Sleepless No More! APSS Year 2 Students' AutoShh Mobile Application Takes the Spotlight!

APSS is very proud to announce that a team of Year 2 students, including Ms Yoyo Ka Yiu CHAN and Ms Teddy Wing Ki LEUNG, from the BA (Hons) Social Work programme were awarded The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (HKD 100,000) in Cohort 3 from an entry made when they were in Year 1.   The student team proactively launched AutoShh, a social project addressing the challenges of insomnia, in August 2024. Combining a mobile application with practical services, AutoShh empowers users to track their sleep quality and medication usage, simplifying follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals. This convenient tool aims to improve communication and support for individuals struggling with insomnia. At the heart of AutoShh is the vision: "No one in Hong Kong should face insomnia alone." The team's practical service fosters a sense of community, reducing the isolation often associated with sleep difficulty.   With the support and professional advice of Dr Raymond TAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS and Programme Leader of BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE), Mr Sik Chung YEUNG, Lecturer of APSS, and Mr Ken CHAU, Project Associate and also an alumnus of APSS, the team demonstrated unwavering dedication. Their hard work ultimately stood out from other teams and in all assessments.   Let’s take this opportunity to congratulate them on receiving this award! AutoShh APP Download: https://autoshhs-app-ci6z.glide.page/

APSS Students Contribute in EAGLE the Adventurers' 2023/24

The Appreciation and Showcase Dinner for EAGLE the Adventurers 2023/24 took place on 18 October 2024. The event was a vibrant celebration of the accomplishments of students involved in the EAGLE the Adventurers programme, which empowers young minds to create impactful social projects.   Two BA (Hons) in Social Work year-4 students, Ms Audrey Tsz Kiu AU and Ms Chinny Ching Yi SIN, carried out their projects in Nepal in May 2024. Both students were recognised for their commitment to understanding community needs in Nepal and their dedication to co-creating social projects alongside the Nepali community.   The evening concluded with a presentation segment where students showcased their learning journeys, aimed at motivating others to engage in meaningful social change.   APSS is proud of undergraduate students who actively participate in out-of-class activities in Hong Kong and beyond!   Well done Audrey and Chinny!!

APSSGA Joined a Friendly Futsal Match in the PolyU Alumni Homecoming 2024

The APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) proudly participated in a friendly futsal match as part of the Alumni Homecoming 2024, organised by the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office (AAO). The APSSGA team not only enjoyed the games but also cherished our friendship and showed good sportsmanship. It was great to see our alumni return, and this event is indeed an excellent opportunity to boost alumni engagement. 

APSSGA Wins the Most Outstanding Fund-raiser Award 2022-2023

On 4 October 2024, the Applied Social Sciences Graduate Association (APSSGA) joined a dinner gathering held by the Federation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Alumni Associations (FHKPUAA). With four former APSSGA chairpersons, Dr Kong YAM (2004-2008; currently Senior Lecturer of APSS), Ms Katy KWONG (2012-2016), Mr Samson CHAM (2016-2020) and Mr Johnny IP (2020-2024) attending alongside the current chairperson, Ms Catherine YEUNG (2024-2026), this was a reunion of five esteemed leaders. This gathering served as a valuable platform for alumni group leaders to share their experience and insight. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the APSSGA for its exceptional contributions, receiving a Distinguished Member Alumni Association Award 2022-2023 for the most outstanding Fund-raiser Award. The event strengthened connections and celebrated the significant impact of APSSGA within the alumni community. Event recap: https://polyu.hk/kUEaO

New Scholarship Awardees Join the MASPSD Programme

APSS is excited to announce the arrival of four talented APSS students who have been awarded scholarships under the National Health Commission's programme (國家衛生健康高端人才獎學金項目). This programme aims to cultivate a group of core talents with profound professional skills, strategic thinking and international vision in priority professional fields, such as medical research, public health (including global health), life sciences and health management. The students, Ms Mingsui LI, Ms Huijun GUO, Ms Jingxue CHEN, and Ms Yilin ZHAO have joined the Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development (MASPSD) at APSS. They all bring a wealth of experience and motivation; having adapted well to their new environment in Hong Kong. They will be supported by a dedicated project associate during their studies, ensuring a rewarding academic journey.   The department wishes these students success in their studies and future endeavours! 

PolyU Information Day 2024

PolyU Information Day 2024 was successfully held on 12 October 2024, featuring two APSS information seminars that were exceptionally well-received by prospective students and their parents. The enthusiasm and interest shown in our Undergraduate programme—BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences (JS3250)—and our Taught Postgraduate Programmes were truly heart-warming.   During the Information Day, prospective students eagerly engaged with our staff and students, asking insightful questions about studying at APSS. They were particularly interested in how our programmes would equip them with the essential knowledge, values, and skills necessary for careers in social work and human services.   To express our gratitude, an appreciation lunch was organised on 15 October 2024 for the student volunteers and academic staff who wholeheartedly supported PolyU Information Day 2024. Their contributions were invaluable in making the event a success.

PolyU Hosts Tin Ka Ping Foundation Donation Ceremony to Support Youth Mental Health Initiatives

PolyU hosted the “Tin Ka Ping Foundation Donation Ceremony” on 26 August 2024 to express our heartfelt gratitude for the Foundation’s unwavering support since 2003. Deeply concerned about the mental well-being of young people, the Foundation has been supporting the PolyU’s P.A.T.H.S. project since 2011.    The current donation for research aims to support three projects led by Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, and other APSS colleagues (Dr Ann LI, Dr Julie ZHU, Dr Diya DOU, Prof. Janet LEUNG and Dr Lu YU) to address mental health issues among teenagers in Hong Kong and Mainland China and promote their holistic development. It benefits primary and secondary schools and supports "service leadership" and “service learning” activities for PolyU and Mainland university students.     The ceremony was officiated by Mr Hing-sin TIN, Chairman of the Tin Ka Ping Foundation, Mr Hay-lap TAI, Vice Chairman, Mr Wing-sin TIN, Director; Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Dr Roy CHUNG, Treasurer of the PolyU Foundation and Honorary Chairman of the University Court. In honour of the tremendous contributions to education by late Dr TIN and the Foundation's support, PolyU has named classroom GH405 the "Tin Ka Ping Children and Youth Development Classroom"   Online coverage: PolyU OIA: https://polyu.hk/wRmvW PolyU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yAS7xWMLRwZb7bnU/

Keswick Foundation Supports Mainland Chinese Students in PolyU’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Programme

The Keswick Foundation has made significant contributions to support mainland Chinese students in the Doctor of Social Work programme. APSS is immensely grateful to receive two gifts from a long-standing supporter: a HK$3,146,000 donation for the 2022 Intake (Round I), and subsequently a HK$3,621,600 donation for the 2024 Intake (Round II). These contributions demonstrate the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students from the mainland. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Keswick Foundation for their generous support to the advancement of social work education and research amongst the mainland Chinese students.

Welcome to New Research Postgraduate Students

The Research Postgraduate Programme (RPg) Orientation took place on 11 September 2024. As the Orientation began, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, delivered an opening speech to incoming students. Dr Christian GREIFFENHAGEN, Associate Professor and Director of RPg Studies of APSS, along with the supervisors welcomed all new research postgraduate students who have just started their journey with us.   As always, our colleagues look forward to helping and witnessing our students achieve and succeed, and wish them all the very best during their time with APSS!

Rolling out the Welcome Mat for Student-Athletes

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) hosted a reception to welcome our student-athletes in late August 2024. During the reception, APSS outlined the resources and services available to student-athletes, ensuring they have the necessary guidance to thrive in both their academic and competitive athletic endeavours.   APSS is committed to supporting the development of our talented student-athletes and facilitating their dual-track growth in sports and academics. Understanding the demanding training schedules and participation in local and international competitions, APSS provides measures such as alternative assessments to replace group projects and extension of assignment deadlines to help student-athletes navigate the challenges of balancing their academic work and athletic competitions.   This gathering marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the incoming student-athletes, and the Department looks forward to witnessing their growth and accomplishments in the years to come. A special APSS souvenir was presented by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of APSS, at the sports centre to the attending student-athletes as a congratulatory gesture for their future success.   List of Incoming APSS Student-Athletes in 2024-2025: Name of Student Secondary School Attended Programme Sports LO Yu Yuet   Shek Lei Catholic Secondary School BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences Handball LOI Hoi Lam   La Salle College Athletics TAI Lok Ming   Lam Tai Fai College Wushu TONG Chi Ming   Lam Tai Fai College Table Tennis YIP Cheuk Man   Diocesan Boys' School Football YIP Chi Kuen Aison   Ying Wa College Handball WONG Lok Wing   Shek Lei Catholic Secondary School BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Handball