New Scholarship Awardees Join the MASPSD Programme

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

PolyU Information Day 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to New Research Postgraduate Students

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

Rolling out the Welcome Mat for Student-Athletes

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

Active Involvement of The Department of Applied Social Sciences Student Association in Orientation Showcase 2024

On 29 August 2024, several core Executive Committee members of The Department of Applied Social Sciences Student Association (APSSSA) participated in Orientation Showcase 2024 held by the Student Affairs Office (SAO) at Shaw Sports Complex & Practice Gymnasium on PolyU campus.   At the event, the APSSA hosted a booth to greet APSS freshmen. Our department expresses gratitude to the APSSSA for providing freshmen with information about their studies, encouraging their participation in upcoming student activities, and most importantly, offering a warm welcome into our APSS family.   We thank all APSSSA members for their active involvement and continued support in hosting engaging activities for our APSS students.

Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024

The Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024 celebrates the remarkable contributions of dedicated faculty members in the areas of teaching, research and scholarly activities, and knowledge transfer. The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) team has received recognition in two award categories.   Faculty Awards in Teaching:  (Category: Outstanding Young Teacher - Individual) Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor, APSS Testimony from Dr Angel LAI: "I am deeply honoured to receive the Award. I am very grateful to my students and colleagues for their encouragement and collaboration. This recognition is a testament to my commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive co-learning environment with my colleagues and students. I look forward to further contributing to the academic and personal growth of my students, and I am excited about the future opportunities that this award brings.”   (Category: Team) Enhancement of student holistic development and social responsibility through service-learning programmes in Mainland China Dr Yu LU, Associate Professor, APSS (Co-Team Leader) Prof. Daniel SHEK, Chair Professor, APSS (Co-Team Leader) Dr Diya DOU, Assistant Professor, APSS Dr Xiang LI, Assistant Professor, APSS Dr Xiaoqin ZHU, Assistant Professor, APSS Ms Mabel CHENG, Instructor, APSS Ms Betty MOK, Instructor, APSS    Testimony from Prof. Daniel SHEK and Dr Lu YU (on behalf of the team): “We are deeply honored to receive the Faculty Teaching Award. Our collective efforts have focused on nurturing students into socially responsible and engaged citizens through online, offshore immersive service-learning experiences. We also actively promote Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in Service-Learning. This award affirms our commitment to fostering meaningful connections between academic learning and community impact, and to using evidence-based strategies for promoting personal growth, leadership qualities, and social responsibility in our students. We will continue to strive for excellence in education and empower our students to make lasting and positive contributions to society.”   Faculty Awards in Services: (Category: Team) Impact Assessment of the "Strive and Rise Programme" Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor, APSS (Team Leader) Dr Jacky NG, Assistant Professor, APSS Dr Raymond TAM, Senior Lecturer, APSS Mr George LAU, Project Associate, APSS Testimony from Prof. Eric CHUI (on behalf of the team): “The Faculty Award in Services means a lot to our research team as it highlights our dedication to serving the community and supporting students from underprivileged families. Our goal has always been to use our research findings to inform social work practice, thereby facilitating students to achieve their full potential. It is incredibly rewarding to see our efforts being recognised and to know that our work is making a positive impact in addressing burning social issues in Hong Kong.”

Welcome Taught Postgraduate Students to the APSS Family!

On 29 August 2024, The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) held a welcoming orientation for the new cohort of taught postgraduate students. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, delivered a welcoming speech to all new students. Dr Qiaobing WU, Associate Professor and Associate Head, along with Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of the Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee, gave an overview of the learning and teaching opportunities and facilities in APSS. Subsequent to these welcoming remarks and introduction, over 270 students were divided into several breakout sessions to meet their Programme Leaders and to further understand their own curriculum and so forth. All APSS staff members take this opportunity to wish every student embark a new chapter at APSS of PolyU!

Warm Welcome to Incoming APSS Undergraduate Students in the Academic Year 2024-25

The Undergraduate Programme Orientation for 100+ freshmen who have newly joined the APSS family was successfully held on 26 August 2024. It was an opportunity for incoming students to learn about the department, make new connections, and prepare for a new chapter in their lives. Programme Leaders and Academic Advisors were delighted to meet with new students in the break-out sessions in order to provide them with information necessary for a successful start to their university careers. Representatives of the 31st APSS Student Association (APSSSA) also shared their experiences, school life and learning tips with the incoming students. A cheerful welcoming game was conducted by the APSSSA onsite, with special APSS souvenirs presented to the winning students. The orientation day concluded on a high note, with many happy faces and a sense of fun.