APSS Graduates Association Annual General Meeting 2023

The APSS Graduates Association Annual General Meeting is an essential event for the alumni. It allows graduates to come together, discuss and learn from each other's professional experiences. On 29 July 2023, Mr Johnny IP, Chairperson of the APSS Graduates Association, welcomed all new members and reported on its events and activities from last year, as well as issues that the Association has been facing. One of the event’s highlights was the sharing by Ms Yvonne CHAK, Director of Hong Kong Christian Service and the APSS Outstanding Alumnus of 2023. Ms CHAK shared her insights on social innovation, which is becoming increasingly important today. The Association looks forward to organising more activities to bond APSS alumni together in the near future.

APSS Delegation Visits Peking University and Tsinghua University

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network, and Mr Peng WU, a PhD student of APSS visited Peking University and Tsinghua University on 4 July 2023 to discuss potential dual degree collaborations and exchange views on institutional development.   APSS delegates were warmly welcomed by colleagues from Peking University, including Prof. Neng LIU, Prof. Fengzhi MA, Dr Shengming YIN, Prof. Yuegen XIONG, Dr Suo DENG, and Dr Lijuan WU, and colleagues from the Peking University - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre in Beijing. Prof. CHUI and Prof. KU also met with Prof. Hairong YAN, former APSS colleague and currently Professor of Tsinghua Institute for Advanced Study in Humanities and Social Sciences, to discuss closer collaboration between PolyU and Tsinghua University.

Collaborative US-China Forum with University of Chicago and Peking University

In collaboration with the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice and the Department of Sociology at Peking University, APSS hosted a US-China Forum on Social Problems and Social Welfare Responses in Comparative Perspective from 27 June to 29 June 2023.   The Forum featured two panels of presentations and discussions, one on 27 June 2023 and the other on 28 June 2023, respectively. The first panel, titled "Social Housing, Governance, and Responses to Urban Poverty in Comparative Perspective," was moderated by Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network, with speakers including Prof. Robert CHASKIN, Faculty Director of Kiphart Center at the University of Chicago, Prof. Juan CHEN, Professor of APSS, and Dr Grace SEO, Assistant Professor of APSS. The second discussion, titled "Migration, Migrant Incorporation, and Responding to the Needs of Migrants," was moderated by Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS, with speakers including Dr Aimee HILADO, an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, Dr Qiaobing WU, Associate Head of APSS, and Dr Liqi HOU, Postdoctoral Researcher at Peking University.   In addition to the two panels, students from the three universities also paid field visits to transitional housing, sub-divided flats and Chungking Mansions to understand the housing, refugee and ethnic minority issues in Hong Kong. They shared at the final reflection session that the panels and visits were an extremely fruitful exchange experience for them all.    Thanks to the support of the University of Chicago and Peking University, the Forum was a great success. We are honored to have hosted this event and provided a platform for international academic exchange on social problems and social welfare. We hope that this Forum will inspire and contribute to the society.

Teaching Development Grant 2022-25

The Department is pleased to announce that the following teams of APSS colleagues have succeeded in securing the funding from the “Teaching Development Grant 2022-25” (2nd Round):   Category B: Small-to-medium-scale projects Project Title: Using gamification to engage students for more effective studies in the post-pandemic general education class. Team Leader: XIAO Chung Zoe (APSS) Team Members: CHAI Wenyu (APSS), SHEK Veronica (APSS), CHENG Mable (APSS), HE Rui (SD) Funding from LTC: $99,410.00 Matching fund from Department and/or Faculty: $32,800.00   Category A: Projects on deepening VTL adoption Project Title: Edu-Metaverse: an interactive virtual learning place fostering collaborative and experiential learning in interdisciplinary subjects. Co-Team Leaders: LI Richard (APSS and COMP), NG Peter (COMP), ZHOU Laura (EDC) Team Members: LI Ping (COMP & SD), TANG Jeff (COMP) Funding from LTC: $500,000.00 Matching fund from Department (COMP): $37,500.00   Congratulations to Zoe, Richard, and their teams!   As such, APSS has a good performance in this 22-25 round of TDG funding application, getting 4 out of 6 submissions supported with a successful rate of 66%: Category A [Projects on Deepening VTL Adoption] 50% successful rate (1 out of 2 submissions) Category B [Small to Medium Scale Projects] 100% successful rate (2 out of 2 submissions)   Category C [Sustaining and extending the impact of past projects] 50% successful rate (1 out of 2 submission)      

Saying Goodbye to One of the Longest Serving Academics, Kun Sun Sir

We bid farewell to one of our serving academics, Dr Kun Sun CHAN (Teaching Fellow in Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy).  He has worked at APSS for 17 years.   Thank you to Kun Sun Sir – you’ll be sorely missed.  Keep in touch and enjoy your retirement!

APSS Shines Bright at the Learning to Learn (L2L) Showcase cum Award Ceremony 2023

In response to PolyU’s departmental L2L strategy, the Educational Development Centre (EDC) launched the ‘Goal Beeyond’ event series this year. The L2L Showcase cum Award Ceremony 2023 was successfully held on 12 June 2023 at the Global Student Hub to conclude the series. APSS is honoured to be the recipient of the L2L Champion Award, an award given to the department with the highest number of students and teachers who participated in events of the ‘Goal Beeyond’ campaign.   Apart from receiving the grand award, APSS also received recognition through awards won by some of its faculty members and student. Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor; Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Teaching Fellow; and Dr Paul KHIATANI, Research Assistant Professor, received the ‘Enlightening Moments’ Award for their reflections, insights, and wisdom on L2L. Their submissions were included in a booklet printed by EDC titled Enlightening Moments: An Anthology of Reflections, Insights and Wisdom on L2L by Teachers.   Last but not least, Miss Mengning Ivy DUAN, a student of Master of Applied Psychology, participated in the L2L Mini Learning Portfolio Contest. The contest required students to set a goal and work towards achieving it over the course of a semester. Students were also required to reflect on their learning experiences and tell their stories through a mini-portfolio. Mengning’s portfolio, “Find a Good Job”, won The ‘Water’ Award. This Award is given to the mini-portfolio that best makes viewers reflect on their own learning. Congratulations to Mengning for being an inspiration to others! For more details about the L2L Mini Learning Portfolio Contest, please click here.   A round of applause for the award winners! APSS will continue to give its best to support our colleagues and students in their learning to learn journey.

Brown School Professor Visits APSS to Foster Academic Collaborations in Social Work and Social Policy

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to host Prof. Shenyang GUO, the Frank J. Bruno Distinguished Professor of Social Work Research from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, on 8 June 2023.   During his visit, Prof. GUO received a warm welcome by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS, Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor of APSS, and other senior staff members of APSS including Prof. Juan CHEN, Dr Qiaobing WU, Dr Lu YU, Dr Karita KAN, and Mr Ken WAN.   The primary purpose of the visit was to update the collaboration status between the two universities and to discuss the ongoing partnership in offering a dual degree program. This program includes two master's degree programs offered by APSS, namely the MA in Social Policy and Social Development (MASPSD) and the Master of Social Work (MSW), and the Master of Social Policy (MSP) program from the Brown School.   Discussions also encompassed topics such as student exchange programs, faculty exchange initiatives, research collaborations, and other scholarly opportunities of mutual interest.   APSS eagerly anticipates further collaboration with the Brown School to strengthen the partnership between the two universities and foster academic collaborations in the fields of social work and social policy.

Learning Outside Classroom – Overseas Study Trips Broaden Social Work and Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Students’ Horizon

Taiwan Study Trip (from 27 April to 2 May 2023) A group of five students from the BA (Hons) Social Work and Master of Social Work programme were led by Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS, on a study trip to Taiwan between 27 April and 2 May 2023. The trip aimed to create research impact based on a GRF-funded project – “School Ethnic-Racial Socialization, Ethnic Identity, and Psychological Health in Context: Indigenous Adolescents in Taiwan”, in collaboration with Dr Ciwang TEYRA at the Department of Social Work at National Taiwan University. Dr LAI met with leaders in the indigenous community, shared her research findings, and delivered a lecture on the toll of COVID-19 on the mental health of Hong Kong young people. The group also attended an academic conference on indigenous well-being and participated in cultural exchange workshops. Participating students expressed that they learned about discrimination and oppression and reflected on their cultural identity and relationship with Hong Kong.   Singapore Study Trip (from 22 May to 27 May 2023) Twenty-six students from the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) programme, led by Dr Raymond TAM, Programme Leader of SPSE, and Dr Herbary CHEUNG, Research Assistant Professor of APSS, undertook a study trip to Singapore from 22 May to 27 May 2023. The tour was designed to improve students' understanding of social development, social entrepreneurship, and multiculturalism in Singapore. Students under the guidance of Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, visited various organisations, such as the Housing and Development Board, the Singapore International Foundation, and Dignity Kitchen Singapore. The aim was to understand public housing policies, international collaboration, community development, and empowerment of disadvantaged populations in Singapore. Additionally, they attended guest lectures by policy research scholars at the East Asian Institute and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, both at the National University of Singapore. Apart from academic activities, students enjoyed sightseeing at Little India, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown, exploring Singapore's multiracial, multicultural, and multi-religious society. They also visited Marina Barrage and Garden by the Bay to learn about urban planning and development.   These overseas study trips offer students’ valuable international exposure and study opportunities while fostering potential collaborations between APSS and international partners.

Outstanding APSS Alumni Award 2023

  The Outstanding APSS Alumni Award is a prestigious honour that recognises the remarkable achievements and contributions of alumni from the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS). This award serves as a testament to the exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication of APSS alumni who have made significant impact in their professional fields and communities. Ms Tung Ching Yvonne CHAK is currently the Director of Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS). Ms CHAK has accumulated extensive practical and leadership experience as an active contributor to social services for children, youth, pre-school, and elderly communities for many years. Under her leadership and the dedication of her team, HKCS has pioneered well-received and award-winning services over the years.  She has also been the Vice-chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and served on several government committees, as well as a number of advisory boards of the Social Work Departments of local universities. The award is presented annually to one or more alumni who have made outstanding achievements in their respective fields and contributions to society. The award not only recognises the recipient's achievements, but also serves as an inspiration to current and future students, as well as fellow alumni.

APSS Receives 15 Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme, General Research Fund and Early Career Schemes from the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2023/24 Exercise

Congratulations to the following awardees in securing research funding from RGC in 2023/24 Exercise:   Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Awarded Professor Juan CHEN Developing Community Mental Health Care in Rural China: Local Policy Network, Implementation, and Advocacy HK$396,000   General Research Fund (GRF) Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Awarded Dr Lu YU A Prospective Study of Newly-Arrived Immigrant Adolescents from Mainland China to Hong Kong: The Way to Thrive HK$1,089,950 Dr Tsin Yee Janet LEUNG Unequal Childhood Development – Family Socio-economic Status, Concerted Cultivation and Children's Developmental Trajectories under the COVID-19 Pandemic HK$1,059,900 Dr Bo Kyong Grace SEO Promoting older adults’ proactive home modifications for successful ageing in place: A mixed methods study HK$990,926 Dr Xiang LI Cyberbullying among Children with Victimization Experiences: The Role of Emotional Risk Factors and Social-Ecological Protective Factors HK$840,644 Dr Hoi Wing William CHAN From I Believe to We Believe: Understanding the Behavioral Impacts of Belief in Climate Change Conspiracy Theories with a Conspiracy Belief–Social Identity Model HK$820,735 Dr Jingping Penny LIU How Brokerage Absorbs Popular Grievances in Rural China: Typology, Effectiveness, and Consequences HK$818,195 Dr Chi Mei, Jessica LI Procedural Justice for the Mentally Incapacitated: A Mixed Qualitative Study Using Timelines and Vignettes with Young People and Criminal Justice Personnel HK$809,700 Dr Hay Ming Herman LO The Effects of an Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Parents of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial HK$807,480 Dr Crystal KWAN Exploring the Lived Experiences of Adjusting to Early Retirement of the Older Working Poor: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study in Hong Kong HK$652,000 Dr Tin-yuet TING Technopolitical Contention over State-Led Social Datafication: A Digital Ethnography of Data-Driven Governance in Hong Kong's Counter-Public Sphere HK$569,200   Early Career Schemes (ECS) Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Awarded Dr Xiaoqin Julie ZHU Multidimensional Parental Psychological Control and Developmental Outcomes among Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong HK$833,610 Dr Chi Kit Jacky NG Effect Conservation in Process Analysis: The Reason, Solution, and Promotion HK$659,449 Dr Xiaomin LI Financial Management and Distinct Types of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in China: An Empowerment Perspective HK$570,920 Dr Po Yee Iris LO From Unspoken Secrets to Family Dialogues: The Negotiations of Family Expectations and Intergenerational Intimacy between Chinese Parents and their Adult Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Children HK$478,200   The total funding awarded in RGC GRF/ECS 2023/24 Exercise is HK$11,000,909.   APSS houses a large group of interdisciplinary professorial and teaching staff in the social sciences in Hong Kong. Our colleagues include world-renowned scholars and veterans in their fields, as well as young, promising scholars with tremendous talent and passion. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge for effective and humanistic social policies and services through education and research excellence.