New Book Release by Prof. Vincent CHENG

Prof. Vincent CHENG, Assistant Professor of APSS, has recently published a new book titled: Wasted Lives: The Social Exclusion of Older Triads Who Use Drugs in the Hong Kong Illegal Employment Market.   Crime movies often draw audiences into the stories of heroes and villains. Rarely do audiences show interest in the minions – often nameless figures who are brutally taken down by the protagonist. Similarly, in real life, public fascination with the illegal world tends to centre on notorious figures – serial killers, famous criminals, and mafia or triad bosses. However, little attention is paid to those at the bottom of the criminal social hierarchy.   Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews, this book tells the stories of and gives voices to a specific group at the margins of the criminal world in Hong Kong: older people who use drugs, focusing on their lived experiences of social exclusion within the criminal arena. By integrating literature on social exclusion, substance abuse, and organised crime, the book sheds light on broader societal issues surrounding marginalisation, aging, and criminal justice.

APSS Students Recognised at the 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding Student and Presidential Student Leadership Awards

The Presentation Ceremony for the Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2025/26 was held on 19 March 2026 at the Silverbox Ballroom at Hotel ICON. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of FHSS and Chair Professor of Neuropsychology, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co‑Director of PReCIT and ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, and Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS, attended the ceremony to show their support for the department’s award-winning students. Congratulations to Miss Cheuk Lam LAU and Mr Tat Fung TSE, both BA (Hons) in Social Work students, for receiving the Outstanding Student Award of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and the Presidential Student Leadership Award, respectively.   Outstanding Student Award of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Miss Cheuk Lam LAU (Year 4, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Work) “I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when I was young. During my treatment journey, the care, understanding, and encouragement I received from others, helped me overcome many challenges and develop resilience. This experience deeply inspired me to pursue a career as a helping professional who can support individuals through difficult times.  As I grew older, I came to realise that people often face not only physical illnesses but also a wide range of social and emotional struggles. Like physical illness, these issues are not always easily resolved. Yet, having someone to walk beside them can make a significant difference. This belief has driven my aspiration to become a social worker who stands by individuals in hardship while advocating for positive social change. At PolyU, my academic learning and active participation in community service have equipped me with the skills and empathy to serve as a social worker with a special focus on mental health. My experience working with young people have highlighted the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces where they feel free to express distress and seek help.”   Presidential Student Leadership Award, respectively Mr Tat Fung TSE (Year 2, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Work) “Receiving this award marks a meaningful milestone in my journey, reflecting the dedication and passion I have poured into my leadership roles over the past few years. It symbolises the perseverance required to balance rigorous academic demands with my commitment to community outreach. What began as a simple curiosity to join Campus-Y has evolved into a fulfilling experience of leading initiatives that champion inclusivity and innovation on campus. This recognition from the University reassures me that my efforts to support underprivileged communities in Hong Kong have created a real impact. I am deeply grateful to PolyU for shaping my leadership growth through its experiential learning opportunities and diverse resources. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds, enriching my communication skills and inspiring me to continue developing as a socially conscious and effective leader.”   Both Prof. Eric CHUI and Dr Kong YAM expressed their joy, saying, “Our students’ stories continue to make us proud and give us hope for what lies ahead, as they are poised to become the next generation of social work leaders.”

APSS Signed an MoU with Southeast University

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Southeast University (SEU) on 15 September 2025. APSS was represented at the signing ceremony, held at Cyberport on 10 March 2026, by Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS. The MoU was also signed by Prof. Yanbi HONG, Dean of School of Humanities at SEU. This partnership marks the start of enhanced research collaboration, knowledge sharing, and faculty exchange initiatives between APSS and SEU in the coming years.

Establishment of the Y.F. Hui Memorial Scholarship at PolyU APSS on World Social Work Day 2026

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) is deeply grateful to announce the establishment of the Y.F. Hui Memorial Scholarship (許賢發紀念獎學金). Through a generous donation of HK$250,000 from the Y.F. Hui Social Work Trust Fund (the Trust), this scholarship has been established to support and advance social work education at APSS. A donation ceremony was held on 17 March 2026, in conjunction with Social Work Day 2026, at the headquarters of The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong. The occasion featured an address by Dr Pamela Wong Shui CHAN, BBS, JP, Trustee of the Trust. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT and ADoRCESGA, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, represented the Department in receiving the commemorative cheque on stage. APSS colleagues, including Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor, Prof. Janet LEUNG, Professor, Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer, and Dr Stella WONG, Clinical Associate, attended the ceremony together with a group of Year 3 and Year 4 undergraduate social work students. On this World Social Work Day, Prof. Eric CHUI remarked, “In a world marked by rapid change and growing complexity, social work plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, inclusion, and collective action. In the Hong Kong context, this message holds particular significance as we continue to navigate social transformation and strengthen trust across communities. Co-building hope and harmony is not only an aspiration but also a professional and ethical commitment to advancing peace, sustainability, and social justice.”

Poster Prize Awarded to APSS Student in Learning and Teaching Week 2026

On 10 March 2026, PolyU’s Educational Development Centre (EDC) launched the annual Learning and Teaching Week (L&T Week) on campus. The opening ceremony commenced with the announcement of the Student Poster Prize, awarded to Miss Wendy Wuying YANG, a final-year student of the BA (Hons) in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management programme. Miss YANG’s poster impressed the judges with its clarity, creativity, and insightful reflection on her internship experiences. L&T Week showcases excellence in teaching and learning through exhibitions, workshops, and forums. This year’s programme features more than 130 posters created by students and staff, along with sessions highlighting well-being and preparation for the future workplace. For more details, visit https://www.polyu.edu.hk/edc/celebrate-teaching-excellence/lnt-week/

PolyU Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies Wins Silver at Investor and Financial Education Award 2025

The Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received the Silver Award in the Tertiary Institution category of the Investor and Financial Education Award 2025, presented by the Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC). The award recognises the Centre’s innovative research project, “PREParation through Motivational Interviewing and Education for Financial Planning (PREP-ME-Finance)”, and its significant contributions to advancing financial education among older adults in Hong Kong. The award ceremony was held on 10 March 2026 at the IFEC FinEd Hub at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. Awards were presented across three categories: the Kindergarten and Primary School, Secondary School, and Tertiary Institution. PREP-ME-Finance is an innovative research project led by Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS and Director of PolyU Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies. The project targets community-dwelling adults aged 50 and above who live alone or with a spouse or partner. It adopts a four-arm clustered randomised controlled trial conducted across 24 elder centres, recruiting 400 participants to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions, including motivational interviewing (MI), MI combined with photovoice, an education-only approach, and a waitlist control group. The project aims to enhance financial preparation for later life by addressing participants’ needs, risks, barriers, and goals. Through structured sessions focusing on goal setting, decision-making, resource exploration, and financial planning, participants demonstrated significant improvements in financial preparation attitudes and behaviours. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences (p This initiative also aligns with the Hong Kong Financial Competency Framework, covering areas such as financial planning, saving and investing, and risk protection. The project collaborates closely with community partners, including District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs), Neighbourhood Elderly Centres (NECs), and Active Ageing Centres (AACs).

APSS Signed an MoU with the University of the Philippines Diliman

On 9 March 2026, the Department of Applied Social Sciences signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) to strengthen academic collaboration between the two institutions. The signing ceremony was held in UPD. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Prof. Edgardo Carlo L. VISTAN II, Chancellor of UPD. This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation on joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, service-learning initiatives, and participation in academic visits and educational programmes. It also encourages both institutions to explore collaborative opportunities in conferences, seminars, workshops, and other activities that promote knowledge sharing and global engagement. This MoU demonstrates APSS’s commitment to fostering strong regional networks and enhancing excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. Online coverage: CGDN website: https://www.polyucgdn.com/article/490 UPD website: https://upd.edu.ph/upd-polyu-mou/ UPD Facebook: http://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1363944252428478&id=100064387493475&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=t6oFbyyyhoeXaNGu#

A Heartwarming Reunion: APSS Alumni Homecoming Brings Over 200 Together

On 28 February 2026, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) hosted a truly memorable "Chinese New Year Basin Dinner Gathering" at the PolyU Alumni Atrium and A Core Podium, where over 200 members of our extended APSS family came together in celebration and friendship. The evening drew 204 beloved participants, including APSS alumni, exchange students, former academic staff, and partners from across our community – each bringing warmth, laughter, and stories that rekindled our shared memories. We were especially honoured to welcome six distinguished alumni from the PolyU Institute of Social Work Training, class of 1976, whose wisdom and recollections deeply touched everyone present. The gathering was more than just a reunion. It was a joyful reminder of the enduring spirit that connects every member of the APSS family. Both APSSGA and APSS extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined and supported the event, turning it into an evening filled with warmth, gratitude, and lasting connections. May the Year of the Horse bring every member of our APSS family happiness, good health, and success.   Useful Information to Alumni: To apply to become a member of the APSS Graduates Association, go to: https://www.fhkpuaa.org.hk/Join-Us To apply for the PolyU Alumni eCard, go to: https://alumportal.polyu.edu.hk/enus

Building a Better Future: APSS and Yan Chai Hospital Join Hands for Foster Family Support

On 7 February 2026, the “寄養。伴理同行” event was held at PolyU to celebrate and support foster families. The event was jointly organised by Yan Chai Hospital Small Group Home & Foster Care Services and the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA), with the support of the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office (AAO). This meaningful gathering aimed to strengthen support the network of care for foster families through foster care training for parents, engaging childcare services for 20 children aged 1 to 16, and a range of enjoyable activities. The event also included a warm lunch that encouraged connection and sharing among families. The occasion opened with remarks from Mr. Johnny IP, Manager of Youth and Child Care Services of Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, followed by fun activities led by PolyU students and alumni. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible – the dedicated social workers from Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department, the JC Project Bonfire foster service programme, APSSGA, and the passionate APSS student and alumni volunteers. Their collective efforts created a caring and memorable experience for every family. With 43 foster parents and family members, along with 27 children participating, the event successfully fostered connection, mutual support, and compassion – important values that help build a more loving and inclusive community where every child can thrive.

Courtside Cheers: APSS Cup Sparks Community Spirits

The 32nd APSS Student Association (APSSSA) proudly hosted the APSS Cup 2026, bringing together APSS teachers and students for an exciting sports tournament from 3 February to 21 February 2026. Led by the Chairlady of APSSSA, Miss Crystal HSU (Year 2 BA (Hons) in Social Work Student), the Cup drew participants from both the Taught Postgraduate and Undergraduate programmes, as well as full-time and part-time faculty. To open the event, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, delivered a speech before officially launching the badminton competition. Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS and Co-Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences, also joined in to show his support.  The event was filled with laughter and teamwork, creating a joyful and harmonious vibe on the court. This Cup gave the APSS community a wonderful chance to experience good sportsmanship, unwind outside the classroom, and strengthen the sense of community among students and faculty alike.