Save the Children China's Child-Friendly Justice Programme Team Visited APSS

On 7 November 2025, APSS and The China and Global Development Network (CGDN) were pleased to host an exchange with the Child-Friendly Justice Programme Team from Save the Children China at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. For more than two decades, their Programme has been focused on protecting the rights of children in contact with the law, promoting community-based delinquency prevention, and developing tailored intervention models in cooperation with the police, social workers, and research institutions. The visit began with warm welcomes from 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, and Prof. Ben KU, Professor at APSS and Director of CGDN. Mr David LUI, Executive Officer of APSS, and Mr Hiu Fai CHAN, Service Director (Youth Service) at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service of Hong Kong, gave a brief account of the juvenile justice system and outreach social work service in Hong Kong. Team members also provided updates on juvenile justice in Chinese Mainland and discussed potential collaborations to advance the well-being of children and youth. Online coverage: CGDN website: https://polyucgdn.com/article/477

APSS Students Contribute in EAGLE the Adventurers' 2024/25

The Appreciation and Showcase Dinner for EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25 took place on 3 November 2025. The event was a vibrant celebration of the accomplishments of students involved in the EAGLE the Adventurers programme (the EAGLE), which empowers young minds to create impactful social projects. Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of Students and Alumni Affairs Committees, represented APSS to participate in this Dinner. Three BA (Hons) in Social Work fresh graduates (Class of 2025), including Ms Audrey Tsz Kiu AU, Mr Felix Ka Hoi LAM and Ms Chinny Ching Yi SIN, carried out their projects in Nepal for the EAGLE programme earlier this year. All three were recognised for their commitment to understanding community needs in Nepal and their dedication to co-creating social projects in the Nepali community. Miss Hao Ci CHEN, a year-2 student from the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship, attended the EAGLE thematic trainings in 2024/25. APSS encourages all students to participate actively in out-of-class activities in Hong Kong and beyond! Online coverage: PolyU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eagle-adventurers-202425-appreciation-showcase-dinner-polyu-eagle-gbkaf/

APSS Outstanding Students (Taught Postgraduate Programmes 2024/25)

Fifteen students have been awarded scholarships as APSS Outstanding Students of Taught Postgraduate Programmes 2024/25, recognising their excellent academic performance. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees for their outstanding achievements.  Let’s hear what they want to tell us.  Ms Christine Kit CHAN Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy   “The opportunity to pursue lifelong learning after my graduation thirty years ago was a gift, and receiving the APSS Scholarship was the cherry on top. I am deeply grateful to the professors, lecturers, and classmates who have expanded my horizons and opened my mind, profoundly shaping my understanding of family dynamics. I look forward to my practicum next year and am committed to making the most of this invaluable learning experience.” Mr Sai Kit CHEUNG Doctor of Social Work   “I have worked in the rehabilitation field for many years, almost my entire career. Although I truly mastered the salient features of working with people with intellectual disabilities, I was at a crossroads in my career. Studying the Doctor of Social Work gave me new insights and passion. Learning research methods helped me improve my practice with evidence. This academic journey has led me to a breakthrough and deeper transformation in social work practice. Now my career is no longer just experience-based but also research-based.”   Ms Jonie Sum Yu CHIU Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling   “My sincere thanks to PolyU and the scholarship donors for this award!I truly appreciate the recognition and financial support provided during my time in the Guidance and Counselling programme, which contributed to my learning and personal growth.”   Ms Huijun GUO Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development   “I work as a statistician at a comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine hospital in Beijing. A special opportunity has allowed me to study at PolyU. I find the 24-25 academic year to be a unique and flourishing period in my life. I am grateful for all the excellent resources provided by PolyU and APSS!” Ms Lai Fong HUNG Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling   “It is an honour and a joy to have been awarded this scholarship. My counselling studies at PolyU have contributed greatly to my personal growth, deepening my understanding of what it means to accompany others on their journeys. I have also been fortunate to meet excellent teachers and classmates. It has been a truly wonderful experience!”   Ms Lok Yan LEE Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology (MASCP)   “I am beyond grateful and glad to be awarded this scholarship. Holding triple roles concurrently, namely as a behavioural therapist, psychological counsellor, and figure skating coach, I prioritise my duties/commitment amid endless but surmountable (aspiringly) assignments during my MASCP academic study in 24/25 year. With a strong desire to further my knowledge and skills pertinent to educational and clinical psychology, I further enrolled in this MASCP programme at PolyU. Exceeding my expectations, the courses delivered by professors here so far are engaging, thought-provoking, and provide well-enough space for me to contemplate. For instance, I have leveraged my understanding (knowledge-wise) of designing and implementing psychological research in my study, further consolidating my foundational knowledge acquired in my previous master’s degree at The University of Hong Kong and my Bachelor’s degree at Monash University in Australia. Lastly, I aspire to apply my knowledge in psychology and education to positively impact the lives of students and individuals.”   Ms Yuk Man LEUNG Master of Arts in Social Work (Family-centred Practice and Family Therapy)   “Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me as I continue my journey in family-centred practice and family therapy. Through the programme, I’ve learned to see families as living systems where small shifts can spark bigger changes. I wish to carry this way of thinking into everyday life, creating small ripples of change along the way.”     Ms Mingsui LI Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development   “I am truly honoured to receive this award. APSS offered numerous opportunities for us to engage in community practice and academic communications, which significantly broadened my perspective. As I currently work in a medical institution, this experience has also taught me that social interventions can be as crucial as medical treatments in addressing health issues, which will also continue to guide and inspire my future work.”   Ms Chunhua LUO Master of Arts in Mental Health   “I’m truly honored and grateful to be awarded the APSS Scholarship. My academic journey in APSS has helped me grow both personally and professionally, giving me new perspectives and skills to better understand and help others. This award encourages me to keep growing and contributing to the community.”   Ms Chan Fan NG Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs)   “It is my honour to be awarded the APSS Scholarship. This recognition inspires me to continue pursuing both academic and personal growth. I sincerely thank all the teachers and classmates who have guided and supported me over the past two years. I hope to give back to society by supporting students with diverse learning needs through what I have learned.”     Ms Yan Ning TAI Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling   “Receiving the APSS Scholarship is a huge honour. It affirms my passion for counselling and empowers me to dedicate myself more fully to my studies and to making a positive impact in society. Thank you to APSS and the donors for this opportunity!”     Ms Nicole TSANG Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling (MAGC)   “Thank you for this recognition for outstanding academic achievement as I enter my second year of the MAGC programme. I am thankful for the privilege of PolyU’s programme where instructors have amalgamated multi-cultural perspectives in their teaching, enabling us as students to develop a nuanced understanding of counselling in the context of globalisation and a unique city like Hong Kong.”   Ms Kwan Kiu TSUI Master of Applied Psychology (MAP)   “Studying in the MAP programme at PolyU has been a rewarding and inspiring journey. It deepens my understanding of human behaviour and strengthens my ability to apply psychological knowledge in real-life contexts. I am truly honoured to receive this award, which encourages me to continue learning and contributing to society.” Mr Tsz Ka WONG Master of Social Work   “I am deeply honoured to receive this scholarship, which fills me with joy and purpose. The Master of Social Work programme has equipped me with essential social work values, perspectives, and skills, preparing me to begin my career as a social worker. I am excited to apply this knowledge to create meaningful change in our community.”   Ms Yee Wa WONG Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology   “I am honoured to receive the APSS Scholarship for Outstanding Students. I sincerely thank APSS for providing invaluable learning experiences that enable me to make meaningful contributions to my clients. This award recognises my efforts over the past two years and motivates me to continue pursuing lifelong learning.”  

PolyU FHSS Congregation 2025: Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Futures

Over 492 graduates from our Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate programmes, and their beloved family members and friends attended the 31st Congregation of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) on 6 November 2025. “Today, we celebrate not only the completion of our studies, but also the resilience, passion, and growth that have shaped us into who we are today. Looking back on these four years, I am filled with gratitude. None of us could have reached this milestone alone. I would like to begin by thanking our professors, lecturers and fieldwork supervisors. You did more than to deliver knowledge; you helped us to see how social work values, knowledge and skills are inseparable. You guided us in understanding how theory informs practice, and how practice strengthens theory. At the same time, you balanced expectations with encouragement, allowing us to stretch ourselves without fear of failure. What made the greatest difference was your unwavering support and your friendly attitude. You treated us not only as students, but as future colleagues. You showed us patience, care, and respect, which inspired us to bring those same values into our own practice”, said Ms Cheryl Cho Man FONG (Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Class of 2025) who gave a valedictory speech. In her speech, Ms Eva Yee Wa WONG (the Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology, Class of 2025) gave thanks to her classmates, families and friends who supported her along the way. She said, “To my classmates, thank you for sharing this journey with me. Although we came from different backgrounds, we are united by a shared dedication to learning and growth. Your support, insights, and determination made late-night assignments and group projects not only manageable but also truly enjoyable. I will always cherish the friendships and memories we’ve built together. To my beloved family and friends, thank you for your unwavering love, encouragement, and understanding. There were times I had to miss gatherings or get home exhausted after long days of studying. Yet, through it all, you stood by me. Your belief in me gave me the strength to keep going and helped me overcome moments of doubt.” Words of appreciation and encouragement echoed through the venue, acknowledging the graduates' hard work and the knowledge they gained during their time at PolyU. The atmosphere was filled with joy and pride as the FHSS and APSS community celebrated this significant milestone. Graduates had the opportunity to capture valuable memories with the photography service provided by the APSS Graduates Association. These photographs serve as cherished mementos of their time at PolyU. Congratulations to all the graduates of APSS on their remarkable accomplishments, especially those who are on the Dean’s Honours List below. May their future be filled with continued success and fulfilment!   Dean's Honours List: Name Award Title CHUNG Tina Timmy Doctor of Social Work ZHOU Tian TSUI Kwan Kiu Master of Applied Psychology YAU Hiu Tung CHENG Hok Lam Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs) LIO Iat Cheng NG Chan Fan TAM Wai Ying XIE Pei-xi Phoebe AU YEUNG Chun Ming Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling CHAN Cheuk Yin CHAN Chi Yan CHAN Tin Yung HUNG Lai Fong LI Eunice LU Qingqiu MOK Tsz Him PUN Tung Yan SIU Kai Cho SIU Wing Sze TAI Yan Ning YIN Qinsi LUO Chunhua Master of Arts in Mental Health MAN Ka Yee Eunice ZHONG Xuning MEI Shujuan Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology WONG Yee Wa CHEN Jingxue Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development GUO Huijun HAN Shuyue KO Sze Ying LI Mingsui WANG Lisen ZHANG Ziyu ZHAO Yilin CHENG Kwok Lung Master of Arts in Social Work (Family-centred Practice and Family Therapy) HO Chun Yin LEUNG Yuk Man CHUA Wing Tak Master of Social Work HO Hiu Ting LEUNG Cho Wa LI Sijie Angel MAK Hiu Ting SZE Kwai Fong WONG Tsz Ka CHIU Jonie Sum Yu Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling CHIK Wai Ching Bachelor of Arts in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management LEUNG Tsz Ying CAO Shuming Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship CHAN Ching Ki CHIU Yu Chun HUI Yeung Hoi LO Wai Lung WU Ruoxi ZHANG Ruiyu CHEUK Ling Chun Bachelor of Arts in Social Work CHEUNG Fung Ying FONG Cho Man HUI Cheuk Nam HUI Ho Pan HUNG Hok Chun LAU Yat Nam PUN Chui Yee ZOU Cho Yiu

APSS Signed MoU with Department of Sociology at Zhejiang University

On 3 November 2025, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Sociology at Zhejiang University (ZJU). This collaboration will focus on academic exchanges, joint research, student internships, and the establishment of joint programmes for doctoral training. The MoU was signed by 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, and Prof. Ren QIANG, Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Sociology at ZJU. The MoU signing aims to foster closer academic and research collaboration between APSS of PolyU and Department of Sociology of ZJU, with a focus on nurturing social work researchers, practitioners and educators in the Chinese Mainland. During the visit, Prof. CHUI delivered a talk titled "Addressing Systemic Inequalities through Philanthropy: Case Studies from Hong Kong"; and Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network gave a presentation titled 「服務學習與行動研究」 in Chinese. On another note, we are extremely pleased to meet three of our APSS alumni, including Prof. Liang MA (Master of Arts in Social Work (China), Graduated of 2005), Dr Hongli CHEN (Master of Arts in Social Work (China), Graduated in 2005) and Mr Qingwei HUANG (Master of Social Work (China), Graduated of 2014). It has been great hearing how and in what ways all of them are contributing to the development of social work education and scholarship.   Online coverage: Weixin: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nNTxXyJICK5QTn4B2kz1ug 

Department Celebrates Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

We are proud to announce that our department's distinguished staff have been recognised with the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025, presented by the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS), in celebration of their exceptional contributions to knowledge transfer.   Faculty Awards in Knowledge Transfer Award Category: Society – Individual Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor, APSS Prof. YAN’s research focuses on interpersonal violence against older adults. Specifically, she conducts research on elder abuse in domestic settings and resident aggression in long-term care facilities. She believes that raising public awareness of these issues is essential for effective prevention and intervention. In an attempt to raise public awareness of elder abuse in Hong Kong, she and her team produced the short film “Bric-a-Brac”, which has been widely used in training workshops and reached 3756 workshop participants as of June 2025. Prof. YAN is currently an appointed member of the HKSAR Government Working Group on Elder Abuse (WGEA) and a member of the WHO Intervention Accelerator to Prevent Abuse of Older People (WHO AOP-IA). Award Category: Society – Team PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition for Secondary School Students  • Mr Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer, APSS (Team Leader) • Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor, APSS (Team Leader) • Prof. Vincent CHENG, Assistant Professor, APSS • Dr Raymond TAM, Senior Lecturer, APSS • Dr Javier PANG, Lecturer, APSS The winning team’s testimony:  “As a team, we are honoured to receive the Faculty Team Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Knowledge Transfer - Society. This recognition celebrates our commitment to empowering Hong Kong’s youth as social innovators. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, advanced technologies (including Generative AI and Immersive Technology), and mentorship, our project has connected secondary school students with real-world challenges, nurturing analytical skills, empathy, and leadership qualities in the process. By bridging academic knowledge with community needs, we are able to foster a sustainable culture of social innovation and positive change. This award belongs to every partner, mentor, and student who shared in our vision and passion for creating meaningful impact together.”  

Eight APSS Colleagues Ranked Among World's Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2025

Eight APSS Colleagues Ranked Among World's Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2025 According to the newly released metrics compiled by Stanford University, eight APSS colleagues have been ranked among the world's top 2% most-cited scientists 2025. Let’s take a look at our scholars' list: Name Post Prof. Xue BAI Professor Prof. Jenny CHAN Associate Professor Prof. Edward K.L. CHAN* Chair Professor Prof. Juan CHEN Professor Prof. Xiangen HU Chair Professor Prof. Karita KAN Associate Professor Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK Chair Professor Prof. Hairong YAN Honorary Professor * The only scholar in Hong Kong listed in the subfield of Criminology based on career-long citation impact. Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2025/1003_428-polyu-scholars-ranked-among-worlds-top-2-per-cent-most-cited-scientists-2025/  

International Scholar Talk on Technology and Human Behaviour by Prof. Raian ALI

On 22 October 2025, Prof. Raian ALI from Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the UNESCO Chair in Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, delivered an insightful talk on the interplay between technology and human behaviour. His presentation examined how the design of Generative AI and Large Language Models (GenAI/LLMs) interacts with psychological factors such as trust and risk perception, and how these elements ultimately influence well-being. He also discussed how digital addiction is conceptualised and measured.   Prof. ALI emphasised the importance of designing systems that promote responsible human-in-control usage, drawing on lessons from extensive research in areas such as gaming and social media.   The session was moderated by Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head & Associate Professor of APSS, with Prof. Diya DOU, Assistant Professor of APSS, serving as the respondent, offering thoughtful perspectives that enriched the discussion. The talk sparked meaningful reflection on how we can design more ethical, responsible, and human-centred technologies.

Making PolyU Info Day 2025 a Resounding Success

APSS extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to dedicated staff, alumni and student volunteers whose contributions made PolyU Info Day held on 27 September 2025 a success. To provide prospective applicants with more information, APSS organised several activities, including a programme consultation, a guided tour showcasing our learning and teaching facilities, and two 45-minute information seminars, which outlined key features of our undergraduate programmes. The two APSS information seminars drew an overwhelmingly positive response from secondary school students and their parents, whose enthusiastic reception of our Undergraduate programme—BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences (JS3250)—highlights a strong interest in social work, social policy and social entrepreneurship among the next generation. Prospective applicants were able to learn more about how the programme would provide them with essential knowledge, values, and skills needed for careers in social work, human services and social policy, including unique opportunities for overseas study and exchange. For those who are interested in learning more about our Undergraduate programme, please watch the following videos: BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences (JS3250) From Global Experience to Career Success: What Can You Achieve with APSS? PolyU Info Day 2025 (APSS)

APSS Co-hosted “The Law, The Duty, The Action” Forum with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home

In collaboration with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and the Professional Practice and Assessment Centre (PPAC) jointly co-organised "The Law, The Duty, The Action" Forum on 30 September 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).  This forum was officiated by Mr Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government and Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho-Ming, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Council of S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home.   The forum featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions led by prominent speakers, including Legislative Councillors, medical and healthcare professionals, school principals, and human services practitioners. Two speakers from PolyU at the Roundtable Discussion were 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, and Prof Grace HO, Associate Professor of School of Nursing. Their presentations and discussions were concerned with what risks different groups of Hong Kong professionals face in new law to prevent and report child abuse, and their preparatory work for implementing the mandatory reporting regime (MRR) for child abuse cases.   Mandatory child abuse reporting ordinances impact the professions of social workers, teachers, and healthcare providers by creating a clear legal obligation to report suspected serious harm, thereby increasing the number of early interventions and providing a deterrent to child abuse. This legislation provides legal protections for mandated reporters, but also imposes potential criminal liability for non-compliance. The ordinance necessitates improved training, enhanced cross-sector collaboration, and a robust supportive infrastructure to ensure effective implementation and a comprehensive child protection system.  Online coverage: PolyU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15hfB2xJvk/?mibextid=wwXIfr  HKSKH: https://echo.hkskh.org/printing.aspx?type=6&iid=21739&nid=25975 HKTKWW: https://www.tkww.hk/a/202509/30/AP68dde589e4b0f2e74395f63e.html