Prof. Eric CHUI’s Re-appointment

Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology is re-appointed as a member of the Mental Health Review Tribunal for a two-year term from 15 April 2025 to 14 April 2027, under section 59A of the Mental Health Ordinance (Cap. 136). 

 

Prof. Judy SIU’s Re-appointment

Prof. Judy SIU, Associate Professor of APSS is re-appointed to serve on the FHSS Human Subjects Ethics Sub-committee (HSESC) for another term by the Chair of FRC(HSS). The new term of office will be up to 30 June 2027. 

 

Dr Rodney CHU's Appointment

Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS, was appointed as a member of the Learning and Teaching Committee (LTC) under the category of “academic staff members appointed by the LTC Chair”. The term of service is effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2027. 

 

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Project / Grant Awards

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APSS Receives 13 Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS), General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Schemes (ESC) from the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2025/26 Exercise

Congratulations to all awardees in securing research funding in the RGC GRF/ESC and HSSPFS applications for the 2025/26 Exercise. 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.

List of awardees: https://polyu.hk/DzbLq

 

PI: Dr Yao FU, Research Assistant Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Socio-Cultural Pathways to Kindness Cultivation Among Thai Adolescents in the Context of Parental Migration
Co-PI: Dr Jiang XU, Temple University
Funding amount: US$26,567
Funding scheme: CARE EVERYWHERE initiative, International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development
Project period: May 2025 - May 2026
Project brief: Kindness is a critical interpersonal strength that contributes to personal flourishing and prosocial development, yet current research is dominated by Western paradigms, with limited understanding of how relational virtues like kindness develop in Global South contexts, particularly amid family disruptions caused by labour migration. This study aims to: 1) investigate how caregiving experiences influenced by parental migration shape kindness in Thai adolescents; 2) explore the role of familial and socio-cultural factors in the development of kindness; and 3) explore pathways to kindness in social-learning environments beyond the family. Adopting a life history approach and qualitative design, the study integrates longitudinal data from the CLAIM project with adolescent-caregiver dyadic interviews. This study will provide a culturally grounded framework for promoting relational virtues in diverse family and cultural settings and offer practical implications for designing interventions and policy initiatives that address the needs of children in migrant families across the Global South.

PI: Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology
Proposal title:  Evaluation Study on School-based After School Care Service Scheme and the Pilot Programme on Community Living Room of the Social Welfare Department
Co-PI: Dr Raymond TAM (Senior Lecturer of APSS)
Co-Is (all from APSS): Prof. Grace SEO (Associate Professor), Prof. Jacky NG (Assistant Professor), Dr Wynants HO (Lecturer), Dr Javier PANG (Lecturer), Dr Felix NG (Project Manager)
Funding amount: HK$2,507,800 
Funding scheme: Social Welfare Department (Contract Research)
Project period: June 2025 - May 2026
Project brief: This evaluation study, commissioned by the Social Welfare Department, will provide a comprehensive assessment of both the School-based After School Care Service Scheme and the Pilot Programme on Community Living Rooms in Hong Kong. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will gather quantitative and qualitative data from diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, school personnel, service operators, community living room members, and social workers. 
Simultaneously, the study will assess the Pilot Programme on Community Living Rooms, focusing on improvements in users’ living space quality, sense of community belonging, and interpersonal networks. 
Findings will inform recommendations to enhance service quality and effectiveness across both programmes.  

PI: Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology
Proposal title: An Impact Assessment of "Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project"
Co-PI (all from APSS): Prof. Jacky NG (Assistant Professor), Dr Felix NG (Project Manager)
Funding amount: HK$1,000,000
Funding scheme: The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (Collaboration)
Project period: June 2025 - March 2029
Project brief: The “Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project” is a three-year initiative, designed to advance innovation and technology (InnoTech) education among Hong Kong’s youth. The project will offer a variety of activities for primary and secondary school students, teachers, and the broader public, aiming to strengthen young people's knowledge and learning skills in InnoTech fields. To evaluate its impact, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) will collaborate with the PolyU team to conduct an impact assessment of the Project. Quantitative data will be collected through a pretest-posttest design, with statistical analyses to measure changes in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Qualitative insights will be gathered through in-depth interviews with both teachers and students, offering nuanced perspectives on changes in teaching practices and learner experiences. The evaluation of the Project will help foster youth interest in STEM fields while enhancing teacher capabilities in inquiry-based learning methods. 

PI: Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Enhancing Adaptation, Integration, and Career Development of Non-Local University Students in Hong Kong
Co-Is: Prof. Mingyue GU (EDUHK); Prof. Jingwei HE (HKUST); Prof. Ronnel Bornasal KING (CUHK); Prof. Li LIN (LU); Prof. Jiayan PAN (HKBU); Dr Ka-yu Florence WU (SAO, PolyU); Prof. Shengquan YE (CityU), and Prof. Min ZENG (HKU)
Collaborators: Dr Qiaochu ZHANG (APSS, PolyU); Dr Xiaoou HONG (APSS, PolyU).
Funding amount: HK$905,993.00
Funding scheme: Theme-based Exercise under Public Policy Research Funding Scheme
Project period: June 2025 - June 2026 
Project brief: This project investigates how non-local university students in Hong Kong adapt, integrate, and prepare for their careers, with a particular focus on the challenges they face and the kinds of support that can help them thrive. As Hong Kong faces workforce shortages, an aging population, and the emigration of young people, retaining non-local graduates has become increasingly important. The study will involve first-year and final-year undergraduates, recent graduates, and key institutional stakeholders from 10 local universities. The goal is to generate practical, evidence-based recommendations to improve student well-being, strengthen career support, and ultimately help position Hong Kong as a more inclusive and competitive global education hub.

PI: Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean (FHSS), Interim Director of MHRC, and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology
Proposal title:  Enhancing Cultural Integration for Non-Local Students in Hong Kong: A Multicultural Acquisition Approach to Policy Development
Co-Is: Prof. Jacky NG (Assistant Professor, APSS), Dr Algae AU (Research Assistant Professor, APSS), Dr Erin LU (Research Assistant Professor, APSS), Dr Florence WU (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), SAO)
Funding amount: HK$694,257.55
Funding scheme: Theme-based Exercise under Public Policy Research Funding Scheme
Project period: June 2025 - June 2026  
Project brief: Hong Kong has emerged as a prominent destination for non-local students, with a significant increase in their enrollment in higher education institutions over the past decade. This proposed study aims to investigate the challenges of cultural diversity faced by non-local students in Hong Kong and explore policy implications to facilitate their integration. Adopting the multicultural acquisition approach within the theoretical framework of Global Orientations, this research will address the limitations of Hong Kong's previous "assimilation-oriented" integration policies, which often overlook the need for mutual cultural understanding between local and non-local communities. The proposed project will employ a mixed methods sequential explanatory design, and the findings will provide actionable insights for stakeholders, including government bodies, universities, and the general public, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for non-local students. 

PI: Prof. Christian GREIFFENHAGEN, Associate Professor of APSS 
Proposal title: Communication in Orthodontic Clinics: Interactional and Technological Resources for Managing Patients’ Expectations
Funding amount: US$30,000 
Funding scheme: Elite Research Grants
Project period: June 2025 - June 2026
Project brief: This project is the first to study real-life doctor-patient communication in orthodontics. We will conduct an innovative qualitative video-based study of orthodontic consultations in partnership with private clinics. Employing the established methodology of conversation analysis, the project will explore the resources that health professionals have to persuade and manage patients’ expectations. Based on our findings, we will develop and deliver communication trainings to health professionals.

 

APSS Awarded RGC Junior Research Fellowship 

Dr Rowan ALCOCK (DPhil in Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford) is currently affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study in Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsinghua University. He is awarded a fellowship of the 2025–2027 RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme (HK$886,200). With the support from Prof. Jenny CHAN, Associate Professor of APSS, Dr ALCOCK will conduct research entitled “Karl Polanyi’s Ecology: China, Eco-Socialism, and the Post-Growth Future.” Reflecting on the unsustainability of neo-liberalism. It aims to re-read Karl Polanyi’s (1886-1964) work and develop a Polanyian ecological theory. This theory will be used to analyse contemporary Chinese society, enriching discussions on resilient environmental futures.

 

Promoting Holistic Adolescent Growth through Gamification: P.A.T.H.S. Project Garners International Recognition

The Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social (P.A.T.H.S.) Project through gamification, a collaborative initiative between APSS, PolyU and the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), won five innovation awards at the 17th European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation, EUROINVENT 2025 in Iasi, Romania. These five prestigious innovation awards include: 

1) EUROINVENT 2025 Gold Medal Award,
2) EUROINVENT 2025 Diploma of Excellence,
3) Special Award from the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISAS),
4) Special Award from the Turkish Inventors Association (TÜMMÌAD), and
5) Special Award from the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania.

As an extension of P.A.T.H.S., Gamified Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social (GP.A.T.H.S.) were led by Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies and Chair Professor of APSS, Dr Mee Thien LEI, Associate Professor of School of Educational Studies at USM, Dr Yean Lim CHIA, Senior Lecturer at USM and Ms Richelle ELISAN-GERONG, Ed.D student, School of Educational Studies at USM. 

 

Prof. Sylvia CHEN Awarded HKD $1.2M for Book on Cultural Globalization

Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean (FHSS), Interim Director of MHRC, and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, has been awarded financial support in the 2024/25 round of the Financial Support for Book Writing initiative. This recognition was granted following a thorough evaluation of various factors, including the author’s credentials, the impact of the book topic, the type of book, and its thematic area. Her book, titled Cultural Globalization: A Psychological Perspective, is planned to be published by Cambridge University Press. The University has awarded HKD $1,200,000 to support this significant project.

Congratulations to Prof. Chen on this remarkable achievement!

 

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Media Reports

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(Photo captured from RTHK’s Radio)

Prof. Eric CHUI on Dropout Issues

Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, elaborated on the issue of dropouts in Hong Kong in RTHK’s radio programme “Letter to Hong Kong”.

Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/42mxbEo (01:07 - 08:22)
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/42JWDCP
Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/4iqyqHk
RTHK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1205971844866420&set=a.513153954148216
RTHK Special: https://app3.rthk.hk/special/pau/article.php?aid=5086

 

PReCIT Hosts Dialogue with Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) at PolyU, in collaboration with APSS and the Global Engagement Office (GEO), hosted the seventh Consul General Talk on 9 April 2025, which featured a dialogue with Mr Muzambli MARKAM, Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. Titled “ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025”, the talk promoted deeper understanding among PolyU community of ASEAN policy frameworks, opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative, and Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” in the region, while also fostering meaningful connections with leaders from the business, technology and policy sectors.

Press release:
English - https://polyu.me/4jmXbpq; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4inppPg

Online coverage:
Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3RY9BaQ

 

Prof. Mathew WONG on Ming Po Daily News

Prof. Mathew WONG, Associate Professor of APSS, penned an article on Ming Pao Daily News on 29 April 2025 to analyse whether tax increase is feasible for covering certain social welfare expenditure, and penned an article on the same media on 13 May 2025 to analyse the public acceptance of different welfare policies.

Online coverage:
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4lYss3F (29 April 2025)
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4khsSR0%20%0b  (13 May 2025)

 

(Photo captured from TVB Pearl)

Prof. Eric CHUI on Helping Dropouts

Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, was interviewed by TVB Pearl’s programme “Pearl Magazine” on how society and parents can motivate and help dropouts in Hong Kong.

Online coverage:
TVB Pearl - https://polyu.me/3Sd0MdL (05:48 - 06:58; 10:04 - 10:48)

 

(Photo captured from Headline Daily)

Prof. Eric CHUI on PolyU’s Efforts to Promote ESG

Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, shared his insights into the development of “social” aspect in ESG as well as PolyU’s efforts to promote ESG in an interview with Sing Tao Daily.

Online coverage:
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4m7fGzQ
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4da9djp

 

(Photo captured from Wen Wei Po)

Dr So Wa NGAI on Significance of Counsellors’ Support

In a press conference about promoting counsellors’ support organised by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Dr So Wa NGAI, Lecturer of APSS, urged to expand counsellors’ services to children with mental health needs at home as their situation would deteriorate once they leave the care homes.

Online coverage:
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4m68Pqk

 

(Photo captured from Hong Kong Economic Times)

Hong Kong Family Happiness Score Improves for First Time in 3 Years

A survey by HK.WeCARE found that family happiness in Hong Kong has improved for the first time in three years. The family happiness index stood at 6.91 out of 10, an improvement from 6.43 last year but lower than the 7.26 in 2021. Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies, Chair Professor of APSS and an adviser for HK.WeCARE, suggested that the happiness recovered is because the economy is picking up, and families are gradually adapting to the post-pandemic environment.

Online coverage:
SCMP - https://polyu.me/4j4WC2n
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4joy5pn
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4jX5w3p
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/44AKz9u
Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/4mxFup4
HK01 - https://polyu.me/4j6ofs2

Prof. SHEK was interviewed by RTHK’s TV programme “HK2000” to elaborate on HK.WeCARE’s survey about family happiness in Hong Kong. 

Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/4329DoO (36:04 - 43:04)

 

(Photo captured from Dot Dot News)

Prof. Eric CHUI on Social Workers in Technology Era

Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, gave a presentation on the topic of how social workers should adapt to the era of technology in the 優秀青年社工嘉許計劃之社工主題日 held on 24 May 2025.

Online coverage:
Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4jnFjtJ

 

(Photo captured from RTHK)

Frontline Staff’s Knowledge of Elder Abuse Inadequate, Survey Finds

A survey conducted by the APSS in collaboration with The Hong Kong Society for the Aged has found that a quarter of frontline staff in the elderly service sector had poor knowledge of elder abuse. Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS, lamented that it’s undesirable and disappointing, and highlighted the importance of training.

Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/43EJbll
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3HF8NGk
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4kVMHxw
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4kNzO91
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3HFYgKQ
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/45gd24N
Now TV - https://polyu.me/45nuB2R (part 1); https://polyu.me/3FEXLAd (part 2)
RTHK - https://polyu.me/441759u (1:06:03 - 1:20:50)

 

(Photo captured from HOY TV)

PolyU Supported Startup Blends Technology and Tradition to Engage Youth in Hong Kong Heritage

Mr Ken CHAU, an alumnus of Social Policy and Administration at APSS, and Ms Fion LAU, a staff member of PolyU’s Research and Innovation Office, were featured on HOY TV’s programme “人物．故事” to introduce their startup Puzzle Weekly. The PolyU-supported startup utilises AI to design interactive puzzle hunt games themed on local stories so that young people can explore the community while playing games and preserve Hong Kong’s unique cultural heritage.

Online coverage:
HOY TV - https://polyu.me/4jWtM4C

 

(Photo captured from Jessica)

Prof. Sylvia CHEN Shares Research Journey

Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, gave an interview to the magazine Jessica on her research journey across the Chinese mainland, the US and Hong Kong.

Online coverage:

Jessica
https://polyu.me/46tPeuF
https://polyu.me/3T0DvMk (subscription required)

 

Prof. Xue BAI on Silver Economy

Prof. Xue BAI, Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies and Professor of APSS, shared her insights into the silver economy in Hong Kong in an interview with Hong Kong Business.

Online coverage:
Hong Kong Business - https://polyu.me/3Tk3HBU

 

 

PolyU Issues 50 Offers Via SNDAS

PolyU has issued direct admission offers to 50 local secondary students under the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS). The programmes admitting the most students include Applied Social Sciences, Nursing, Fashion and Medical Laboratory Science.

Online coverage:
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4ezTieR
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4lai6N5
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4ey75CZ
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4nyqGGZ

 

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Talks, Events and Conferences

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CV Writing and Interview Skills Workshop for APSS Final-year Students

To equip APSS final-year students with a strong foundation for their career pursuits, Ms Elaine TANG from PolyU Student Affairs Office designed an interactive workshop tailored to meet our students’ needs.

The workshop offers comprehensive career guidance on various aspects, including an introduction to CV content, a personal CV writing trial, a social sciences job case study, and interviewing skills practice.

 

Kick-off Ceremony of Mentorship Programme 2025-2027

The APSS Mentorship Programme 2025-2027 aims to build and foster networks and friendships between our graduating students and experienced alumni for professional and career development. The kick-off ceremony of the Mentorship Programme was held on 3 May 2025 in PolyU. A total of 78 alumni and students (45 student mentees and 33 alumni mentors) were matched successfully for this two-year mentorship programme, running from May 2025 to May 2027.

Read more: https://polyu.hk/aaubp

 

Career Talk 2025 for APSS Students

About 40 participants attended the second APSS Career Talk on 9 May 2025, which was organised by the APSS Student and Alumni Affairs Committee (SAAC). SAAC invited several speakers from the Social Welfare Department, The Salvation Army, a Career Consultant from Happitude Asia, and APSS graduates to share their services and personal experience with the audience.

A heartfelt thank you to our alumni and guest speakers! 

 

APSS International Talk Held in May 2025

APSS held an international talk series seminar on 13 May 2025 entitled "The Psychology of Ecology: How Environments Influence Culture and Stereotyping”, featuring Prof. Oliver SNG, an esteemed Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Irvine.

The talk was moderated by Prof. Huijing LU, Associate Professor in APSS. Prof. SNG presented multiple lines of work that examine how chronic environments—or ecologies—not only influence a wide range of our behaviours, including self-construal, social identity, relationship styles, and prosocial behaviour, but also affect how we think about other people based on their ecologies. The work has broad implications for our understanding of the origins of human cultural psychological variation (i.e., as an outcome of the different ecologies cultural groups live in) and social stereotypes (i.e., as an outcome of our beliefs about the ecologies that different racial groups or family structures live in), opening new domains of work and rethinking existing literature.  

 

Prof. Eric CHUI Presents at 2nd International Conference on Social Work and Social Research

On 24 May 2025, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS, and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, delivered a plenary presentation at the 2nd International Conference on Social Work & Social Research that was organized by Azerbaijan University in Baka, Azerbaijan. The title of the plenary presentation was “Humanistic Learning in a Digital World: Innovations in Social Work Education & Practice for a Sustainable Future.”

 

Prof. Eric CHUI Spoke at the International Symposium for Public Management and Urban Governance 2025

On 18 June 2025, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS, and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, delivered a plenary presentation at the International Symposium for Public Management and Urban Governance 2025, which was held at Lingnan University. The title of his presentation is “Humanistic Learning in a Digital World: Innovation, Technology & Smart Communities”. 

 

2025 Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Symposium on Linking Housing with Welfare and Care

On 17 June 2025, PolyU’s Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE) hosted a one-day symposium titled "Linking Housing with Welfare and Care: Experience from Hong Kong and South Korea."

Read more: https://polyu.hk/gWocx

 

APSS Signs MoU with Huazhong University of Science and Technology on Social Work Education and Research

On 9 June 2025, APSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huazhong University of Science and Technology (華中科技大學; HUST).

Read more: https://polyu.hk/nLxSX

 

Students from Chiang Mai University visiting APSS

A group of five Chiang Mai University (CMU) undergraduate students, majoring in Social Science and Sustainable Development, visited the APSS from 9 to 13 June 2025.  

During their stay, they visited various teaching and learning facilities around campus.  In addition, they attended research seminars, lectures and had sharing sessions with our students. They learnt about some recent sustainability issues and trends in Hong Kong. Both PolyU and CMU students cherished this exchange opportunity and developed friendships. Both sides will further collaborate and exchange in the future. 

 

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Students and Alumni Corner

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London Study Tour for Doctor of Social Work Students

From 21 to 30 April 2025, a considerable number of Doctor of Social Work (DSW) students embarked on an enriching study tour in London.  It was led by Prof. Ben Hok Bun KU, Programme Leader of DSW, Director of China and Global Development Network (CGDN) and Professor of APSS, Prof. Camilla LO, Deputy Programme Leader of DSW and Associate Professor of APSS, and Dr Sui Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Partnership and Development) of CGDN. This incredible opportunity was made possible through the strong network and support of Goldsmiths, University of London.

Read more:
APSS website: https://polyu.hk/CysVt
CGDN website: https://polyucgdn.com/article/289

 

Macau Study Tour 2025

From 13 to 15 May 2025, 17 students from the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling (MAGC) programmes embarked on a study trip to Macau. Led by Prof. Jessica LI, Programme Leader of MSW and Associate Professor of APSS, and Prof. Xiaomin LI, Assistant Professor of APSS, the title of the trip is “The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Professional Practice and Community Care Exploration Tour.”

Read more: https://polyu.hk/KGgSQ 

 

Malaysia Study Tour 2025

From 27 May 2025 to 3 June 2025, 25 undergraduate students from the APSS travelled to Malaysia for an educational study trip to Penang, Ipoh, and Kuala Lumpur. Led by two Lecturers Mr Vincent YEUNG and Dr Javier PANG, this trip provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about social innovation, sustainable development, community empowerment, and the dynamic context of Southeast Asia.

Read more: https://polyu.hk/lKyvd

 

APSS Student Conference 2025: Nurturing the Strength in the Face of Adversity

The APSS Student Conference 2025 was successfully held on 23 May 2025. The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head and Professor of APSS, who highlighted the importance of resilience in challenging times. This was followed by a greeting from two core members of the Organising Committee, Ms Olivia Xin CHEN, and Mr Louis Yin Ting TO, both of whom are PhD students.

Read more: https://polyu.hk/fzfwx

 

Our APSS Alumna Makes Us All Very Proud

Dr Carmen YAU obtained her Master of Social Work in 2017 and Ph.D. degree in 2023 from PolyU’s APSS.  She is now a Lecturer in Social Work and Lead of Wellbeing Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London.  She has been awarded “The King Charles III Coronation Medal” recognising her active contribution to the official coronation events in Westminster Abbey and processions and other officially recognised ceremonial Coronation events.

Read more: https://polyu.hk/dtwPQ

 

Mr Yan XU Received Best Student Paper Award

Mr Yan XU has been honoured with the prestigious Best Student Paper Award from the Work, Occupations, and Professions Cluster at the Canadian Sociological Association. His award-winning paper, titled "Ranks and Goals at the Workplace: Employees’ Organizational Commitment in a Manufacturing Start-up in China," explores the dynamics of organizational commitment and workplace hierarchy within the context of a manufacturing start-up. 

Mr XU’s dissertation examines organisational dynamics in an EV battery manufacturing start-up in China, and we're excited and grateful that he could share key highlights of his work at this year's Annual Conference.

 

Our APSS Undergraduate Student Won the Men's Singles Championship in 2025

Congratulations to Mr Yee Shun CHAN, a second-year student of the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship at PolyU, for his outstanding achievement in winning the Men’s Singles Tertiary Division Champion title at the 2025 Hang Seng All Schools Table Tennis Championships.

Read more: https://polyu.hk/qHHuF

 

(Photo captured from HK01)
APSS Student Athlete to Partake in World University Games

Mr Royce Lok Hei CHAN, a student athlete studying in BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship at APSS, will participate in the Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games for fencing, which will be held from 16 to 27 July 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

Online coverage:
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4ek6ODj

Previous online coverage:
HK01: https://bit.ly/40Cpdpg

 

APSSGA's Cuttlefish Fishing Night Unites Alumni and Graduating Students, Inspires Future Involvement

The APSS Graduate Association (APSSGA) organised a cuttlefish fishing night on 28 June 2025. This activity was held in Sai Kung, providing participants with a refreshing sea breeze and a relaxing night during the hot summer days.  A total of 21 alumni and their family members enjoyed a fruitful evening of cuttlefish fishing, savouring delicious cuisine, and engaging in mutual sharing. This activity aimed to welcome our newly joined APSSGA members and provide them with a valuable opportunity for alumni to get together, and enhance and expand the APSS alumni network.