APSS 50th Anniversary with Fun Lecture and Gala Dinner Attended by Over 300 Participants

On 27 May 2023, a memorable celebration was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event commenced with an engaging Fun Lecture on the significance of former staff and community involvement. The Lecture was delivered by a panel of distinguished speakers, including Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, and Helen YU, Jenny HUI, Teresa TSIEN, all former colleagues of APSS. Rodney CHU, Chairperson of APSS 50th Anniversary Organising Committee, gave the closing remarks. Raymond TAM also sent greetings from Singapore with a group of Social Policy & Social Entrepreneurship students, who were awaiting a return flight to Hong Kong after having completed a student exchange programme.   The latter part of the Fun Lecture involved a visit to the E-memory Promenade, which comprised three corridor lanes that are located on the fourth floor of HJ Wing and GH Wing belonging to APSS. Participants were invited to use their NFC-enabled mobile phones to tap or scan the cards and then view the details of different departmental memorabilia, such as certificates and old departmental photos, hung on the walls. They were also able to access the latest departmental information and relevant news.   Following this, a Gala Dinner was organised in the evening. About 300 participants from the community attended the Dinner to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of APSS. The event was a great success, with guests enjoying delicious food, pleasant company, and an evening of entertainment.   Throughout the evening, several speeches were delivered by eminent personalities, including Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS; and Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, former Head and Honorary Professor of APSS. Also, speeches were given by alumni of APSS, including Prof. Bainian SHI, Mr Chi Hong WOO, Mr Charles CHAN, Outstanding APSS alumnus of 2022, and Ms Yvonne CHAK, Outstanding APSS alumna of 2023.   Highlights of the event included a celebration of APSS' remarkable achievements over the past five decades and a donation towards the APSS Graduates Association Award. The evening was filled with joy and a strong sense of community spirit, making it an unforgettable celebration. It also served as a reminder of the vital role of community involvement in creating vibrant and flourishing societies.

APSS Head and Colleague Visit Bangladesh for Research Collaboration and Criminology Seminar

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), visited Prime Minister’s Office and government agencies in Bangladesh on 10 May 2023 to exchange views and to discuss potential research collaborations and institutional development between APSS, PReCIT and Bangladesh under Belt and Road Initiative. Prof. CHUI was warmly welcomed by Mr. Doyananda Debnath, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority; Dr. Abu Saleh Mostafa Kamal, Director General of the Department of Social Services and Mr. Toufique Hasan, Director General of East Asia & Pacific Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Prof. Bashir Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Jahangirnagar University with his colleagues, and Dr. Herbary CHEUNG, Research Assistant Professor from APSS, also joined the visits and discussions.   Prof. CHUI delivered a keynote speech at Jahangirnagar University's (JU) international seminar on criminology on 11 May 2023. The seminar was organised by the Department of Government and Politics, JU, with the aim of promoting research and discussion on various aspects of criminology. The seminar was a great success, with scholars presenting research papers and engaging in lively discussions on topics such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug abuse.   The Financial Express - https://polyu.me/3LZPqG6 Link1: https://t.ly/saSAe Link2: https://t.ly/n3_D Link3: https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/education/356033

APSS signed Two MoUs with Asian Universities for Collaborative Academic Research and Exchange Programmes

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in Asia. The MoUs set the stage for collaborative academic research, joint publications, staff and student exchange, and related opportunities.     The first MoU was signed between APSS and the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University (TU) in Thailand. Dr. Ben KU, Associate Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN), and Ms. Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Development and Partnership) of CGDN, visited TU on March 27, 2023 for this important occasion. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS, was also present online to witness the signing ceremony. This partnership holds great potential for joint research, roundtable discussions, joint seminars, student and staff exchange, and related collaborations between PolyU and TU.   The second MoU was signed between APSS and Jahangirnagar University (JU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. On May 8, 2023, Prof. Eric CHUI and Prof. Rasheda Akhtar, Treasurer of JU, signed the MoU. The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof. Md. Nurul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Prof. Sheikh Md. Monzurul Huq, Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Bashir Ahmed, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Tarana Begum, Chairman of the Department of Government and Politics, Dr. Md. Farid Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Tarikul Islam from JU. Also, Dr. Herbary CHEUNG from APSS attended the signing ceremony. The MoU aims to establish research centers, facilitate collaborative academic research, joint publications, staff and student exchange, and related opportunities that would benefit both universities.    These MoUs demonstrate the commitment of APSS and PolyU in promoting international collaboration and advancing academic research. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with these esteemed institutions.    Online coverage: The Financial Express - https://polyu.me/41dNIXn JU news: https://juniv.edu/discussion/14458    

APSS and IASSW Forge a Landmark Partnership to Enhance Social Work Education with a Global Online Learning Platform

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) held a signing ceremony on 3 May 2023 to mark the beginning of a significant joint initiative.  APSS and IASSW will work together to provide a global online learning platform on IASSW Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training for international users. The collaboration aims to enhance and promote the quality of social work education and the professional standards of social work practitioners around the world.   Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), delivered the opening remarks. He expressed confidence in the agreement, which enables APSS to positively contribute to the international community of social work educators as well as to build global networks for its students and academic staff.  Following the opening remarks, Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, President of IASSW, gave the opening address, expressing her delight in celebrating this important moment of cooperation between APSS and IASSW.   The agreement was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, and Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Prof. Ben YOUNG and Dr Varoshini NADESAN,Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of Johannesburg.  Prof. CHUI delivered the closing speech where he thanked all of the guests for witnessing this important milestone in international social work education.  

A Roaring Success for APSSGA's Movie Screening and Fundraising Event! All Tickets Gone in Celebration of APSS's 50th Anniversary!

On 15 April 2023, as part of the APSS 50th Anniversary series of celebratory events, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) successfully organised a Movie Screening and Fundraising event. The event, which also included a ‘Director Sharing Session’, was held at THX Premiere Elements. Over 200 APSS alumni, students, and colleagues came together to watch the award-winning movie “A Light Never Goes Out”. The director, Ms Anastasia TSANG, joined us after the film to share about the background that inspired her to produce this remarkable film. The film and the sharing session were well received by the audience.   All proceeds from this fundraising event will go to the APSSGA Hardship Fund (APSSGA Award). The Award will be established to support APSS students with financial difficulties. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who generously donated to this meaningful cause. Donations to the APSSGA Award can be made at the following website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/about-apss/giving-to-apss/.   More exciting events are in the pipeline to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of APSS. Stay tuned for further announcements!

Introducing APSS to Secondary School Students in PolyU Taster Programme 2023

On 12 April 2023, the Global Engagement Office (GEO) collaborated with APSS to host the PolyU Taster Programme 2023 for Secondary School Students at the PolyU Campus. The Joint Programme Leaders of the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences, Dr Kong YAM and Dr Raymond TAM, presented the key features and curriculum structure of this undergraduate programme to 34 Secondary 4 and 5 students.   During the small group sharing session, members of the APSS Student Association shared their experiences of university life with the participants. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, also welcomed the participants with a brief message before paying a visit to APSS CAVE cum Studio at Z Core. Participants had the opportunity to explore the teaching facility in APSS's CAVE cum Studio. Not only did they get to see the state-of-the-art equipment in teaching and learning, but they also had the chance to use the facilities themselves. As part of the experience, the students were invited to join a video shooting session, providing the students with a unique glimpse into the world of video production and editing. Overall, this was an invaluable opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience and to explore the exciting possibilities that await them in the field of applied social sciences.

Successfully Holding the 11th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Ceremony and Social Work-Stations Building and Social Work High-Quality Development Symposium

The 11th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Ceremony and Social Work-Stations Building and Social Work High-Quality Development Symposium, jointly hosted by the Department of Sociology of Peking University, the Department of Applied Social Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Peking University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre, was successfully held on 2 April 2023. Nearly 4,000 experts and scholars from the social work field, frontline social workers, teachers, and students participated online or in-person.   The symposium invited eight scholars from Mainland China and Hong Kong to share and exchange views on the high-quality development of social work education, exploration of social work practice models, organizational functions and construction paths, and the establishment of basic social work service systems of Social Work-stations building. Also, this year, a total of two Scholar Awards, five Student Awards, and four Practicum Project Awards were given to exemplary scholars and students during the Awards Ceremony.   Read more: https://polyucrdn.eksx.com/load.php?id=579620

APSS International Scholar Talk by Prof. Ka Tat TSANG from the University of Toronto

For the third International Scholar Talk Series in the academic year 2022-23, Prof. Ka Tat TSANG, Professor of Social Work at the University of Toronto, delivered an online talk entitled “SSLD: An Intervention System for the Post-Professional Era” on 17 March 2023. This International Scholar Talk Series is one of the initiatives to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of APSS. During his presentation, Prof. TSANG introduced how the post-professional condition is marked by the combined challenges of technological innovation, late capitalism and a rapidly changing practice environment. The talk was moderated by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, and Prof. Edward CHAN, Professor of APSS and RGC Senior Research Fellow. Discussion was made on how the profession is responding to processes of the post-professional condition and how some professions may benefit from this changing context. A big thanks to Prof. TSANG for giving an intellectually stimulating presentation!

Holding a Social Enterprise Puzzle Challenge Activity for the First Time

In collaboration with several social enterprises and start-ups, APSS implemented the Social Enterprise Puzzle Challenge on 14 and 15 March, 2023. Around 150 university students and staff members participated in this Challenge. Students from APSS guided visitors through the stories of social enterprises and start-ups. Visitors were also invited to play a puzzle game, which aimed at introducing two business model development toolkits for social enterprises. Visitors gained an appreciation and greater understanding of how social enterprises could benefit our society. One of the co-organisers of the event was Spartan, a start-up established by a group of BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship students. Spartan provides a platform with an artificial intelligence (AI) system that integrates job-matching, skills-enhancement tutorials, and CV enrichment. It is designed for students in post-secondary education, and it aims to help them be well-prepared for their future careers. This was the first event organised by APSS that effectively bridged social enterprises, start-ups, and the university community. We encourage more students to team up with others to brainstorm and apply innovative ideas. If you want to team up with others, please fill out the e-registration form: https://forms.gle/Rp3N3vbxirjYAjQn7

Having Fun outside Classroom – A Chinese Character Ink Rubbing Workshop

All incoming exchange students, local and non-local students were invited to join a Chinese Character Ink Rubbing workshop organised by APSS Student Exchange and International Affairs on 16 March 2023. In addition to having fun, it was a great opportunity to learn the traditional art and also to get to know each other. Special thanks go to Miss Nancy SONG, our Year 3 undergraduate student (majoring in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship), for teaching us the history and techniques of ink rubbing.