The opening ceremony of the China Social Work Research Centre was held in Beijing on 11 March. The launch of the centre, which is jointly established by PolyU and the Peking University, paves the way for further advancement of social work practice and study in related policies in the Chinese mainland.

PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences has been working closely with Peking University in social work research, teaching and best practices as early as 1988. In 2002, the two universities jointly developed a Master in Social Work (China) Programme which has so far nurtured more than 160 professionals.

The newly-opened Centre has a dual focus on academic research and real world practice. It will gather professionals to conduct various social work-related studies, community projects and training programmes. The work will benefit future development of the society at large.

Guests who attended the ceremony included Ms Marjorie Yang, PolyU Council Chairman, Professor Angelina Yuen, Associate Vice President of PolyU, Professor Lin Jian Hua, Executive Vice President of Peking University, Professor Zhang Guo You, Vice President of Peking University, Dr. Victor Fung, Group Chairman of Li & Fung Group, Mr Lam Pak-nin, Chairman of Lam Woo Foundation.