Prof. Rachel Murphy Shared Invaluable Insights on Research Assessment Exercise at APSS and RIO Event

On 12 Jan 2024, APSS and Research and Innovation Office (RIO) were very pleased to host Prof. Rachel MURPHY for a talk on the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). In her talk, Prof. MURPHY shared invaluable insights on effective research practices, strategies for writing strong papers, and ways to communicate and demonstrate impact. Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head and Professor of APSS, delivered an opening address and served as the moderator for the event.   Prof. MURPHY serves as Professor of Chinese Development and Society at the University of Oxford. She is the author of The Children of China’s Great Migration (Cambridge University Press, 2020) and many articles in international journals, such as Geoforum and Comparative Education Review. She is a sociologist and the former Research Director of the Oxford School for Global and Area Studies.

APSS Holds a Successful Inaugural International Scholar Talk Series 2023/24 with Prof. Jim Campbell from University College Dublin

On 8 January, 2024, APSS held the first International Scholar Talk 2023/24. Our department was privileged to have Prof. Jim CAMPBELL, Emeritus Professor of Social Work at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, as our distinguished guest speaker. Dr Janet LEUNG, Associate Professor, and Dr Paul Vinod KHIATANI, Research Assistant Professor, from APSS served as the moderator and respondent of the inaugural event respectively.   During the Talk, Prof. CAMPBELL discussed his groundbreaking research on social work and political conflict in Northern Ireland. Also, on the topic of navigating challenges and maintaining social work values, he shared with attendees his valuable experiences as a social work educator and practitioner in conflict and post-conflict Northern Ireland. The Talk was well received by attendees, which included students and faculty members from the PolyU community and beyond.

HKMFTA Annual Conference 2023: Bridging Generations for Individual and Family Wellbeing held at PolyU

The Hong Kong Marriage and Family Therapy Association (HKMFTA) held its annual conference at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 16 and 17 December, 2023. Themed "Bridging Generations: Multigenerational Approaches for Wellbeing," the conference explored the impact of multigenerational dynamics on therapy outcomes and family relationships.   Hosted by the HKMFTA in collaboration with PolyU, the conference featured distinguished keynote speakers. Prof. Monica McGoldrick, an internationally renowned family therapist, presented on "The Genogram Journey: Reconnection and Healing." Prof. McGoldrick  emphasized the importance of understanding systemic family history for effective therapy. Ms. Anita FOK, an advisor to the HKMFTA, discussed "Antidotes to Multigenerational Transmission," exploring patterns of negative behaviour and potential solutions. Prof. Xue BAI, Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies in PolyU’s APSS, addressed "Intergenerational Proactive Coping with Future Care Needs," focusing on challenges and strategies involved in eldercare planning. Dr Cindy TAM, Programme Director of the Asian Academy of Family Therapy (AAFT), shared the challenges that divorced parents and children face in returning to their family of origin.   The conference provided mental health professionals with a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in multigenerational therapy approaches. Through understanding the interplay among past experiences, present struggles, and future challenges, therapists may better support individuals and families on their journeys towards wellbeing.

Winter Institute 2023 – Exploring Poverty and Social Welfare Policies in Hong Kong and Vietnam

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), PolyU, in collaboration with the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at The University of Chicago and the Department of Sociology at Peking University (PKU), successfully conducted the Winter Institute 2023. From 4 to 16 December 2023, the Winter Institute took place in Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. The Winter Institute hosted 24 postgraduate students and four faculty members from the three participating universities, including Prof. Ben KU, Director of China and Global Development Network and Professor of APSS, Dr Qiaobing WU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS, Prof. Robert CHASKIN, the McCormick Foundation Professor and Faculty Director of the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and Prof. Yuegen XIONG, Professor of the Department of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Social Policy Research at  Peking University.   The two-week programme kicked off in PolyU. Following the lectures provided by Dr Vincent CHENG and Mr Vincent YEUNG of APSS, students examined issues of social class, poverty, and inequality from historical and socio-economic perspectives. Enriching the group discussions, students also actively shared relevant observations and experiences from their home countries (i.e., China, the United States of America, and Vietnam).   After Hong Kong, participants travelled together to Vietnam to continue the programme. In Vietnam, students attended lectures provided by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi and the University of Labour and Social Affairs (Campus 2). The lectures focused on social security policies, migration, livelihood changes, and an in-depth exploration of Vietnamese society and cities. Students also witnessed the impactful work of NGOs and social enterprises that focused on, for example, promoting the well-being of disabled individuals, improving the livelihoods of local farmers, and empowering rural women. Furthermore, they engaged with organisations that supported disadvantaged children and took part in a community walk led by local students.   Supported by the tripartite collaboration, the Winter Institute offered an immersive learning experience with lectures, discussions, and site visits in Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. During the Winter Institute, students conducted group seminar presentations, which summarised and compared demographic features and social welfare policies across the three countries. They shared reflections on lectures and the site visits, emphasising the significance of cross-cultural and comparative approaches in addressing poverty and inequality.   Overall, the Winter Institute 2023 exemplifies the successful tripartite collaboration between the participating universities. It deepened students’ understanding of social welfare policies in diverse national and local contexts, and enriched their overall learning experience.

Congratulation to APSS Education and Technology Trailblasers!

APSS is delighted to share the exciting news that Dr Rodney CHU, the Chairperson of the Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee and Senior Lecturer of APSS, has won Silver in the Asia Region at the QS Reimagine Education Award 2023 with his Cave-cum-Studio Device (CSD) Team under the project entitled “Immersive Learning on the Run: Student-Staff Partnership for Technology-Facilitated Ubiquitous Learning” in recognition of their innovative teaching and learning pedagogies. PolyU is the only institution in Hong Kong to have won the award in Asia region across all categories. Known as the “Oscars of Higher Education”, this year the QS Reimagine Education Award attracted a record-breaking 1,200 entries, with 800 exceptional proposals making the longlist. These submissions have been meticulously evaluated by an international jury of eminent academics and professionals, culminating in the selection of the finalists across 17 categories. CSD team members: Dr Rodney CHU Wai Chi, Chairperson of Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee and Senior Lecturer of Department of Applied Social Sciences (Team Leader) Dr MARK Kai Pan, Educational Development Officer, Educational Development Centre Mr Charles WOO, Project Fellow of Department of Applied Social Sciences Mr Edmund LAU, Project Associate of Department of Applied Social Sciences Ms Kathy LAM, Project Assistant of Department of Applied Social Sciences Mr Ivan LEE, Project Assistant of Department of Applied Social Sciences Watch the final submission video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiqvwaShWtg Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/48sUkpf Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/48L32PA Ming Pao: https://polyu.me/3SgBETY PolyU Media Releases - https://polyu.hk/QRJVu Dr CHU submitted another project entitled “Learning beyond Boundaries: Immersive Technology for Student Empowerment” to the Exemplary Teaching and Learning Award of the eLFA2023 event, and the submission was shortlisted and entered the final six of the contention. “Transforming Education via the HiVE initiative of PolyU” project received the EdTech Heroes Award Before the announcement of the QS Reimagine Education Award 2023, Dr Rodney Chu led another cross-departmental team (with HTI, EDC and IC) and won the EdTech Heroes Awards in the Adult Learning Track, presented by Esperanza (薯片叔叔共創社). The team claimed the Grand Award (Higher Education) for showcasing how to make best use of the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) in learning and teaching activities.   “Transforming Education” team members: Dr Rodney CHU Wai Chi, Chairperson of Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee and Senior Lecturer of Department of Applied Social Sciences (Team Leader) Dr Helen LAW Ka Wai, Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Dr Shara LEE Wee Yee, Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Dr MARK Kai Pan, Educational Development Officer, Educational Development Centre Dr Jacky CHUNG Kin-hung, Senior Engineering Manager, Industrial Centre Project Name: Transforming Education: Embrace and Unleash the Power of Student-led Education via Expanding Horizons with compassionate tech-education Online coverage: PolyU Pulse: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/publications/pulse-polyu/issue/202310/achievements/two-polyu-education-technology-projects-receive-edtech-heroes-award?utm_source=polyupulse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=edm_issue_1254 PolyU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02qwcD6i3e6zEXMtrPugUKePNLU5uUBnxN9L85AQupyw8TCTpYriF81MkRyKsd5WW3l&id=100064531760720&mibextid=Nif5oz&paipv=0&eav=AfaSG89iBg3V_wD4vCs9ZcWAGVFr5Yq3cq4dyGRawGEqAga-62PnnIcPuWsv1XYJkN8&_rdr We take pride in APSS Education and Technology pioneers who have collaborated across disciplines to develop innovative tech-driven teaching and learning solutions. Congratulations again to the team members above who made it happen!

Salon on "The Yes-and-No of DSW" and MSW (China) Alumni and PhD Graduates Dinner in Beijing

On 25 November 2023, the Peking University-PolyU China Social Work Research Centre (the Centre) hosted a salon titled "The Yes-and-No of DSW" (社會工作專業博士(DSW)的是與不是). This salon serves as a platform for scholars and experts to understand the vision and operations of the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programme.   Prof. Ben KU, DSW Programme Leader and Professor at APSS, introduced the aims and characteristics of DSW. He explained how the DSW programme differs from the traditional PhD programmes in social work. He also shared the concepts and philosophical framework that underpin the course design of the DSW programme. The salon concluded with a Q&A session, where Prof. KU answered questions from both online and offline participants. The salon attracted about 120 attendees at the Centre and about 3,000 online viewers.   A gathering dinner of The PolyU - PKU Master of Social Work (China) programme and PhD graduates was held in Beijing on the same day to celebrate the achievements and friendships of the alumni. About 50 graduates from different classes of the Master of Social Work (China) programme, PhD graduates and PolyU faculty members, including Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor of APSS and Prof. Ben KU, attended the event. The representatives of each class and PhD graduates made short speeches and expressed their gratitude to PolyU for providing them with quality education and support. The dinner was a success and strengthened the bond between the alumni and the programme.

International Conference Explores Social Work Innovation: Theory and Practice in the New Development Stage

The highly anticipated International Conference on "Social Work Innovation: Theory and Practice in the New Development Stage" was held from 24 November to 25 November 2023 at Peking University, Beijing. The conference serves as a platform for scholars and experts to delve into various aspects of social work innovation.   After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference has made a vibrant return, attracting over a hundred abstracts from 12 countries and regions. Scholars and experts from countries such as Belarus, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Italy, the United States, Thailand, and Vietnam, have come together to share their insights on social work's new era.   The conference received support from esteemed sponsors, including the Si Yuan Foundation and the ZeShan Foundation, and these contributions have made this event possible. The organisers, including the Department of Sociology at Peking University, APSS of PolyU, 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, have worked tirelessly to orchestrate such a successful conference.   Highlighting the conference's intellectual discourse, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, delivered a keynote speech and presentation titled “Fostering Proficiency and Compassion: Innovation in Social Work Education for Transformative Future”. The event, featuring a diverse range of sessions and panels, serves as a dynamic platform for global social work professionals and researchers to engage in knowledge exchange and foster collaboration.   Online coverage：  https://polyucgdn.com/article/198 https://polyu.me/3QXnm8Y  

APSS Project on Digital Social Capital Secures Funding from Community Investment and Inclusion Fund

APSS received funding from Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) for the project titled "Digital Social Capital: Its Formation and Deployment of an Indigenous Framework for Hong Kong Communities", led by Principal Investigator Prof. Ben KU Hok Bun, Professor of APSS.   PI: Prof. Ben KU Hok Bun, Professor of APSS Co-Is: Prof. Yuk Chung CHAN (former Professor of APSS), Dr Denny HO Kwok Leung (Senior Project Fellow of APSS and former Associate Professor of APSS) and Ms Sui Kan YIP (Associate Director of China and Global Development Network) Funding amount: HKD 3,999,000 Project period: 01 Dec 2023 - 30 Nov 2026 Project summary: The project titled “Digital social capital: Its formation and deployment of an indigenous framework for Hong Kong communities project” aims to identify and understand the formation process and features of digital social capital in Hong Kong communities through practice research. Partnering with 10 CIIF funded projects, the project will hold workshops to discuss global and local developments, types and features of digital social capital, and robustly analyse and record its formation process in the Hong kong context. Subsequently, a tentative indigenous practice model will be generated and further modified with 10 CIIF funded projects to guide future project development. Capacity building programmes and conferences will be organised to share and publish findings, as well as to promote cross-sectoral platforms for exchanging practical knowledge and skills on social capital formation.

PReCIT Hosts the Third Consul General Talk Series on Promoting Bangladesh-Hong Kong ICT Partnership

The third Consul General Talk Series was successfully held on 21 November 2023. It was hosted by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), in collaboration with APSS and the Global Engagement Office. In the third Talk Series, Ms Israt Ara, the Consul General of Bangladesh in Hong Kong, gave a talk titled ‘Promoting partnership between Bangladesh and Hong Kong in ICT to create a knowledge-based economy’. Her talk featured contemporary policy discussions in Bangladesh on moving towards a knowledge-based economy, forthcoming advancements in ICT, opportunities for talented students to contribute to the “Smart Bangladesh” vision, and areas for collaboration between Hong Kong and Bangladesh. In the closing speech, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, expressed his sincere gratitude to the esteemed guests for their presence and involvement in the third Consul General Talk Series. He also highlighted the ongoing commitment to knowledge-sharing, and emphasised the need to continue building an inclusive, knowledge-based economy. The event concluded successfully, with takeaway messages on how we can foster a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. 

APSS Entry Scholarship for Self-financed Taught Postgraduate Programme 2023/24

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 they have to say:   Ms Yan Tung Audrey TSE (Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs)) “I completed my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences at The University of Hong Kong in 2021, and I have been working as a school-based speech therapist since then. While providing services targeting the speech, language, and communication needs of students, I hope to acquire more knowledge and practical skills for working with individuals with diverse learning needs.”     Ms Chi Yan Lavender CHAN (Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling) “I work in a counselling and training centre in Hong Kong where I conduct initial screenings for emotionally distressed clients and assist psychologists in providing mental health support services for schools, non-governmental organisations, and companies. In 2022, I graduated from HKU’s Master of Buddhist Counselling programme with Distinction. I chose to pursue a second master’s degree in PolyU’s APSS because of the programme’s highly intensive and closely supervised practicum, which is not commonly found in similar programmes. Given my strong passion to become a professional, empathetic, and skilled counsellor, I believe that I have made the right decision.     Mr Cham Kwan HUNG (Master of Arts in Mental Health) “In 2021, I completed my studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, majoring in Social Work. Currently, I am employed as a secondary school social worker. In my role, I frequently interact with students who experience mental health illnesses and emotional challenges. This experience has highlighted the significance of acquiring mental health knowledge and improving practical skills, which has motivated me to enrol in this programme.”   Ms Pui Ying Corina CHEUNG (Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology) “With my undergraduate studies and first master’s degree focusing on aspects related to Journalism and Communication, I worked as a brand and marketing practitioner after graduation. Psychology-related electives during my previous studies sparked my interest in further pursuing education in this field. The emphasis on “to learn and to apply” at PolyU resonates with me, and I believe that the courses offered in the Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology programme strike a useful balance between theory and application.”   Ms Xinyu YI (Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development) “I graduated from UIC with a degree in Social Work and Social Administration and received the 11th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Award. As I explored my options for further education, I found that the SPSD curriculum in PolyU’s APSS encompasses social development theories, policy analysis, and research methods. The programme also offers diverse activities and opportunities to apply for a Dual Degree Programme with the University of Washington. I firmly believe that this programme will enhance my professional knowledge, practical experience, and broaden my horizons. I am eager to apply for it.”     Mr Shu Sing KWOK (Master of Social Work) “I hold a master’s degree in counselling. Previously, I worked in an integrated service centre and an art company, gaining experience in community service, programme management, and counselling. I am also a shareholder in an IT firm, creating mobile apps and systems to enhance the quality of our daily lives. Over the past decade, I have enjoyed volunteering and participating in community programmes.”