifying my determination and enthusiasm to serve and uplift the community in the future.”   Sze Wan HON Year 4, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “It is a great honor for me to receive this award again, nominated by APSS. Studying social work has been my lifelong passion and dream since 2014. Receiving this prestigious recognition affirms my perseverance on this path. As I am about to graduate, I am committed to doing my best to give back to society and become a good and humane social worker.”   Maan Fu LAM Year 4, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “The past two years have been a rewarding learning experience for me. Not only have I benefited from the practical knowledge gained in the classroom, but I have also greatly appreciated the comprehensive support provided throughout my studies, such as the learning opportunities and the financial support. As a result, I have gained more confidence in exploring the diverse range of social and community services available.”   Ka Hoi LAM Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am deeply honoured to be the recipient of the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. I am passionate about working with maltreated children, and I am grateful that APSS has equipped me with various theories, techniques, and skills in a supportive learning environment. I will seize every opportunity to learn, both inside and outside the classroom, in the local community as well as through outbound exchanges.”   Cheuk Lam LAU Year 2, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “Being the recipient of the HSBC Social Work Scholarship is an immense honour for me. During my studies in APSS, I have had many opportunities to acquire various skills and knowledge in social work, and I have received tremendous support from my teachers and classmates in APSS. I am very grateful to be part of APSS.”   Pui Lam POON Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “It is such an honour to be awarded the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. APSS has provided me with many opportunities to explore and unleash my potential. With this scholarship, I can focus wholeheartedly on studying, developing the knowledge and skills needed to better serve vulnerable communities.”   Yuk Chun TSOI Year 2, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am honoured to be one of the awardees. As a social work student, I am grateful to be part of APSS, as the department provides us with opportunities to engage in active self-reflection and gain fruitful learning experiences.”   Tsz Yan WUN Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “My first year at PolyU has been incredibly enriching. The teaching teams have imparted abundant theoretical knowledge and have also provided practical opportunities for reflection. The insights and experiences gained through APSS have further solidified my interest in academic exploration and studies.”   Unzala Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the HSBC Social Work scholarship after being nominated by APSS. Through their guidance and nurturing, APSS continues to support students, enabling us to reach our full potential, both for ourselves and society.”  

PolyU's APSS and Columbia University's School of Social Work Forge Collaborative Partnership

In a momentous event held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Columbia School of Social Work at Columbia University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave new ground in our collaborative partnership on 14 June 2024.   The ceremony was led by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of APSS, and Prof. Melissa BEGG, Dean of Social Work at the Columbia School of Social Work. Distinguished guests were in attendance to witness the signing.   Prof. Eric CHUI delivered a speech on the significance of this partnership as a milestone in PolyU-Columbia University initiatives and in elevating our research and service to the underprivileged and the marginalised. Dean Melissa BEGG also expressed her excitement about the opportunity to work closely with APSS, highlighting our shared commitment to advancing social work education and practice through this partnership. The ceremony marks the beginning of an extensive collaboration encompassing initiatives, such as research projects, postgraduate student exchanges, undergraduate dual degree programmes, and accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate programmes.   Issues of inequality, climate change, and social exclusion are proving to be the grand challenges of our era and rapidly expanding across borders. We firmly believe that our response in tackling these challenges must also be united without borders. We are thrilled that this MoU takes a significant step towards this objective by placing future generations of scholars into contact with fellow scholars and stakeholders from diverse racial, gender, and class backgrounds.

2024 Departmental Best Teaching Award

The Departmental Best Teaching Award is a prestigious prize within our department that acknowledges and celebrates our fellow colleagues' exemplary commitment and dedication to teaching. In addition to celebrating award recipients’ exceptional contributions, the prize also serves to inspire others and promote a culture of excellence within our department. For the individual and team categories respectively, the following colleagues have won the 2024 Departmental Best Teaching Award:   Individual Awards: Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor Dr Lin NIE, Assistant Professor Mr Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer   Team Award: Dr Lu YU (Co-leader), Associate Head & Associate Professor Prof. Daniel SHEK (Co-leader), AVP(UP), Dean(US) & Chair Professor (APSS) Dr Xiang LI, Assistant Professor Dr Xiaoqin ZHU, Assistant Professor Dr Diya DOU, Assistant Professor Ms Betty MOK, Instructor Ms Mabel CHENG, Instructor   Dr Lu YU and Prof. Daniel SHEK, along with their team, as well as Dr Angel LAI, have been nominated to the Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee to compete for the Faculty Awards/Prizes for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching 2024.   Please join me in congratulating the award recipients. Thank you for your hard work!  

An Inauguration Ceremony on the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training E-platform

On 29 May 2024, in partnership with the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), APSS of PolyU organised an online inauguration ceremony to officially announce and celebrate the opening of the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training e-learning course. The event signifies a significant milestone in the partnership between IASSW and APSS. One year ago, on 3 May 2023, an MoU was signed between IASSW and APSS. After 12 months of preparation, involving the effort of various renowned international scholars from the field, an e-learning course was completed. The e-opening featured a line-up of esteemed speakers from around the world. Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, the President of IASSW, Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD, the incoming President of IASSW, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Chair Professor of APSS, were distinguished speakers at the event. They opened the event, introduced the e-platform, and shared insights about social work education and training. The official announcement of the e-learning course, as well as the event in general, was widely appreciated by over 200 attendees around the world. By bringing together experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, the event fostered a collaborative environment to address both foreseeable and unforeseeable challenges and opportunities in the field of social work education and training. For those who will like to enrol to the modules of the e-platform, please register through the link below: https://tiny.cc/iassw   Related news: https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2024/05/21/iassw-global-standards-for-social-work-education-and-training-e-learning-official-announcement-webinar/

Dual Degree Agreement Signed between PolyU APSS and the University of Warsaw, Poland

In a significant step towards internationalisation and global engagement, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies (WNPiSM) at the University of Warsaw (UW) signed an agreement to establish a dual degree programme. The signing ceremony took place on 24 May 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. This agreement builds upon an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2023 between the two parties to foster strategic cooperation and collaboration. To follow the news about the MoU, please visit the following link: https://polyu.hk/CSxDB.   This partnership aligns with PolyU's Strategic Plan 2019-25, which emphasises the importance of internationalisation and global collaboration. Through the agreement, students enrolled in PolyU’s BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) programme will have the opportunity to study in the University of Warsaw for two years. Upon completing the first cycle of the Social and Public Policy programme at UW and the SPSE programme at PolyU, students will graduate with dual degrees.   This partnership between PolyU APSS and UW WNPiSM is a significant step forward in providing students with a truly global educational experience. It also marks an important milestone in fostering international cooperation and strengthening the academic ties between Hong Kong and Poland.

APSS International Scholars Talk Series: An Insider's Guide to Successful Publication

APSS held an engaging international talk series titled "Writing for Publication: An Insider's Guide to Getting it Right and Getting it Published." This talk featured esteemed guest speaker Prof. Richard INGRAM, URAL (East Asia) and Professor of University of Dundee. Moderated by Dr. Angel LAI and Dr. Camilla LO, both Assistant Professors in APSS, the talk delved into Prof. INGRAM's valuable experience and expertise in the field of social work writing and publishing. Adopting a metanarrative approach, he shared insights into the process, experience, and purpose of writing and publishing in social work. The talk provided practical tips and insider knowledge to aspiring and seasoned writers in the field of social work. Prof. INGRAM's expertise inspired and empowered scholars, researchers, and professionals in their pursuit of successful publication.

Fostering Closer Links with Academic Partners from University of Dundee (Scotland, UK), Naresuan University and Thammasat University (Thailand) and Capital University of Economics and Business (Beijing, China)

APSS was pleased to welcome two distinguished delegations. APSS hosted representatives from the University of Dundee on 19 April 2024, followed by a visit from Naresuan University on 24 April 2024. During these visits, we had the pleasure of exchanging insights on recent advancements in teaching and learning from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Thailand. The two delegations were offered a guided tour of APSS’s teaching facilities, including PolyU’s Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) and our department’s virtual reality studio, the CAVE-cum-Studio Device (CSD). We were also very pleased to welcome students and academic staff from Thammasat University (13 May 2024) and the Capital University of Economics and Business (13 – 19 May 2024). APSS hosted a group of 6 students and academic staff from Thammasat University, who were offered a guided tour of the university campus as well as APSS’s teaching facilities, exhibitions, and one of our research centres (The China and Global Development Network). Additionally, APSS hosted 22 Social Work students and staff from the Capital University of Economics and Business. We were pleased to offer a tour of our university facilities, in addition to NGOs in Hong Kong to engage in a broader discussion about addressing the needs of the underprivileged. The students also had the opportunity to participate in a meet and greet with APSS’s own Social Work students.

APSS Postgraduate Students’ Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship

A start-up, named E-Bridge Elderly Services, has been founded by Mrs. Jianling LIANG (DSW Student) and Mr. Alex Jia ZHUANG (Ph.D. Student). E-Bridge serves as a seamless technological platform that promotes cross-border eldercare between Hong Kong seniors and high-end eldercare homes in Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area. It connects the two groups through 3-D scanning and VR production technology, a senior-friendly website and mobile application, as well as experiential travel. APSS is very proud to learn that this start-up which was initiated by two APSS postgraduate students was awarded the Education⁺ and Social Entrepreneurs (EASE) Fund (HK$150,000) and the Best Social Impact Award from The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) in March 2024. Prior to this, the project received the Micro Fund from PolyU and was selected in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s (HKSTP) Ideation Programme. APSS is committed to nurturing students to become change makers and future leaders in order to make a difference in society.    Congratulations to Jianling and Alex! Both of you make us proud.