APSS Leads Nine-Day Educational Study Tour on Social Policy, Social Entrepreneurship, and Social Innovation in Warsaw, Poland

From 17 May to 25 May 2026, 26 APSS undergraduate students from BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship and the BA (Hons) in Social Work participated in an educational study tour to Warsaw, Poland. This tour was led by Dr Javier PANG (Lecturer) and Dr Anna ISKRA (Research Assistant Professor). This trip offered students a unique opportunity to explore civil society, social innovation, refugee integration, urban community development, and the complex political landscape of Central Europe. As part of the academic programme, the group visited the University of Warsaw, one of Europe's most prestigious and historical universities, and APSS’s partner in the innovative Dual Degree Programme. This engagement deepened students’ understanding of current Polish and European affairs, including migration and its humanitarian consequences, migration policy, the rule of law, and the role of civil society in democratic societies. To bring history into sharper focus, students also visited the former Warsaw Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Historical Institute (Żydowski Instytut Historyczny). Visits to non-governmental organisations such as Open Jazdów (Otwarty Jazdów) and Conflict Kitchen (Kuchnia Konfliktu) provided first-hand insight into the civil society and community engagement in Poland. The group also visited Kampinos National Park, which offered a moment of reflection and renewal amid the natural beauty of the park, providing a meaningful contrast to the intensity of the city-based learning experiences throughout the tour. Together, these visits gave students a grounded perspective on how civil society organisations in Poland respond to some of the most pressing social issues of our time, while also connecting academic learning with real-world practice.

APSS Leads Seven-Day Academic Study Tour to Taiwan on Counselling, Mental Health and Social Work

From 17 May to 23 May 2026, APSS organised a rewarding and enriching study tour to Taiwan. A total of 30 students from the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Arts in Mental Health, and Master of Arts in Social Work participated in the tour, which was led by Prof. Herman LO (Associate Professor), Prof. Angel LAI (Assistant Professor), and Dr Stella WONG (Clinical Associate).   During the seven-day visit, the group visited a range of social service organisations, rehabilitation centres, and higher education institutions to gain insights into local practices in social work, mental health support, rehabilitation and child protection. Key destinations included Chaolu Farm (朝露農場), a therapeutic community offering rehabilitation services for adults recovering from drug addiction; the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (家扶基金會), which focuses on child protection and volunteer services; Shi Yu Community Recovery Home (蒔寓康復之家) and Taichung Concentric Circles Community Recovery and Wellness Centre (同心圓社區復健中心), both of which specialise in community-based mental health rehabilitation. The group also visited Xizhi district (汐止區) in New Taipei City, home to a community of urban indigenous children and adolescents, to learn about indigenous culture and co-living arrangements. In addition, they engaged with a student-led self-help group on mental health and well-being at Soochow University (東吳大學藍灰社).   Students remained actively engaged throughout the exchange. For example, students delivered a presentation introducing child protection services in Hong Kong to local faculty members and students, followed by in-depth discussions on child abuse issues in both regions. This study tour broadened students’ professional perspectives, strengthened cross-regional academic exchange, and created opportunities for future collaboration in counselling, mental health and social work.   Online coverage: Chaolu Farm (朝露農場): https://www.chaolu.org.tw/OnePage.aspx?tid=109&id=380 Concentric Circles Community Recovery and Wellness Centre (同心圓社區復健中心): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FnxuRXcmW/

APSS Leads Five-Day Academic Study Tour on Psychology and Mental Health to Shanghai

From 11 May to 15 May 2026, APSS organised a five-day study tour to Shanghai to broaden students’ global perspectives, promote cultural exchange, and foster knowledge sharing with university communities and mental health organisations. A total of 36 students from the Master of Applied Psychology, Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs), and Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology programmes took part. This tour, planned and led by Dr Herrick WONG (Lecturer & Programme Leader of Master of Applied Psychology), Dr Huijing LU (Associate Professor & Programme Leader of Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology), Dr Yin WU (Associate Professor), Dr Melinna MEI (Research Assistant Professor), Dr Karen KWAN (Research Assistant Professor), and Dr Cehao YU (Research Assistant Professor), offered an enriching learning experience that integrated academic inquiry with cultural exploration.   East China Normal University The group visited the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at East China Normal University (ECNU), where they toured the MEG Research Centre (華東師範大學腦磁圖成像中心) and the Children’s Brain Imaging Centre (華東師範大學兒童腦成像中心) to gain deeper insights into ECNU’s research infrastructure and ongoing projects in cognitive neuroscience. Following the lab tours, Prof. Chenbo WANG and Prof. Zhaohui SUN from the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science of ECNU delivered presentations on the future development of psychology in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring how AI is shaping cognitive and mental health research. This visit also marked a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between APSS and the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at ECNU, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2026.   Fudan University The group also visited the Department of Psychology at Fudan University for an academic exchange session. APSS students engaged in lively discussions with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from Fudan University, sharing their respective research topics, methodologies, and findings, which fostered a meaningful exchange of perspectives and created valuable opportunities for intellectual collaboration and mutual learning.   Shanghai Mental Health Centre (SMHC) The group visited the Shanghai Mental Health Centre, where they explored its renowned art gallery, which integrates art, science, and mental health to offer creative insights into therapeutic expression. Students then attended a sharing session on clinical practice and therapy, and the day concluded with a visit to the Shanghai Psychological Hotline Centre, where staff introduced the operation of the hotline service, its role in community mental health, and its approach to providing mental health support. The study tour enhanced the profile of the department’s Master’s programmes and demonstrated the commitment to providing students with meaningful global learning experiences. Beyond enriching students’ professional development, the tour strengthened cross-border collaborations between APSS and leading universities in Shanghai and opened new avenues for future scholarly exchange. Online coverage: ECNU The School of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences WeChat: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/FYc4sTNdtvO_qEx8krzzgA?from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0&scene=1&clicktime=1779088308&enterid=1779088308

Departmental Staff Retreat 2026: Uniting for Progress and Enhancing Collegiality

APSS held its Staff Retreat cum 2nd Staff Meeting 2025/26 on 18 May 2026, bringing together 120 academic and administrative staff. The event provided an inclusive platform to strengthen teamwork, foster collaboration, and promote staff well-being. The day began with an ice-breaking Bingo game to encourage interaction, followed by a staff meeting on departmental updates and a team-building training session centred on self-awareness, self-care and community building.  

APSS Bids Farewell to Retiring Colleagues

We would like to acknowledge the retirement of three dedicated academics in late May 2026: Dr Allen DORCAS (Senior Lecturer, served for nearly 19 years in APSS), Dr Siu-wai LIT (Principal Clinical Associate, served for over 26 years in PolyU), and Mr Denny YEUNG (Instructor, served for nearly 9 years in APSS). While they are already greatly missed by the APSS community, we celebrate their many years of service and wish them a fulfilling new chapter. Happy retirement! 

APSS Signed MoU with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan, to Advance Global Impact

On 4 May 2026, APSS proudly established another international partnership by signing a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 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. Zhanseit TUIMEBAYEV (Rector at KazNU). This marks a significant step forward in advancing the globalisation of social work education and practice in Central Asia.  The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Conference titled “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia,” which took place from 4 to 5 May 2026 at KazNU. The conference attracted over 200 scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from 27 countries and regions spanning Central Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and North America, reflecting the vibrant global engagement fostered by this initiative. The conference was co-organised by the China and Global Development Network at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science at KazNU, the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and The PolyU-KazNU Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia. Online coverage: KazNU website: https://farabi.university/news/105416?lang=en KazNU website: https://farabi.university/news/105420?lang=en IASSW website: https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2026/05/10/iassw-participated-in-international-conference-social-work-in-action-interdisciplinary-and-global-informed-strategies-for-bridging-and-advancing-sustainable-development-in-central-asia-in-almat/ CGDN website: https://www.polyucgdn.com/article/498

JC Project Bonfire Celebrates Key Milestone with Graduation of Cluster 2 Trajectory Development Managers and House Parents

On 30 April 2026, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, in collaboration with the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), hosted the JC Project Bonfire Cluster 2 Trajectory Development Managers (TDMs) & House Parents (HPs) Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony, held at the PolyU Chiang Chen Studio Theatre, celebrated the professional achievements of 15 TDMs and 67 HPs, marking a significant milestone in JC Project Bonfire’s mission to enhance the quality of care and promote positive trajectories for children and youth (C&Y) in Residential Child Care Services (RCCS). Through structured, evidence-based professional training organised by PolyU, JC Project Bonfire continues to strengthen the support ecosystem for C&Y in RCCS. Graduates have acquired specialised knowledge and practical skills to provide sustained guidance and support, empowering C&Y to thrive and realise their full potential. The ceremony was officiated by Ms Wendy CHAU, Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department of the Hong Kong Government. In her opening remarks, Ms CHAU encouraged graduates to translate their training into daily practice in Small Group Homes and expressed her hope that practitioners would remain steadfast in supporting the growth, well-being, and holistic development of the C&Y in their care. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, welcomed more than 180 participants. In his remarks, Professor CHUI highlighted the vital synergy between academic research and frontline social services, recognised the meaningful contributions of TDMs and HPs to the developmental journeys of C&Y, and commended the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous training programmes. Closing remarks were delivered by Ms Winnie YING, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Ms YING conveyed an inspiring message of hope for brighter futures for C&Y in RCCS and reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing the mission of JC Project Bonfire. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and PolyU extend their sincere appreciation to members of the JC Project Bonfire Advisory Committee and all esteemed guests for their continued support in commemorating this important occasion. For more information about JC Project Bonfire, please visit: https://jcbonfire.hk/en/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESKeePmP1Wk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5EUKERhIiI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RqjXtr3B08

Empowering the Next Generation: Career Fair for Social Work Graduating Students

The Hong Kong Social Workers Association (HKSWA), in collaboration with Connecting Hearts and the Social Welfare Department of HKSAR, successfully held a Career Fair on 9 May 2026 at the Sha Tin Town Hall Exhibition Gallery. The event aimed to support social work students in shaping their professional aspirations by bringing together diverse career opportunities and fostering direct engagement with sector leaders. The fair was officiated by Prof. Annie TAM Kam Lan, GBS, JP, President of Hong Kong Social Workers Association and Connecting Hearts Academy, and Mr Edward TO Wing Hang, JP, Director of Social Welfare, who delivered the opening address. Over 25 career consultation booths representing a wide range of social welfare sectors and social service organisations, offering recruitment information and professional advice to graduating students and early-career practitioners. A series of thematic symposiums provided both academic and practice-based insights. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, co-facilitated a session on organisational development and talent cultivation in the social welfare sector. The session included executive representatives from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Caritas Hong Kong, and the Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, who shared perspectives on institutional support and career trajectories available for emerging professionals. Another symposium, co-moderated by Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer at APSS and Programme Leader of BA (Hons) in Social Work, focused on elderly and community care services. Representatives from Po Leung Kuk, Lok Sin Tong, Yan Chai Hospital, The Salvation Army, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, Yan Oi Tong, and ELCHK Social Service discussed evolving service models in response to Hong Kong’s changing demographic landscape. On behalf of APSS staff and graduating students, we extend our sincere appreciation to the organisers for delivering a meaningful and well-coordinated event. The fair provided valuable guidance on career planning and interview preparation, while also enabling our students to gain deeper insights into sector priorities and their future professional roles within the community.

Prof. Sylvia CHEN Presented Keynote at Tsinghua University’s Psychology Centennial Symposium

On 18 April 2026, Tsinghua University in Beijing hosted a centennial commemoration and symposium marking 100 years of development in psychology within its Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science. The event was attended by the President of Tsinghua University, Prof. Luming LI, and the Vice Chair of the University Council, Prof. Bin YANG, along with university leaders, academicians, and distinguished scholars, who delivered congratulatory remarks. Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of APSS, was invited to the celebration. Representing APSS, she presented a commemorative souvenir to the Head of Department, Prof. Jia LIU. At the Symposium on Traditional Culture and Mental Health, held as part of the centenary programme, Prof. CHEN delivered a keynote address reviewing the development of Chinese psychology and its contributions to incorporating Asian perspectives into mainstream psychological discourse. She highlighted the growing importance of systematically integrating a cultural perspective into mental health research in an increasingly globalised world. The symposium was chaired by Prof. Chao-Gan YAN, Professor in the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science and Director of the Tsinghua University Research Centre for Cultural Psychology. Approximately 350 participants, including experts, scholars, faculty members, students, and professionals from academia, healthcare, and social services, attended and engaged in the discussions. Online coverage: https://www.pcs.tsinghua.edu.cn/info/1037/2054.htm

A Continuing Global Commitment: APSS and IASSW Deepen Collaboration on the On-line Platform for Social Work Education and Training

Following the successful first three years of collaboration, APSS and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) signed a Supplementary Agreement on 4 May 2026 during the opening ceremony of the International Conference, “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia.” This agreement extends the 2023 partnership with IASSW, originally signed on 3 May 2023, to support the online learning platform for Global Standards for Social Work Education. This Supplementary Agreement was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT and ADoRCESGA, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD, President of IASSW. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG (Honorary Professor of APSS) and Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, both former IASSW Presidents, as well as Prof. Varoshini NADESAN, Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg. This supplementary agreement, covering the period from May 2026 to May 2028, is an important step towards further strengthening global collaboration in social work education and expanding access to shared standards, knowledge, and professional development. To mark three years of successful collaboration, a plenary session titled “Capacity Building through Global Standards: From E-learning Innovation to Regional Implementation” was held. Members of the Working Group on the On-line Platform discussed its development, implementation and effectiveness. From 2023 to 2026, the platform achieved significant international reach, engaging over 4,000 social work educators, researchers, and practitioners worldwide. Participant feedback highlights the platform’s value in bridging theory and practice, localising global standards, bolstering frontline confidence, and offering flexible, self-paced learning. Moving forward, the platform is poised to evolve from a digital resource into a global hub for capacity building and the sustainable advancement of social work education. Online coverage: CGDN website: https://www.polyucgdn.com/article/498 IASSW: https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2026/05/10/iassw-participated-in-international-conference-social-work-in-action-interdisciplinary-and-global-informed-strategies-for-bridging-and-advancing-sustainable-development-in-central-asia-in-almat/