Latest News and Achievements of APSS (Jan 2025 issue)
Three Prestigious Appointments of Prof. Sylvia CHEN
Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of APSS, Interim Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), and Director of the Yan Oi Tong Au Suet Ming Child Development Centre, has been appointed as the General Editor of the Cambridge University Press Culture and Psychology Series. This series is dedicated to publishing the best scholarship and research in the emerging interdisciplinary area of culture as it relates to emotion, cognition, and behaviour.
Prof. CHEN, has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Prof. CHEN is the only elected fellow in Hong Kong, and the only Chinese scholar elected in the field of Social & Economic Sciences this year.
Read more:
(Eng): https://polyu.hk/oGKKa
(Chi): https://polyu.hk/LPNne
The University Grants Committee (UGC) Secretariat in Hong Kong has extended an invitation to Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean (FHSS), Interim Director of the MHRC, and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, to continue serving as a member of the Humanities and Social Sciences Panel (H1 Sub-Panel) of the Research Grants Council (RGC) for a new three-year term. This is a highly prestigious role, and our department is deeply honoured to have one of our members again represented on the H1 panel in this new term.
Read more: Humanities and Social Sciences Panel:
https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/membership/hpanel/grf.html
Prof. Eric CHUI Appointed to Two Public Roles
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, is appointed as a co-opted member of Ethics Committee of the Council on Human Reproductive Technology from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.
Read more:
Council on Human Reproductive Technology of Department of Health: https://www.chrt.org.hk/english/aboutus/aboutus_mem_ec.html
He is also re-appointed as a Member of the Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) in Narcotics Division of Security Bureau, for a period of two years with effect from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Read more:
Narcotics Division of Security Bureau: https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/members_t.html
Prof. Crystal KWAN Awarded Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services
The department proudly announces Prof. Crystal KWAN, Associate Professor of APPS, on her appointment as the Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services, effective from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029.
Appointments within PolyU
Prof. Sylvia CHEN has been appointed as a member of Student Discipline Committee (SDC) at PolyU.
Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS, continue to serve on the Faculty Research Committee (HSS) for a term of two years. The new term of office will take effect from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Project / Grant Awards
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”.
Online coverage: https://polyu.me/4fzxkrp
Prof. Yin WU Receives National Award for Research Excellence
Prof. Yin WU, Associate Professor of APSS, has been awarded the 2nd Class Award in the 9th Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award (Humanities and Social Sciences) for Higher Education Institutions (in Chinese: 第九屆高等學校科學研究優秀成果獎(人文社會科學) 二等獎). This prestigious recognition, granted by the Ministry of Education (China), highlights exceptional contributions in the humanities and social sciences field.
Congratulations, Prof. WU!
APSS Faculty Awarded K.C. Wong Belt and Road Fellowship
We are pleased to announce that two APSS faculty members have been awarded the K.C. Wong Belt and Road Visiting Fellowship for 2024.
|
Name and Position |
Host Institution(s) |
Approved Sponsorship (HKD) |
|
Prof. Qiaobing WU, |
National University of Singapore (Singapore) |
$ 51,625.6 |
|
Prof. Anson AU, |
Srinakharinwirot University (Bangkok, Thailand) |
$ 39,180 |
We wish both academics a successful and enriching visit!
Several APSS Colleagues Have Received Grant and Funding Successfully
PI: Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN)
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.
PI: Prof. Herman LO, Associate Professor of APSS
Project title: The Effects of Mindfulness Intervention Programme for Carers of Older People Using Home Care Services
Project period: 15 December 2024 - 31 March 2026
Funding amount: HK$100,000
Funding scheme: Hong Kong Family Welfare Society (Collaborative)
Project summary: This pilot project will develop a mindfulness-based programme that can be delivered in home for caregivers and service users of home care services. The research team will examine the feasibility of this new service model and its outcomes in families experiencing caregiving stress.
PI: Prof. Crystal KWAN, Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services and Associate Professor of APSS
Project title: Evaluating the “Rise Up–Housing and Employability Programme for Persons Experiencing Homelessness”
Project period: 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2026
Funding amount: HK$60,000
Funding scheme: ImpactHK Ltd. (Collaborative)
Project summary: This research evaluates the impacts of the “Rise Up” programme , aimed at aiding persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Hong Kong by enhancing their employability and housing stability. The study seeks to determine the immediate, intermediate, and ultimate effects of the program and the mechanisms driving these impacts. It also explores how participation in the programme can boost health, well-being, and societal reintegration of PEH.
PI: Prof. Jacky NG, Assistant Professor of APSS
Project title: Listening to Children and Youth in Hong Kong Residential Child Care Services: Unpacking the Impact of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes of Child and Youth Voices in Decision-Making on Psychological Health
Project period: 01 January 2025 – 31 December 2026
Funding amount: US$51,303.46
Funding scheme: Chapin Hall, Chicago (Collaborative)
Project summary: This study explores the impact of perceived voices in decision-making on the psychological well-being of children and youth (C&Y) in Hong Kong's Residential Child Care Services (RCCS). It examines how intrapersonal and interpersonal processes, specifically self-esteem and social connectedness, mediate this relationship. Given the developmental challenges faced by C&Y in RCCS, including lower life satisfaction and higher psychological distress, the study hypothesizes that active participation in decision-making can enhance psychological well-being. The findings aim to provide insights into the benefits of youth participation in decision-making, potentially informing policies and practices to improve the psychological health of C&Y in RCCS.
PI: Prof. Jenny CHAN, Associated Professor of APSS
PolyU Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow: Dr Rowan ALCOCK
Project title: Karl Polanyi’s Ecology: China, Eco-Socialism, and the Post-Growth Future
Project period: 2025 to 2027 (24 months)
Funding amount: HK$841,040
Funding scheme: PolyU Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme
Project summary: The research develops re-reading of Karl Polanyi’s core concepts—the double movement and countermovement, and brings these arguments into the contemporary debate on land, labor and environment. The significance of this proposed book-length project is threefold, (1) developing original Polanyian theory, (2) communicating the scientific environmental literature to a wider audience, and (3) bringing China into the post-growth scholarly debate.
PI: Prof. Crystal KWAN, Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services and Associate Professor of APSS
Project title: Evaluating the impact of the “Vera Desai -Pickers’ Link (維拉荻茜–拾連)” on Social Exclusion and Self-Concept of Older Informal Pickers
Project period: 15 February 2025 – 15 February 2027
Funding amount: HK$200,000
Funding scheme: Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (Collaborative Research)
Project summary: From July 2021 to December 2023, the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service - Hong Kong (ELCSS-HK) ran a pilot project aimed at supporting older informal pickers, with the Dr. Kwan evaluating the pilot project’s impacts. Building on its success, ELCHK has launched a new initiative called the Vera Desai - Pickers' Link. This project enhances support for these workers as they approach retirement by connecting them to elderly services for lifestyle and financial planning and improving their work environment. This includes creating picker-friendly neighborhoods, exploring legal parking solutions, and fostering local government partnerships. The project, initially focused on the North District, has now expanded to include Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai. Our evaluation will focus on how these changes impact the social exclusion and self-concept of the pickers, highlighting the key effects of the new initiatives.
PI: Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head, Associate Director of MHRC & Professor of APSS
PolyU Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow: Dr Bo LI, PhD graduate of APSS
Project title: Mapping Adolescent Smoking Trajectories in China: A Social Practice Perspective on Behavioural Transition
Project period: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2027
Funding amount: HK$841,040
Funding scheme: PolyU Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme
Project summary: Adolescent smoking remains a critical global public health challenge, with China representing a particularly concerning scenario. This research seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of smoking behaviours among Chinese adolescents, with particular emphasis on the transition from initial experimentation to habitual smoking. Utilising a life-course qualitative approach grounded in social practice theory, the study will explore how smoking behaviours mature throughout adolescence. Theoretically, this research will enhance our understanding of adolescent smoking by integrating the initiation and persistence of smoking into a cohesive interpretive framework, with a focus on the dynamic, temporal processes involved. Practically, the study’s findings can inform public health interventions and policy initiatives aimed at curbing smoking among Chinese youth. By addressing the complex socio-cultural and psychological factors that drive the development of smoking behaviours, this research has the potential to inspire more effective strategies for preventing and reducing adolescent smoking in China.
PI: Prof. Qiqi CHEN, Assistant Professor of APSS
Project title: Cyberbullying and Mental Health among Children from Disadvantaged Families: Impact Mechanisms and Intervention Strategies
Project period: 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2027
Funding amount: RMB 300,000
Funding scheme: NSFC 國家自然科學基金委員會項目
Project summary:
Cyberbullying is increasingly severe, impacting children's mental health, especially those from disadvantaged families with inadequate supervision. This project aims to evaluate risk factors and mental health outcomes, exploring how parental supervision, family communication, and coping strategies influence these experiences. A population-based survey seeks to understand these children's needs and provide evidence for targeted interventions.
Media Reports
(Photo captured from HK01)
Prof. Crystal KWAN, Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services and Associate Professor of APSS, joined hands with the Society for Community Organization (SoCO) to conduct a survey about health ageing of older people who are still working and teach them photography skills to allow them to showcase their daily lives to the public.
Online coverage:
HK01 - https://polyu.me/4dtRSR2
Media further reported that APSS has joined hands with the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) to organise a photo exhibition where all the photos were taken by grassroots elderly workers. The exhibition aims to showcase a glimpse of the older workers’ lives and raise public awareness of their problems.
Online coverage:
Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/3Y87O5Q
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3NaWXTN
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4dz2gHd
(Photo captured from Wen Wei Po)
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK Visits Ningxia for Academic Exchange
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, shared his insights into psychological health of adolescents with other experts and academics in a seminar held in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on 29 September 2024. He also met with Mr Yong CHEN, Chairman of the CPPCC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee, and exchanged views on establishing a Silk Road international adolescent development centre and launching service-learning programmes in Ningxia.
Online coverage:
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4eOI7OB
華興時報 - https://polyu.me/3Bo1eRf
Sohu - https://polyu.me/3TMkzS8
Prof. Eric CHUI on Juvenile Sex Crimes
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Dr Raymond TAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS, were interviewed by SCMP to share their professional perspectives on the issue of surging juvenile sex crimes.
Online coverage:
SCMP - https://polyu.me/3Nc079D (subscription required)
(Print news: East Week Page 22-23)
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK Commits to Fostering Students
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, was interviewed by East Week on his contribution to the city’s development of young people and family welfare as well as fostering students’ EQ and leadership through liberal studies.
Read the printed news: https://polyu.hk/KvOGQ
(Photo captured from SingTao Website)
Prof. Edward CHAN, RGC Senior Research Fellow & Chair Professor of Child and Family Welfare, shared his insights into the existing policies on child welfare and the Central Databank on Children in an interview with Sing Tao Daily.
Online coverage: https://polyu.me/4f8P0dL
(Photo captured from MSAA’s Facebook)
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, delivered a keynote speech on cultivating university students’ happiness and sense of purpose in a seminar recently organised by Macau Student Affairs Association (MSAA).
Online coverage: https://polyu.me/402BJ20
Prof. Jenny CHAN, Associate Professor of APSS , provided her expert views on the problems takeout delivery riders across China are facing in an interview with CNN.
Online coverage: https://polyu.me/3Abrkq4
(Photo captured from Sina hk)
Prof. Eric CHUI Hosts Sharing Session at Premiere of Microfilm for Strive and Rise Programme
The Government has produced a microfilm to showcase the achievements of the Strive and Rise Programme, especially highlighting the growth and transformation of students from underprivileged families after participating in the Programme.
Two sharing sessions were held at the premiere on 27 October 2024, one of which was a dialogue among Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and a mentor and mentees about the benefits gained from joining the Programme.
Online coverage:
i-Cable - https://polyu.me/3YqbY9g
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3CakUbj
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/48sJ115
Line Today - https://polyu.me/4fgZh7A
Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3UrUCrr
Sina HK - https://polyu.me/4e2d6Ga
(Photo captured from Orange News)
The non-official members of the Commission on Children, including Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, welcomed the Policy Address 2024 regarding the measures for protecting children. The members support the Government to focus on the preparation of implementing the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, which the members believe is a significant move in protecting children.
Online coverage:
Orange News - https://polyu.me/48wQ9tn
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, penned an article in Sing Tao Daily to analyse the increasing popularity of ESG among consumers and businesses in the UK, EU and Hong Kong, and the better ways to integrate ESG into companies’ long-term strategies.
Online coverage:
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3NNToDe
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4eboZt6
Prof. Jessica Li Discusses Master of Social Work Programme in Interview with Hong Kong Economic Times
Prof. Jessica LI, Associate Professor of APSS and Programme Leader of Master of Social Work, was interviewed by Hong Kong Economic Times on the programme’s admission requirements and curriculum and graduates’ prospect.
Online coverage:
Topick: https://polyu.me/4gumd3S
Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK Talks of Evolving Tactics in Youth Crime Recruitment
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, recently highlighted the changing tactics criminals use to lure youth into illegal activities. Prof. SHEK emphasised the need for education that instils strong values, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Prof. SHEK urged schools to incorporate legal awareness and crisis management into their curricula, promoting ethical ways to earn income and navigate temptations.
Online coverge: https://www.takungpao.com/news/232109/2024/1229/1045802.html
On 2 December 2024, the seminar titled “兒童照顧的全球實踐研討會” (English translation: Global Practices in Child Care) was successfully held at Peking University's Yingjie Exchange Center. Social work experts and scholars from around the world gathered to discuss the theme of "Social Work Practices in Child Care (兒童照顧的全球實踐)”.
The event was co-organised by the Department of Sociology at Peking University, the UNICEF Office in China, and the China and Global Development Network at PolyU. Over 50 participants attended, including social work educators from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Argentina, Belgium, Georgia, Moldova, the United States, Thailand, India, and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives from national child welfare organisations and UNICEF.
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, shared insights from childcare practices in Hong Kong.
Online coverage: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/19z76eFv2gkCZwcMxE8enw
.jpeg?h=525&w=700&rev=2c20fc68ebb54947a2a3a54ef6015518&hash=7B6DAD4842320825DCB1D17557FB0512)
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 of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, 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.
Online coverage:
https://www.gold.ac.uk/news/hong-kong-polyu-mou/
Dr Javier PANG Receives Humanity Youth Power Award
Dr Javier PANG, Lecturer of APSS, was honoured the “Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power” award of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024 organised by the Hong Kong Red Cross. The Hong Kong Humanity Award aims to give tribute to individuals in society who exemplify the very spirit of humanity by putting it into practice and action.
Online coverage: https://polyu.me/40v8Xqw
Dr Chi-yuen LEUNG on Itinerant Hawking Culture
Dr Chi-yuen LEUNG, Lecturer of APSS, was featured on Now TV’s programme “Now Report” on the culture and significance of itinerant hawking and how to preserve such unique culture of the city.
Online coverage:
Now TV - https://polyu.me/4fTeUSM (4:32 - 7:18; 15:44 - 16:40; 21:00 - 22:42)
Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK Provides Youth Development Programme Training
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, and his team provided training to over 100 educators and social workers from all over the country about positive youth development programmes at The Experimental Middle School Affiliated with SWUFE in Chengdu last week.
Online coverage:
China Philanthropy Times - https://polyu.me/3DR8KoL
APSS and Malaysian university win Malaysia GPM Sustainability Award
APSS and the School of Educational Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia have won the Project of the Year (Industry category) of Malaysia GPM Sustainability Awards 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur on 16 January 2025. The Project of the Year Award recognises the outcomes of the Sustainable Positive Youth Development initiative, a key activity under the Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social (P.A.T.H.S.) Programme. Funded by PolyU, the project focuses on promoting the holistic development of adolescents among Form 1 and Form 2 students in Malaysian secondary schools. According to Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS and Principal Investigator of the P.A.T.H.S. Programme in Malaysia, the programme is designed to foster essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills in young learners.
Online coverage:
Sinar - https://polyu.me/4hh1voo
PolyU Interdisciplinary Team Enriches Learning Experiences With AI
Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS, and Dr Pauli LAI, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, talked about the prize-winning project that leverages the synergy between various educational technology solutions to adapt to the learning habits of the new-generation tech-savvy students in a media interview. The interdisciplinary team led by Dr Chu developed a generative AI chatbot that can respond to student inquiries through text, voice and video messages, a dialogue podcast system that utilises advanced natural language processing technology to transform challenging academic content into engaging conversational podcasts, and an AI review assessment system that offers immediate feedback and feedforward on assignments. The initiative garnered both the Gold Award in the Smart Omnichannel Campus category and the Global Education Award at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024.
Online coverage:
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4fYWpwi
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/42hwgFE
HK01 - https://polyu.me/4akMmjO
Success Achieved at the 2nd International Conference on ASEAN Social Work and Social Development
The 2nd International Conference of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Social Work and Social Development, themed "Social Work Horizons: Charting the Path with Research and Practice," was successfully convened in Bangkok between 9 and 10 January 2025, attracting over 210 participants from across the ASEAN region.
This conference served as a vital platform for exchanging innovative ideas and fostering collaboration on pressing issues such as sustainability, poverty alleviation, elderly care, and youth empowerment.
Shared Commitment to Children’s Rights and Protection Across the Globe
On 11 January 2025, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), in collaboration with the Department of Children and Youth (Thailand), the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The Social Work Professions Council of Thailand, the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), hosted a seminar on migration, family strengthening and alternative care for children at the MSDHS headquarters in Thailand.
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/FtnHo
Prof. Eric CHUI Attended the OECD Virtual Workshop
A virtual workshop organised by the OECD International Network on Financial Education on digital financial literacy related to crypto-assets, was taken place on 28 October 2024. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, was invited to be a speaker of the workshop. It is organised for members of the Network and gathered around 100 policy makers from the over 110 economies that are represented in the OECD/INFE. Case studies and research undertaken in this area from a financial literacy perspective were presented.
APSS Hosts Seminar on Projected Long-term Care Costs with Insights from LSE Expert
As societies age, the demand for long-term care among older adults is climbing, challenging governments in resource allocation and service delivery. It is essential to understand the future economic costs of long-term care for advance planning. In view of this, two research units at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies (RCGFS) and the Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE), organised a research seminar on this topic on 30 October 2024. Dr Bo HU, Assistant Professorial Research Fellow from the Care and Policy Evaluation Centre, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) was invited to share his invaluable insights.
The seminar started with a welcoming speech from Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS and Director of RCGFS. Dr HU presented his research on the projected long-term care costs of older people in England. Analysing the data from two national surveys via statistical and simulation methods. At the end of the seminar, Prof. Lin NIE, Director of CSPSE and Assistant Professor of APSS, extended her gratitude to Dr HU for his sharing.
APSS Hosts China Disabled Persons' Federation Visit
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 representatives from the China Disabled Persons' Federation. The meeting was led by Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU, Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associated Dean of FHSS, Interim Director of MHRC & Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology and Professor of APSS, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Prof. Qiaobing WU, Associate Head & Associate Professor of APSS.
Read more: A Delegation from the China Disabled Persons' Federation | Department of Applied Social Sciences
Prof. Xiangen HU, DoIHERD, DoERC & Chair Professor of Learning Sciences and Technologies, has contributed in a number of talks, seminars and conferences.
Online coverage:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iherd/newsletter-list/news-content/nov-2024/2-highlight-hu/
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iherd/newsletter-list/news-content/nov-2024/4-hu-polyu-seminar/
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iherd/newsletter-list/news-content/nov-2024/5-hu-sya-seminar/
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iherd/newsletter-list/news-content/nov-2024/6-global-harwell/
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iherd/newsletter-list/news-content/nov-2024/7-coper/
Prof. Xiangen HU on LLMs’ Impacts on Higher Education
Prof. HU, penned an article on Sing Tao Daily about the opportunities and challenges posed by large language models (LLMs) to higher education, as well as how educators could promote responsible use of LLMs. PolyU is developing a learning system that integrates the Socratic method and LLMs, aiming to inspire students to think and create.
Online coverage:
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3CXWySQ (subscription required)
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).
Read more: https://polyu.hk/jtxhz
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.
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/XJgkj
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/TlAcu
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, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, 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:
Weixin: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/H-fmmkZikZHwMtFGfReNWg
.jpg?h=525&w=700&rev=eaa0cb9fc6024622a2322f306b09f60b&hash=7FD2A965CDE1F13D400BD7011BC67EBB)
APSS Career Talk for Social Work Students
On 12 December 2024, the Student and Alumni Affairs Committee was honoured to invite Mr Kam Kwong LEUNG, Social Worker for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) of the HKSAR Government and alumnus of APSS, to deliver a career talk and engaging activities to our social work student participants.
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Winter Institute 2024: APSS Partners with Global Universities for Cross-Cultural Social Work Programme
APSS in collaboration with the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at The University of Chicago (UoC) and the Department of Sociology at Peking University (PKU), successfully held the Winter Institute 2024. From 9 to 21 December 2024, the programme took place in Hong Kong and Hanoi, Vietnam, hosting 24 postgraduate students and four faculty members from the participating institutions.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/neEAY
APSS PolyU Hosts Delegation from Central Propaganda Department, Huangshi City, Hubei Province for Social Work Exchange
APSS welcomed a delegation from Huangshi City, Hubei Province, on 6 January, 2025. The delegation was received by Prof. Qiaobing WU, Associate Head of APSS; Dr Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Partnership and Development) of the China and Global Development Network, APSS; and Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work. This visit aimed to foster exchange ideas on social work training between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Celebrating a New Partnership: MoU Signing Ceremony between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Durham University
APSS proudly announces our new partnership with Durham University’s Department of Sociology. This collaboration aims to enhance the field of applied social sciences through shared research initiatives and community engagement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Prof. Geetanjali GANGOLI, Head of the Department of Sociology at Durham University. With a significant gathering of social workers, academics, and policymakers, the ceremony took place during the 2nd International Conference of the ASEAN Social Work and Social Development 2025 “Social Work Horizons: Charting the Path with Research and Practice” in Bangkok.
PolyU Members Study Community Development Works in Shenzhen Visit
Representatives from The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) joined members of the Sub-district Care Teams (Sai Kung) and community leaders of Sai Kung District and visited Longgang District, Shenzhen on Saturday, aiming to learn more about the community development works in the two cities and promoting extensive exchange and cooperation. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, pointed out that Longling Community in Longgang District, being a harmonised, inclusive, ordered and energetic community, could serve as a reference to Hong Kong for its governance and practical experience.
Kin Liu - https://polyu.me/4g2tiYJ
星島環球 - https://polyu.me/40w5Pt8
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3CgKpZb
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/40HQGq2
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content_app/2025-01/22/content_8677671.html
Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/4gF8yqv
Dr Betty MOK, Instructor of APSS, has successfully completed the staff development programme at PolyU and was awarded the Doctor of Social Work on 15 October 2024.
Our department is sending our warmest congratulations on Dr MOK’s achievement.
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Group photo with Mr Sik Chung YEUNG, Lecturer of APSS
Group photo with Mr Yim Shek HO, Clerical Officer of APSS
Happy Retirement 2025
We would like to announce the retirement of Mr Sik Chung YEUNG (Chung sir), Lecturer of APSS, Mr Yim Shek HO (Shek Gor), Clerical Officer of APSS and Ms Fanny CHENG, Executive Officer of APSS, who have all dedicated decades of service to our department. Their unwavering commitment and contributions have been invaluable, and they will be greatly missed.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their contributions to APSS and PolyU. Wishing them all the very best in their new ventures!
Students and Alumni Corner
New Scholarship Awardees Join the MASPSD Programme
We are 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.Read more: https://polyu.hk/TgOeT
Dr Bo LI Receives Faculty Distinguished Thesis Award
Dr Bo LI, PhD student of APSS, has been awarded the prestigious Faculty Distinguished Thesis Award. This honor recognises the exceptional quality of Dr LI's PhD thesis titled, “Three Essays on Power Dynamics Within China’s Community Nursing System.”
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).
Read more: https://polyu.hk/DdREt
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.
Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/news-and-events/news/2024/apss-students-contribute-in-eagle-the-adventurers-202324/
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.
Find more photos: https://polyu.hk/EZksf
Sleepless No More! APSS Year 2 Students' AutoShh App Takes the Spotlight!
APSS is very proud to announce that a team of Year 2 students, including Yoyo Ka Yiu CHAN and Teddy Wing Ki LEUNG, from the BA (Hons) Social Work programme were awarded The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (HK$100,000) in Cohort 3 from an entry made when they were in Year 1.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/FNuwV
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: https://polyu.hk/EnXUm
Ms Shaohua LE, PhD student of APSS has been elected ipso facto as student member on the Faculty Research Committee (HSS) for a term of one year from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
Mr Zhuopeng YU, PhD student of APSS, has been honoured with the Outstanding Paper Presentation Award at the 31st Annual Conference of Gerontology. This esteemed event was organised by the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology (HKAG) and took place on 30 November 2024.
Mr Alex CHAN, PhD student of APSS, was elected as a "Fellow" of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). This distinction grants him the right to use the post-nominal letters "FRSPH".
Year-4 BA (Hons) in Social Work Students Share Insights on Learning and Collaboration
On 10 January 2025, the Excellent Teachers on Teaching Excellence (ETTE) Symposium, one of PolyU’s flagship teaching and learning events, captivated audiences with its theme: “Strategic Planning in Higher Education: Learning and Teaching Perspectives.”
Read more: https://polyu.hk/SzAfh
APSS Greater Bay Area Study Tour
The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised a Greater Bay Area (GBA) study tour for students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management (AASSM) programme from 7 to 10 January 2025. A total of 23 students from the programme participated in this enriching learning experience. Dr Xinxin CAI, Research Assistant Professor of APSS, and Ms Minyuan LI, Project Associate of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, led the study tour to Zhuhai, Foshan, and Guangzhou.
Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/news-and-events/news/2025/apss-greater-bay-area-study-tour/
APSS PhD Student Delivered Talks in Leeds and Oxford
Mr Peng WU, a PhD student of APSS, was invited to deliver talks at the University of Leeds and the University of Oxford, sharing insights from his doctoral research. He is supervised by Prof. Hok Bun KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, and Prof. Crystal KWAN, Thetos Foundation Young Scholar in Social Services and Associate Professor of APSS.
