PolyU’s APSS organised the “Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025” award presentation ceremony, in collaboration with the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT). Dr Yuk Lin CHOI, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (centre); Prof. Jin Guang TENG, PolyU President (2nd from right); Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT (2nd from left); Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (1st from left); and Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT (1st from right), officiated at the ceremony.
Dr Yuk Lin CHOI opined that the Competition provided students with high-quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom, thereby enhancing their mastery and understanding of innovative technology applications and inspiring their creative thinking.
Prof. Jin Guang TENG applauded the creativity of the participating students in proposing innovative and practical solutions to social issues in Hong Kong.
The “Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025”, attracting over 180 students from 22 secondary schools was recently organised between March and August 2025 by the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS). It is hoped that secondary school students were able to enhance their awareness of social issues, increase their creative thinking and empathy, and care for those in need in society through positive actions.
This competition adopted an interdisciplinary approach, with the teams integrating knowledge from social science fields and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, omnidirectional cameras and Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment facilities. An award presentation ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), was held on 30 August 2025 to recognise the outstanding student teams.
APSS takes the opportunity to thank Dr Yuk Lin CHOI, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, along with Prof. Jin Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, for officiating the ceremony.
Press release:
English - https://polyu.me/4fXadbY; Chinese - https://polyu.me/45HoPZO
Online coverage:
CRHK - https://polyu.me/45WJtnD
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3VxEapD (subscription required)
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/47myVR8
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3Vss4OC
Line Today - https://polyu.me/41vzPqJ
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4g6GvRZ
Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4na55Ul
