APSS Secures 17 Awards under the Research Grants Council (RGC) General Research Fund and Early Career Scheme in the 2026/27 Exercise

Congratulations to the following awardees in securing research funding under the RGC General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Scheme (ECS) in the 2026/27 Exercise. Early Career Schemes Principal Investigator Scheme Project Title Fund Awarded (HK$) Prof. Daisy HUANG ECS "Hurddle together to stay warm": Social identification and positive adaptation among parents of disabled children in China's economically disadvantaged areas 753,831   General Research Fund Principal Investigator Scheme Project Title Fund Awarded (HK$) Dr Jet Uy BUENCONSEJO GRF Promoting AI Literacy through Positive Youth Development: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Investigation among Social Science Undergraduates in Hong Kong 636,700 Prof. Xue BAI GRF PREP-ME: PREParing Pre-retirees for Retirement and Later Life with Motivational Interviewing-Enhanced Education—A Three-Arm Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial 1,460,668 Prof. Edward CHAN GRF Trajectories of Family Victimization and Polyvictimization in Hong Kong: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study 1,154,800 Prof. Hoi Wing CHAN GRF Climate change threatens my culture: Investigating the influences of perceived symbolic threats of climate change via the threat response x construal level perspectives 710,060 Prof. Juan CHEN GRF Youth Mental Health Service Delivery in China: Navigating Organizational Complexity in Social Work Practice 876,000 Prof. Qiqi CHEN GRF AI-Enhanced, Game-Based Cyberbullying Bystander Intervention for Preadolescents, with Parent and Teacher Modules: App-Based versus Face-to-Face Delivery in a Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial 660,000 Prof. Shing CHENG GRF Structural Barriers, Life Events, and the Everyday Life: An Ethnographic Study on Older Offenders’ Crime Trajectories in Hong Kong 692,800 Prof. Christian GREIFFENHAGEN GRF Robots in Public Places: The Emergence of a New Interaction Order 884,400 Prof. Karita KAN GRF Life-making on the land: Gender and generational dynamics in China’s agrarian transformation 780,000 Prof. Ben KU GRF Capital Pursuer or Peasant Protector? A Study on Local Agricultural State-owned Enterprises in Western China 804,870 Prof. Herman LO GRF A randomized controlled trial on the effects of a mindfulness-based professional training programme on improving occupational health and professional competence 1,040,880 Prof. Camilla LO GRF Unpacking parent-child dynamics in gaming disorder: A dyadic ecological momentary assessment study 654,400 Prof. Jacky NG GRF Moderated Mediation vs. Mediated Moderation: Resolving the Confusion with the Two-Level Regression Approach 497,242 Prof. Judy SIU GRF Understanding and overcoming colorectal cancer screening disparity in Hong Kong: A qualitative investigation of the voices of the socially disadvantaged for an equitable healthcare. 915,000 Prof. Qiaobing WU GRF Identity Reshaping, Psychological Wellbeing and Future Life Planning of Children with Cross-border Migration Experiences in Hong Kong: A Multisystemic Resilience Framework 983,400 Prof. Yin WU GRF Investigating the effects of human chemosensory signals on prosocial learning 342,512 The total funding awarded to APSS under RGC GRF/ECS 2026/27 Exercise amounts to $13,847,563. APSS brings together a strong and diverse community of interdisciplinary professorial and teaching staff in the social sciences in Hong Kong. Our colleagues include internationally renowned scholars and experienced leaders in their fields, as well as promising early-career academics with tremendous talent and dedication. We are committed to advancing knowledge and promoting effective, humanistic social policies and services through excellence in research and education.

APSS Signed MoU with Department of Psychology at Sun Yat-sen University

On 25 June 2026, APSS signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Psychology at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration in psychology education between the two institutions. The MoU focuses on several key areas of cooperation, including student and staff exchanges, joint training programmes, collaborative research initiatives, and co-organised academic activities and events. The signing ceremony was held at SYSU. Prof. Eric CHUI (Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology at PolyU) and Prof. Bin ZUO (Head of Department of Psychology at SYSU) signed the MoU. Witnesses to the ceremony included Prof. Sylvia CHEN (Associate Dean of FHSS, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, and Director of the Yan Oi Tong Au Suet Ming Child Development Centre) and Party Secretary Yingqun CHEN from the Department of Psychology at SYSU. Following the ceremony, representatives from both institutions engaged in discussions on potential areas of collaboration, including scientific research, academic programmes, and staff exchanges. Participants included Prof. Yin WU (Associate Professor of APSS), Prof. Bryant HUI (Assistant Professor of APSS) and Dr Melinna MEI (Research Assistant Professor of APSS), and Prof. Jing PAN, Prof. Xiaowei DING, Prof. Guomei ZHOU, Associate Prof. Zijing HE, and Associate Prof. Yanping LIU from the Department of Psychology at SYSU. The visit concluded with a tour of the psychology laboratories at SYSU. Online coverage: APSS: https://polyu.hk/ccTNc SYSU: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/sQIPb-eDKGMVYhZY2Np5_Q Weixin: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/sQIPb-eDKGMVYhZY2Np5_Q https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kHiYQCab0nZYmD935SOTxw  

APSS–IFEC Joint Study on Virtual Asset Investor Behaviour: Insights for Global Regulators

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), in collaboration with the Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), has completed the 2025 Behavioural Science Study on Investor Behaviour in the Virtual Asset Markets. As part of APSS's ongoing commitment to integrating academic research with professional service, the study’s key findings were recently presented to international counterparts at the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Virtual Workshop on Investor Resilience. This engagement highlights how APSS faculty translate empirical evidence into actionable, behaviourally informed strategies that promote social well-being and real-world impact. Tailoring Education Through Behavioural Insights Building on baseline research conducted in 2022, the study surveyed 1,000 retail virtual asset investors between November and December 2025. Using 13 distinct heuristic measures, the research examined how retail participants navigate volatile virtual asset markets through mental shortcuts and latent behavioural patterns. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, noted, “Virtual assets, as a relatively new investment product, are often influenced by market sentiment and information from social media and other emerging channels, which can significantly affect investors’ emotions. The study indicates that behavioural biases remain among retail investors, underscoring the importance of building investor resilience and self‑awareness. As investor behaviour does not follow a single fixed pattern, integrating behavioural insights into tailored investor education can help individuals reflect on their attitudes towards investing, stay grounded amid market volatility, and make informed decisions. PolyU is honoured to present these findings to the global regulatory community, in collaboration with IFEC, and to share our experience with international counterparts.” Ms Dora LI, General Manager of IFEC and member of the IOSCO Committee 8, said: “The study reveals positive changes in the behaviour of Hong Kong virtual asset investors, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance a more regulated market environment, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and advance investor education. IFEC is pleased to collaborate with PolyU on this innovative research and to share the findings with IOSCO counterparts. The study provides valuable evidence to support global regulators in strengthening investor resilience, contributing to more effective investor education and enhanced protection for retail investors worldwide.” The study has received wide coverage from local and international media, highlighting both key findings and practical guidance to support more informed investment decision-making. The full report, 2025 Behavioural Science Study on Investor Behaviour in the Virtual Asset Markets, is available via the IFEC official publication page.   Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/4eSjSRl Metro Radio - https://polyu.me/4xFMVQG Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4oABsO6 Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4uG19xW Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4a5B3x9 Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4xvSbpT Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4uRXWvC Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4oySE6k HK01 - https://polyu.me/4vYvQQf etnet - https://polyu.me/4eeIO6i aastocks - https://polyu.me/3S5Zogb Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/4oySGuY Stockfisher - https://polyu.me/4eMnGV8 Sing Tao Canada - https://polyu.me/4fS1pGA Business Times - https://polyu.me/4gyzKuo

PolyU’s Social Sciences and Public Health Ranked 19th in the 2026-2027 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities Rankings

According to the 2026-2027 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities rankings, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was the 52nd in the Best Global Universities. In the subject rankings, PolyU placed 19th globally in the Best Global Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health category, ranking second in Hong Kong. Find out more: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/hong-kong-polytechnic-university-500421

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