Latest News and Achievements of APSS (Jun 2024 issue)
Professional Appointments
Three New Appointments for the Head of APSS
Prof. Eric CHUI (Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS) has been appointed as a Member of the Commission on Children and the Child Fatality Review Panel (CFRP) for a two-year term from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2026. In his role on the Commission on Children, Prof. CHUI will be working closely with the Government Bureau to promote the growth and development of children in Hong Kong.
The CFRP, supported by The Family and Child Welfare Branch of the Social Welfare Department, aims to promote collaboration in order to prevent avoidable child deaths.
Media coverage:
Wenweipo: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202405/31/AP665967bae4b00a6e8c39d7d6.html
Press releases:
(Eng) https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202405/31/P2024053100344.htm?fontSize=1
(Chi) https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202405/31/P2024053100342.htm
Prof. Eric CHUI has also been appointed as a committee member to the Hong Kong Social Workers Association (HKSWA) for the year 2024/25. HKSWA aims to facilitate communication and collaboration with social workers' organisations at an international and Asia-Pacific regional level.
Thank Prof. CHUI for his contribution to society!
Greater Bay Area Mental Health Collaborative Platform
Prof. Eric CHUI (Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS) and Prof. Sylvia CHEN (Associate Dean of FHSS, Interim Director of the MHRC, and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of APSS) accepted an offer to be consultants for the "Greater Bay Area Mental Health Collaborative Platform".
This platform was established by the Guangdong Social Psychology Association, Hong Kong Association for the Promotion of Mental Health, and Guangdong Mental Health Association. Its primary objective is to facilitate professional knowledge sharing and advocate for mental health policies within the Greater Bay Area. Prof. Chui is privileged to contribute his expertise to this important initiative.
Appointment of Associate Director of Mental Health Research Centre
The Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Juan CHEN, Professor of APSS and Associate Head, as Associate Director of Mental Health Research Centre of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research with effect from 28 March 2024.
Prof. Elsie Yan Joins UN Initiative to Prevent Abuse of Older People and is appointed to the Hong Kong Government Working Group on Elder Abuse
Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS, joined the network for the intervention accelerator to prevent abuse of older people (AOP-IA). The AOP-IA is a UN Decade of Healthy Ageing initiative that aims to develop a portfolio of interventions to prevent and respond to the abuse of older people. It involves a 12-member international research-practice network that works to speed up development and evaluation of effective interventions. Prof. YAN is the only representative from the Greater China Area in this network.
Prof. YAN has also been appointed a member of the Hong Kong Government Social Welfare Department Working Group of Elder Abuse for a 2-year term effective on 15 April 2024.
Dr Judy Siu Elected as Representative to the Grievance Committee 2024-26
Dr Judy SIU, Associate Professor of APSS, has been elected as one of the representatives to serve on the Grievance Committee for a term of two years, starting from 1 July 2024 and concluding on 30 June 2026.
Project / Grant Award
President's Executive Committee Approves Funding to Support Prof. Ben KU‘s Book Proposal
Prof. Ben KU Hok Bun, Professor of APSS, has received an endorsement from the Research Committee (RC) on his book proposal and it was subsequently approved by the President's Executive Committee (PEC). The decision to support Prof. KU’s book proposal underscores the recognition and value placed on his scholarly work within the academic community.
Several APSS Academic Faculty Received External Grants
Several colleagues of APSS have received external grants successfully. Please find the list below:
(Arranged in chronological order)
PI: Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS
Proposal Title: Expectations and Disappointments in Youths in HK: Research and Recommendations
Funding amount: HK$40,000
Project period: 30 April 2024 – 29 April 2025
Project summary: Dr LAI has been recently awarded a funding from the Youth Development Blue Book Secretariat to conduct a mixed method research study to understand Hong Kong young adults' perspective towards youth policy in Hong Kong, and how policy leaders can better engage with the new generation. Delving into the expectations and disappointments of Hong Kong youth, the first stage of the project will engage 30 young adults aged 18 to 30 years old through six focus group interviews. The three key policy areas that will be covered include: (1) Education; (2) Career Development and Talent Recruitment; and (3) Political System and Youth Participation. The second stage of the project will involve the design of a short survey on youth policy engagement that will be distributed to 1000 young adults in Hong Kong. Her team aims to uncover valuable insights that can contribute to bridging the gap between youth aspirations and government actions, which will contribute to shaping a more responsive and youth-friendly policy landscape.
PI: Dr Lin NIE, Assistant Professor of APSS
Proposal title: China’s NGOs Going Global: Path, Strategies, and Outcomes
Co-Is: NA
Funding amount: HK$281,600
Funding scheme: Earthcare Foundation (Collaborative)
Project period: May 2024 to Nov 2025
Project Brief: China’s globalization strategy has been a longstanding research topic in the field of international development. Existing studies on global China, however, have mainly focused on economic actors, such as enterprises’ overseas development following the Belt and Road Initiative. In recent years, China’s domestic NGOs have actively engaged in the globalization process, contributing to international civil society building and projecting Chinese good governance values abroad. To shed more light on NGOs’ vital role for a globalizing China, this research project aims to decipher: 1) The path through which China’s NGOs go global, which is different from traditional INGOs’ right-based approach in overseas activities; 2) The NGOs’ strategies in balancing multiple stakeholders’ expectations, building networks in target countries, handling risks due to cultural and institutional differences, etc.; 3) The outcomes of China’s NGOs, as non-state actors from the Global South, in reshaping the norms of international development.
PI: Dr Shimin ZHU, Associate Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Large-scale randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of single-session self-help psychoeducation intervention among community children and adolescents
Funding amount: HK$240,000
Funding scheme: Suicide Prevention Services Limited (Collaborative)
Project period: 22 May 2024 - 31 March 2026
Project summary:
Dr ZHU and research team have developed a series of single-session interventions for growth mindsets for adolescents (SIGMA) to provide low-intensity self-help psychoeducation tools to address scaling mental health needs. Suicide Prevention Services Limited (SPS)’s new project, “Filling Lives with JOY”, funded by the Jockey Club, proposes to promote SIGMA to the community for more service users. SPS and the PI propose to launch a larger-scale randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of SIGMA to identify mental health service needs among children (from Grades Primary 4 to Secondary 2) from local schools for two years.
PI: Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS
Proposal title: The Power of Fun-tech: RFID, VR and AR in Improving Digital Literacy and Nurturing Innovation and Technology Culture among Secondary School Students in Hong Kong
Funding amount: HK$748,519.55
Funding scheme: Innovation and Technology Fund - General Support Programme (ITF-GSP)
Project period: 1 June 2024 – 31 May 2025
Project Brief: This project aims to ignite the curiosity and enthusiasm of local youth in the field of science and technology. Project deliverables include RFID-based Physical Education programs, immersive VR and AR learning materials, teacher training programs, and fun-tech competitions that engage student-staff partnership focusing on the captioned areas in digital literacy. This project will play a crucial role in nurturing a culture of innovation and technology (I&T) among local secondary school students. We are excited to embark on this journey.
PI: Dr Mathew WONG, Associate Professor of APSS
Proposal Title: Understanding Hong Kong People’s Acceptance of Income Inequality and Preferences of Policy Responses
Co-Is:
Dr Ying-ho KWONG (Assistant Professor, Department of Social Science, Hang Seng University)
Dr Kin-man WAN (Research Assistant, Professor Department of Government and International Affairs, Lingnan University of Hong Kong)
Dr Alfred WU Muluan (Associate Professor, School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore)
Dr Vera YUEN Wing-han (Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Hong Kong)
Funding amount: HK$488,750
Project period:1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025
Funding scheme: CEPU Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS)
Project summary: This study examines the phenomenon of inequality acceptance as the link between individual attitudes and support for redistribution. Despite Hong Kong’s high level of inequality, it regularly spends less on social policy as compared to other advanced economies, which goes hand-in-hand with its low tax policy. People do not seem to regard inequality as a problem and do not ask for government intervention. This study tackles two related questions arising from this discussion: (1) How do we make sense of the high inequality acceptance level in Hong Kong? (2) Why do people support certain types of policies?
PI: Dr Grace SEO Bo Kyong, Assistant Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Impact Evaluation of the Ageing in Place Home Modification Project (Phase 2)
Co-Is: Dr. Raymond TAM (APSS),Mr. Clarence LEE (Habitat for Humanity HK), Ms. Kimi YEUNG (Habitat for Humanity HK)
Funding amount: HK$262,940
Funding scheme: Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong Limited (Collaborative)
Project period: 1 June 2024 - 28 February 2026
Project Brief: The Hong Kong Government has put substantial effort into meeting the increasing demand for care services for older persons under the ‘ageing in place as the core, institutional care as back-up’ as the primary direction of elderly policy. While an age-friendly residential environment is a prerequisite of ageing in place, enhancing the age-friendliness of indoor housing conditions has been paid little attention in the related policy discourse. Given the shortage of purpose-built senior housing in the city, modifying the physical environment of the existing homes is essential to compensate for older persons’ functional decline. However, the existing home modification services are being provided mainly to those with functional difficulties, with the assistance of health practitioners. Drawing on the pilot study conducted in 2022-2023, this project will evaluate the effectiveness of home modifications on older persons' well-being with a larger sample size.
PI: Dr Vincent CHENG, Assistant Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Impact of Employment Experiences on Drug Abuse and Drug Rehabilitation Engagement among Younger and Middle-aged Working Drug Abusers
Co-Is: Dr Amy CHEUNG, The University of Hong Kong
Funding amount: HK$655,960
Funding scheme: Beat Drugs Fund Regular Funding Scheme
Project period:1 July 2024 to 30 June 2026
Project summary:
Dr CHENG’s application under the Beat Drugs Fund Regular Funding Scheme 2023 Funding Exercise has been approved. The title of the project is 'Impact of Employment Experiences on Drug Abuse and Drug Rehabilitation Engagement among Younger and Middle-aged Working Drug Abusers' ($655,960). This study aims to investigate how various types of employment experiences influence drug use and drug rehabilitation engagement among individuals with a history of drug abuse. The project will utilize the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory as a conceptual framework to gain insights into the subjective experiences of different types of employment. The findings of the study will provide evidence-based suggestions by identifying employment options that are suitable and beneficial for different types of drug abusers.
Publications
Recent Publications from APSS Teaching Track Faculty
Journal Articles Published in 2023 and 2024
Dr Lucas SCRIPTER, Teaching Fellow of APSS, has recently published an article titled “The achievement gap thesis reconsidered: artificial intelligence, automation, and meaningful work” in AI & Society.
A Chapter Published in 2024
Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS, Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS have recently published a book chapter titled "The Making of the "New" Social Work Education in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong" in Social Work Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic: International Insights toward Innovation and Creativity (Routledge, 2024).
Read more: Recent Publications from APSS Teaching Track Faculty
Dr Anson AU, Assistant Professor of APSS, has just published a monograph titled “The Governance of Economic Development: Investment, Innovation, and Competition in China”. This book focuses on the social structures behind capital allocation -- reaching into state-firm relations and policy prerogatives -- that have governed China's economic development since Deng Xiaoping's "Open Door" policy in 1978.
Media Report
(Photo captured from Sing Tao Daily)
Prof. Daniel Shek Urges Government to Prioritise Mental Health and Family Resilience
The "Family Happiness Index" survey was organised by HK.WeCare under Wofoo Social Enterprises, with the School of Nursing of Tung Wah College as the research partner. The results showed that the Family Happiness Index has declined, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years.
Read more: Prof. Daniel Shek Urges Government to Prioritise Mental Health and Family Resilience
(Photo captured from Dot Dot News)
Prof. Daniel Shek on significance of public policy research
Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and the Chairman of the Assessment Panel of the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme, penned an article in Ta Kung Pao highlighting the significance of the two government-financed funding schemes that are dedicated to supporting evidence-based public policy research by higher education institutions and think tanks in Hong Kong.
Online coverage:
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3UsGk9s
Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3QjL2Vp
HKTKWW: https://polyu.me/3Q6Ht4Z
2024 Community Eldercare Seminar: New Era of Digital Empowerment
From 27 to 28 March 2024, Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS, Director of Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies (RCGFS), was invited to participate in the 2024 Community Eldercare Seminar: New Era of Digital Empowerment, organised by the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau.
Prof. BAI shared insights and exchanged ideas with experts from Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan in the seminar. She presented two innovative theory-guided practical models for digital empowerment: an intergenerational-led approach and a peer-led approach. Notably, the team has innovatively incorporated PERMA positive education principles into digital training programmes for older adults. This training has been demonstrated to enhance intergenerational communication, increase learning efficiency, and promote digital empowerment for older adults.
Online coverage
Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS, Director of Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies (RCGFS), and a member of the advisory committee of the Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project, commented on the challenges elderly face in relation to old buildings.
Online coverage
Singtao: https://polyu.me/3UmHxQM
Dr Yvette TO, Assistant Professor of APSS, commented on the impacts on the Big Four accounting firms in China of the PwC-Evergrande scandal in a media interview.
Online coverage
Yahoo: https://polyu.me/3WcQqgX
Dr Jessica Li Helps Enhance Children’s Safety Awareness in an Online World
The increase in the usage of electronic devices fuels online child sex abuse, and the victims are not limited to female, a study led by Dr Jessica LI Chi Mei, Associate Professor of APSS, has found. Dr LI and her team have integrated the idea of reality therapy and developed 16 sets of teaching materials to help teachers and social workers to enhance children’s safety awareness online.
Online coverage:
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4djlYrx (subscription required)
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4a1AO2Z
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4bwwaLV
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4aNmiNE
HK01 - https://polyu.me/3UAQfe0
(Photo captured from SCMP)
Prof. Eric Chui Commissioned to Analyse Strive and Rise Programme
Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), elaborated in a Government press conference on 3 May 2023, the evaluation report on the first cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme.
Online coverage:
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3UNEJwk
TVB - https://polyu.me/3UKFuGn
Now TV - https://polyu.me/4bmRC5H
RTHK - https://polyu.me/3y65Tpe (English)
CRHK - https://polyu.me/3wmt9i5
SCMP - https://polyu.me/3JHr9nM (subscription required)
China Daily Hong Kong Edition - https://polyu.me/4dlKo3N
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3y4kPEg
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4dqfiYL
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4blQX4v
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4a5c1uU
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3ULHflx
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4drW8Sg
HK01 - https://polyu.me/3UM0zQN
Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4bnfl60
Inmediahk - https://polyu.me/3K5WOQ5
Sina HK - https://polyu.me/3UqBAkr
Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4doqbu2
China News Service - https://polyu.me/3y1O0HX
ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3wnGVkz
GZ Daily - https://polyu.me/3yeWP15
East Money - https://polyu.me/3QvfX1r
Chinese Press - https://polyu.me/3UrYmsd
Toutiao - https://polyu.me/3y6Ma8P
(Photo captured from RTHK)
Prof. Eric CHUI Elaborates Strive and Rise Programme’s Evaluation
Click here to read a full report of the interview: https://polyu.hk/wXdru
Now TV (6 May 2024) - https://polyu.me/3UyGb4f (part 1); https://polyu.me/3wluOEL (part 2)
RTHK (7 May 2024) - https://polyu.me/3UPzgFb (1:35:11 - 1:46:57)
(Photo captured from Sing Tao Daily)
Dr Janet Leung shares insights at Legco Subcommittee
Dr Janet LEUNG, Associate Professor of APSS and Chief Principal Investigator of the Jockey Club “Promoting Family Resilience” project, attended a meeting of the Legislative Council’s Subcommittee on Promoting Family Education on 16 May 2024 to share her insights into the current situation of family education and the way forward.
Online coverage:
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3ykbcRP
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3UHMwdH
Prof. Eric CHUI Shared on SCMP
In an interview with SCMP, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of APSS, and CoDoPReCIT, urged the Correctional Services Department to raise the age limit of children that are allowed to spend time with their incarcerated mothers under a short-term residential visit programme.
Online coverage:
SCMP: https://polyu.me/4dYaoT2 (subscription required)
Dr Chengpang Lee on Trend of Tripping North
Dr Chengpang LEE, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, penned an article for HK01. In it he shared his perspective on the craze of "tripping north" to Shenzhen among Hong Kong people.
Online coverage:
HK01 - https://polyu.me/4aEXd6L
(Photo captured from RTHK)
Prof. Xue BAI on PolyU’s Project Helping Elders for Future Challenges
Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, was featured on RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong Connection” about the “Gearing Up for Third Age and Multigenerational Capacity Building Project”, a project that aims to help third agers equip themselves for their future challenges and to build harmonious multi-generational family relationships in an aging society. Prof. BAI also shared her perspective on retirement planning, ageing in place and fruitful aging.
Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyume/45fV9Ry (09:40 - 11:45; 18:30 - 19:07; 21:31 - 22:07)
Talks, Events and Press Conference
Supporting Rural Social Work for Children in Need: A PolyU-PKU-ChicagoU Tripartite Collaborative Project
The Training Workshop for Social Work Professionals Serving Children in Disadvantaged Conditions in rural China took place on 20-21 March 2024 at Peking University (PKU). It was co-organised by APSS at PolyU, the Department of Sociology at PKU, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at The University of Chicago (ChicagoU), and the PKU-PolyU China Social Work Research Centre. Twelve teams of social work professionals from various regions in China, serving children in different disadvantaged conditions, participated in the workshop.
APSS and PPAC organised a Workshop on the “Use of Emotions as Change Mechanism”
On 25 March 2024, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Professional Practice and Assessment Centre (PPAC) had the privilege of hosting Dr Ting LIU for a captivating talk on the use of emotions as change mechanism.
Dr LIU is a certified EFT trainer, supervisor and therapist. She is licensed in Pennsylvania as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She maintains a Private Practice in Wayne, PA.
The 12th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Presentation Ceremony and “Chinese Modernisation and New Development of Social Work in the New Era” symposium was successfully Held
The 12th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Presentation Ceremony, co-organised by the Lam Woo China Social Work Training and Development Fund and Peking University – PolyU China Social Work Research Centre, was held on 23 March 2024. The awards aim to recognise distinguished social work students, service projects and scholars.
The Lam Woo China Social Work Training and Development Fund was co-founded by the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU and Peking University in 2009 with the support of the Lam Woo Foundation, aiming to nurture social work talent in China.
Online coverage:
qq - https://polyu.me/3x3aec2
Sohu - https://polyu.me/3PCncnz
International Scholar Talk on Practice Research – Not Just Does It Work? But for Whom? RCT and CDM Meet and Have a Baby Together
An International Scholar Talk on Practice Research was held on 26 March 2024. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, gave a warm welcome to Prof. Irwin EPSTEIN, Professor Emeritus of City University of New York.
Prof. EPSTEIN shared his views on the birth of a new clinical research paradigm parented by Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) and Clinical Data-Mining (CDM). He pointed out that the two research approaches can be recursively combined. In a CDM study, Dr Herman LO, Associate Professor of APSS, discussed his study of 600 adults to assess the impact of Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy (GCBT) for service users with mild to moderate emotional symptoms. Prof. Siu Man NG, Professor at The University of Hong Kong, shared his research experience of using RCT and CDM methodologies with the participants.
APSS Joins Hands with EDC to Organise Workshops about Learning and Teaching
APSS and EDC joined hands to organize a series of workshops aimed at introducing how immersive technologies can enhance teaching and learning.
The first workshop was held on 2 April 2024. Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Teaching Fellow of APSS, shared his experience on using immersive technologies to improve the students’ learning experience.
Unwind and Recharge: Exploring the Beauty of Nature and Friendship
The APSS Graduate Association joyfully organised a Tung Lung Chau and Lei Yu Mun one-day tour on 13 April 2024. This activity marked an exhilarating start to the spring season and attracted APSS alumni, staff, and students to come and relax.
During the tour, participants had the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of nature, enjoy a delicious seafood feast, and visit Lei Yu Mun Temple and Souvenir Street. It was a rejuvenating weekend filled with delight and peacefulness for all who attended.
APSS Colleague Was the Keynote Speaker in The Social Innovation Symposium
Dr Raymond TAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS, was the keynote speaker in the Social Innovation Symposium of the PolyU Jockey Club “Operation SoInno” project: Making a Community-based Hong Kong on 27 April 2024. This project is social experiment-based and aims to create liveable communities in transitional housing while ensuring tenants have access to decent accommodation.
Dr TAM delivered a keynote on “Findings on the Study of the Effective Transitional Housing Delivery in Hong Kong” in the symposium.
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)
(Group photo with delegation from Naresuan University)
(Delegation from University of Dundee were visiting PolyU HiVE)
(Group photo with delegations from Thammasat University, captured at CGDN)
(Group photo of delegations and students from Capital University of Economics and Business)
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.
Kick-off Ceremony of Mentorship Programme
APSS Mentorship Programme 2024-26 aims to provide an opportunity for fostering networks and friendship among our graduating students with experienced alumni for advice on professional and career development. The kick-off ceremony of the programme was held on 27 April 2024. A total of 95 alumni and students (38 alumni mentor and 57 student mentee) were matched successfully for this two-year mentorship programme running from March 2024 to April 2026. Mentors and mentees are expected to meet at least once every half a year. For a more fruitful mentoring relationship, each mentor-mentee group is also partnered with another group to enhance the networks and experience.
Teaching Cafe - Elevate Fieldwork Supervision: Insights and Innovations
On 30 April 2024, APSS organised a sharing talk on fieldwork education, with a specific focus on innovative training programmes for fieldwork supervisors. The event featured Dr Crystal KWAN, Assistant Professor of APSS, the APSS fieldwork coordinating team, and Dr Ellen FOK, Lecturer of Bethel Bible Seminary as invited speakers who shared their insights and experiences in organising professional training programmes for fieldwork supervisors. Over 50 participants from 11 social work training institutes registered this event, demonstrating the significant interest and engagement in the subject matter.
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/bfSGW
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.
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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/yeQoI
Career Talk 2024 for APSS Students
About 60 participants joined the second APSS Career Talk on 31 May 2024, which was organised by the APSS Student and Alumni Affairs Committee (SAAC). SAAC invited several speakers from various NGOs to share their company profile with the audience. They are:
Mr. Lewis KAM Hin Wa, Planning Graduate at the Housing Department;
Mr Jason LAM Hon Sang, Assistant Executive Director at the Youth Outreach; and
Ms Zerlina YAM Pui Wah, Coordinator at the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council.
Our student participants were actively engaged in the Q&A sessions. A heartfelt thank you to our alumni and guest speakers!
Visit to APSS by Professor Christine Yung HUNG, Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University
The President and senior management of PolyU received a delegation from Ghent University, Belgium on 6 June 2024. One of the delegates, Prof. Christine Yung HUNG from the Department of Agricultural Economics of Ghent University and the Academic Chairperson of the ASEAN and South Asia Platform, visited APSS. Prof. Hung’s research interest lies in behavioural economics and public health nutrition. Dr Judy SIU and Dr Yin WU, both Associate Professors of APSS, welcomed Prof. Hung for her visit.
During the meeting, Prof. HUNG, along with Dr. SIU and Dr. WU, engaged in a productive exchange about the research interests which are shared by colleagues from Ghent University and APSS. They also explored potential opportunities for future research collaboration. Notably, they discussed the possibility of collaborating in the upcoming GRF exercise. To showcase the dedication of APSS in nurturing research postgraduate students in health behaviour research, three APSS PhD students —Jira Wakoya FEYISA, Adisu Tafari SHAMA, and Shuang LIU — shared their research progress with Prof. HUNG. The three students had a fruitful exchange with Prof. Hung in developing their research.
“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.
Student Corner
Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2023
The Presentation Ceremony was held on 26 March 2024 in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU.
At the departmental level, Ms Cheuk Lam LAU, BA (Hons) in Social Work was selected for the Presidential Student Leadership Award while Ms Wanzi SONG, BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship was selected for the Outstanding Student Award.
Congratulations to Cheuk Lam and Wanzi on their remarkable achievement!
APSS Student Appointed as ViiV/GSK APAC Community Advisory Board Representative for Asia Pacific Region
Mr. Alex CHAN Siu Wing, a dedicated fourth-year APSS PhD student, has been appointed as the ViiV/GSK APAC Community Advisory Board representative for the Asia Pacific region. This appointment highlights APSS's commitment to nurturing future leaders in healthcare advocacy and research.
In the meeting titled "Empowering a Patient-Centred Future for People Living With HIV (PWHIV): Their Voice, Their Choice." Alex, the sole representative from Hong Kong, addressed crucial issues concerning PWHIV. His role emphasises community representation in shaping healthcare policies and strategies.
GSK, a leading biopharmaceutical company prioritises research and development (R&D) to advance healthcare innovation globally. With a focus on vaccines, specialty medicines, and expertise in infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/immunology, and oncology. GSK aims to address unmet medical needs and enhance healthcare access through scientific advancements and patient-centric approaches.
APSS Hosts Cultural Exchange and Delicious Dim Sum Lunch for Departing Inbound Exchange Students
With semester two of the academic year of 2023/24 coming to an end, APSS organised a Chinese dim sum ‘farewell’ lunch gathering for inbound exchange students who are going to return to their home countries soon.
The students enjoyed the local cuisine and traditional dim sum delicacies. Many interesting conversation topics were exchanged over the lunch, with topics including culture, travelling and university life. Our inbound students are from Mainland China, Finland, U.K., and South Africa.
(Photo captured from TOPick)
Outstanding Athlete Joined APSS Family in the Upcoming Academic Cohort
PolyU has admitted 13 outstanding athletes through SALSA for 2024/25, including wushu player Mr Lok Ming TAI. APSS will support this new student athlete with a series of learning support opportunities, including individual mentorship in his academic work, to support their dual-track development.
Mr TAI will be pursuing a degree in APSS, aspiring to become a social worker. He said: "I hope to enhance myself through studying at the University and utilise the knowledge gained from the programme to assist those in need in the future."
Online coverage
TOPick: https://polyu.me/49qveHc
Annual Best Paper Award for Research Postgraduate Students (MPhil/PhD) 2023
The highly anticipated Annual Best Paper Award for Research Postgraduate Students 2023 presentation was held on 18 April 2024. It highlights the commitment to excellence and academic achievement within the research postgraduate community.
Congratulations to all the awardees for their remarkable accomplishments.
Find the awardee list: Annual Best Paper Award for Research Postgraduate Students (MPhil/PhD) 2023 | Department of Applied Social Sciences (polyu.edu.hk)
(Left: Mr. Alex Jia ZHUANG; Left: Mrs. Janet Jianling LIANG)
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 ZHUANG Jia (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.
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!
