APSS Strengthens Academic Partnership with Yonsei University and Engages Key Stakeholders in Seoul

APSS has further expanded its international collaboration networks through a successful academic visit to Seoul, South Korea. On 20 October 2026, APSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Social Welfare, College of Social Sciences, and School of Social Welfare at Yonsei University. This strategic institutional partnership aimed at fostering student exchange, joint research initiatives, and academic exchange across social work and social welfare disciplines. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Prof Boyoung NAM, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Social Welfare, and Prof Soo Kyung PARK, Professor and Dean of the School of Social Welfare at Yonsei University. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network, and Prof. Ahyoung SONG, Associate Dean of the School of Social Welfare and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Yonsei University. Prior to the MoU signing at Yonsei University, the APSS delegation conducted meaningful institutional visits in Seoul to build ties with key professional bodies in South Korea. On 19 October 2026, the delegation visited the Korea National Council on Social Welfare (KNCSW) and the Korea Association of Social Workers (KASW), where they were warmly received for a professional exchange meeting aimed at sharing insights on social work practice, professional standards, and policy developments. This visit to Seoul marks another significant milestone in APSS’s ongoing commitment to internationalisation, enhancing global educational opportunities for students and driving impactful social science research in Asia.

10 APSS Scholars Ranked Among World's Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2026

Ten distinguished scholars from APSS have been recognised in the latest rankings of the World's Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2026 compiled by Stanford University, covering 20 subject fields and 174 sub-fields, and divided into two lists in relation to scholars’ career-long citation and single-year citation impact, recognising their long-term and recent research impact. This prestigious global accolade underscores the Department's outstanding academic excellence, international research impact, and continued commitment to advancing knowledge in the social sciences.   In the single-year impact category, ten APSS academic staff members received recognition for their exceptional research citations over the past year: Single year: Prof. Xue BAI, Professor Prof. Edward CHAN, Chair Professor Prof. Jenny CHAN, Associate Professor Prof. Juan CHEN, Professor Prof. Xiangen HU, Chair Professor Prof. Karita KAN, Associate Professor Prof. Janet LEUNG, Professor Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Chair Professor  Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor Prof. Hairong YAN, Honorary Professor   Furthermore, four of these scholars were also named in the career-long impact category, acknowledging their sustained influence and significant lifelong contributions to their respective academic fields.   Career-long: Prof. Edward CHAN, Chair Professor Prof. Xiangen HU, Chair Professor Prof. Daniel T.L. SHEK, Chair Professor  Prof. Hairong YAN, Honorary Professor   This prestigious international recognition highlights the dedication of APSS faculty members in conducting rigorous, impactful research that addresses pressing societal challenges. APSS extends its heartiest congratulations to all awardees for their scholarly achievements and continued dedication to research excellence.   Read more:  Press release: https://polyu.hk/uQrRs (Eng); https://polyu.hk/WVlTs (Chi)

APSS Faculty Recognised for Educational Excellence and Knowledge Transfer in Faculty Awards/Prizes 2026

The Faculty Awards/Prizes for Outstanding Achievement 2026 recognise colleagues who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence in education and knowledge transfer. We are delighted to congratulate the following APSS colleagues, who have been conferred as recipients of this year’s Awards:   Faculty Awards in Teaching (Team Award) Social Work Fieldwork Coordinating Team Dr Stella WONG, Director of Field Education (Team Leader) Dr Kai Chung LO, Assistant Director of Field Education Dr Joanne LO, Lecturer Ms Ella CHOW, Instructor Ms Rebecca CHAN, Instructor Ms Elaine CHOW, Instructor Mr William NG, Instructor   Faculty Prizes in Teaching (Early Career Teacher) Dr Paul Vinod KHIATANI, Research Assistant Professor   Faculty Awards in Knowledge Transfer (Society – Team) Strengthening Family Resilience among Chinese Families in Hong Kong Prof. Janet LEUNG, Professor (Team Leader) Prof. Daniel SHEK, AVP(UP), Dean (CUS) and Chair Professor Prof. David SHUM, Dean (FHSS) and Chair Professor, RS Ms O’Nes LAI, Senior Training Officer Ms Winnie TSE, Senior Training Officer Mr Wally NG, Training Officer Mr Alex LAI, Training Officer Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to all award recipients in recognition of their unwavering commitment and hard work in education and knowledge transfer. May their achievements inspire all colleagues to continue striving for excellence and innovation.

Scholar from The University of Edinburgh Delivers an International Scholar Talk to the APSS Community

On 13 October 2026, Dr Christopher WRETMAN, Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor at The University of Edinburgh delivered a seminar at APSS on Scotland’s “Child’s House” approach to responding to child abuse. The seminar attracted over 60 participants and was moderated by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology. Prof. Vincent CHENG, Assistant Professor, served as respondent. Prof. WRETMAN explored how the model brings together professionals from the police, health, education, and social work sectors within a shared space to uphold children’s rights to safety, justice, and recovery. He also discussed The University of Edinburgh’s ongoing evaluation of the model and its broader implications for child protection policy and practice. The discussion further explored decision-making and accountability within multidisciplinary teams, as well as the ways in which children’s voices can meaningfully inform assessments and decisions.

APSS Student Royce CHAN Lok Hei Wins Fencing Bronze at the Asian Games

APSS warmly congratulates Mr Royce CHAN Lok Hei, a student in the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship programme, on his remarkable achievement in winning a bronze medal in the men’s team sabre event at the 2026 Asian Games. Representing China, Hong Kong, Royce demonstrated exceptional teamwork and sporting excellence alongside his teammates. Admitted through PolyU’s Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA), Royce’s accomplishment is a source of great pride for the APSS community. APSS is delighted to celebrate this significant milestone with Royce and wishes him every continued success in both his sporting career and academic journey. Media coverage: Sina: https://polyu.me/3UkfpjQ

Explore Social Work, Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship at PolyU InfoDay 2026

APSS sincerely thanks its staff, alumni, and student volunteers for making PolyU InfoDay on 10 October 2026 a resounding success. To give prospective applicants a comprehensive overview of our academic offerings, APSS organised an interactive programme consultation booth, guided tours of our learning and teaching facilities, and two information seminars on the distinctive strengths of our undergraduate programmes. The seminars attracted enthusiastic response from secondary school students and parents, who showed strong interest in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences. Participants gained valuable insights into how the programmes prepare students for careers in human services through professional knowledge, core values, and practical skills, complemented by overseas exchanges and field-based learning opportunities. For those who are interested in learning more about our undergraduate programme, please watch the following videos: Undergraduate programme Global experience and career prospects New student activities

APSS Lecturer Receives the Territory-Wide Competition Award for Two Consecutive Years

Following Dr Rodney CHU’s (Senior Lecturer of APSS) success last year, Mr. Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer of APSS, was selected as one of the ten winners of a territory-wide competition (香港教育工作者聯會 - 第五屆十大最「美」教師選舉), organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers in 2026. The award presentation ceremony was held on 19 September 2026 to recognise educators’ dedication to teaching, commitment to student development, and contributions to the advancement of education in Hong Kong. In his remarks at the ceremony, Mr. YEUNG reflected on his approach to teaching and learning, which draws on creative storytelling and experiential learning in social sciences subjects. He highlighted the importance of extending learning beyond the classroom by encouraging students to engage directly with communities, listen to diverse lived experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of the people and social realities behind contemporary issues. Dr Kelly CHAN, Associate Director of IHERD and Head of Digital Transformation Division (DTD), and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, attended the ceremony as representatives of PolyU. Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/others/latest-news-and-achievements-of-apss-sep-2025-issue/

APSS Empowers Inclusive Vocational Training through a Photovoice Study that Captures Participants’ Transformation

The PolyU-FHS Centre for Inclusive Innovation (the Centre) launched the “Inclusive 3D Printing Class for Students in Fortress Hill Methodist Secondary School (FHMSS)” on 14 September 2026. This rehabilitation technology and vocational training programme equips individuals with diverse needs with practical software proficiency, technical operational skills and innovative design perspective, enabling them to produce antimicrobial 3D-printed accessories. As part of the programme, APSS conducted a Photovoice workshop covering practical photography and composition skills for all participants. On 22 September 2026, students visited the Centre on the PolyU campus to attend technical training classes and focus group sessions. APSS facilitated these focus groups to promote student reflection, consolidate learning, and support emotional expression. Distinguished guests, including Mr Lap Ping SHUM (School Principal of FHMSS) and a delegation from Fu Hong Society led by Dr Chi Wood WOO (Chief Executive Officer of Fu Hong Society and Co-Director of the centre), attended the training to observe class activities and offer warm encouragement to the students. APSS plays a vital role in this initiative through its academic engagement with the Centre. In addition to supporting training delivery, an APSS research team led by Principal Investigator Prof. Eric CHUI (Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology), Co-Investigators Prof. Daisy HUANG (Assistant Professor), and Dr Alpha LAM (Lecturer), conducted an evaluative study and a Photovoice study to capture the participants’ perspectives and systematically evaluate students’ developmental transformations throughout their learning journey. Through its active involvement, APSS remains dedicated to advancing impactful research, fostering inclusive education, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships to empower groups with diverse needs in the community.

APSS Extends Congratulations to Xiamen University and Strengthens Collaboration in Professional Doctor of Social Work Education

APSS has strengthened its academic ties with Xiamen University through key participation in the opening ceremony and thematic symposium marking the launch of Xiamen University’s inaugural Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programme. Held on 22 September 2026 in Xiamen, Fujian, the event, themed "Action, Knowledge, and Education in Social Work for a New Era", brought together leading scholars to advance high-level social work education and professional doctoral education programmes. During the opening ceremony, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, delivered an address underscoring the vital role and future trajectory of professional doctoral education in social work. Following the ceremony, Prof. Hok Bun KU, Professor of APSS, Director of the China and Global Development Network, and Programme Leader of the DSW Programme at APSS, presented a keynote lecture entitled "Born for the Profession: Theory and Practice of DSW". In the afternoon session, both Prof. CHUI and Prof. KU represented APSS in a roundtable dialogue alongside academics and leaders from Xiamen University and local charity organisations, exchanging insights on DSW educational strategies. This collaboration reaffirms APSS’s sustained commitment to fostering inter-university academic exchanges and advancing the development of high-quality social work education across the Chinese Mainland and the broader region. Through such strategic partnerships, APSS seeks to build robust educational networks that elevate social work professionalism, policy-relevant research, and doctoral training standards.

APSS Freshman Mr Sai Shing CHEUNG Represents Hong Kong, China at the 20th Asian Games

APSS is proud to announce that Mr Sai Shing CHEUNG, a freshman in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences, will represent Hong Kong, China in badminton at the 20th Asian Games. Admitted to PolyU under the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission (SALSA) Scheme as an elite athlete, Sai Shing exemplifies the pursuit of both sporting excellence and academic development. "I am deeply honoured and excited to have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong, China at the Asian Games,” said Sai Shing. “I will cherish this opportunity and look forward to learning from top-level players from different regions, gaining valuable experience, and continuing to improve through the competition. I would like to thank my school, coaches, family, and everyone who has supported me throughout the journey. I will give my very best and strive to achieve good results for Hong Kong, China." The SALSA Scheme supports outstanding athletes in pursuing higher education while competing at the highest levels of international sport. The APSS community extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Sai Shing as he prepares to represent Hong Kong, China on the Asian Games stage.   Read more: https://polyu.me/4AjFAHw