APSS Community Joins Social Work Run to Celebrate World Social Work Day 2026

On 12 April 2026, APSS students and staff took part in the Social Work Run 2026 at the Ma On Shan Promenade. The event celebrated World Social Work Day 2026 under the theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” A total of 43 APSS members joined the occasion, comprising 36 Bachelor and Master of Social Work students and seven teaching staff. Participants took part in the 3 km, 5 km, and relay categories, enjoying the scenic waterfront route while demonstrating their energy, dedication, and solidarity as members of the social work community. Throughout the event, APSS participants exemplified strong teamwork and mutual encouragement, fostering a sense of unity and pride in their professional entity. The Run also provided meaningful opportunities for networking and professional dialogue, as students and staff engaged with senior practitioners from various non-governmental organisations present at the event. By joining the Social Work Run 2026, APSS members embodied the spirit of World Social Work Day, advancing hope, harmony, and collective action within the profession and the broader community. On behalf of APSS, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Dr Stella WONG, Clinical Associate of APSS, for her leadership and dedicated efforts in mobilising students and staff to participate in this meaningful event!

APSS Graduates Association Shines with 1st Runner-Up Finish at PolyU Homecoming Futsal Match 2026

The Department of Applied Social Sciences Graduates Association (APSSGA) participated in the PolyU Homecoming 2026 Friendly Futsal Match held on 12 April 2026, organised by the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office. The event served to foster stronger bonds among PolyU alumni and the wider university community through a spirited and friendly sports competition. Demonstrating outstanding teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, the APSSGA team performed impressively throughout the match and secured the 1st runner-up position. Our alumni players left a lasting positive impression on fellow participants and the PolyU community, proudly representing the spirit of APSS and the University.

A New Book Co-edited by Prof. Ben KU, Dr Ellen FOK and Mr Ricky FUNG

Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN), has co-edited a new book titled Classic Readings and Cases of Action Research in China (行动研究经典读物及实践案例), together with Dr Ellen FOK (Guest Lecturer and Supervisor) and Mr Ricky FUNG (Project Associate), both from APSS. As social work action research continues to gain momentum across China, receiving growing recognition from both academia and frontline practitioners, the scholarly discourse on this subject within the Chinese Mainland remains in its formative stage. Addressing the pressing need for Chinese-language resources, this book provides an essential link between the classic foundations of action research and their localised applications in the Chinese context. It features seminal Western readings on social work action research alongside practical outcomes from projects conducted by university researchers and frontline social work practitioners across the Chinese Mainland.   A promotional feature about the book has been published on the publisher's WeChat public account: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/lmr9kvOhcida30oaQLyhIw Online coverage on the CGDN website: https://polyucgdn.com/article/494

Stronger Together: APSS Amplifies Student Voice at Undergraduate Student and Staff Consultative Group Gathering

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) convened its Undergraduate Student and Staff Consultative Group (SSCG) meeting on 23 March 2026. Conducted in two sessions focusing on different undergraduate programmes, the meeting gathered the Head of Department, Programme Leaders, Subject Panel Chairpersons, Fieldwork Co-ordinators and Directors, and Class Representatives. The SSCG served as a structured platform for open dialogue between staff and students, enabling the exchange of views on curriculum delivery, fieldwork arrangements, and student support services. Nineteen undergraduate representatives from different APSS programmes participated, sharing valuable insights and concerns, while Programme Leaders and Co-ordinators engaged attentively with their feedback. The discussions were constructive and productive, underscoring a shared commitment to the continuous enhancement of the learning experience at APSS. APSS is exploring new ways to gather feedback from students, alumni, and prospective employers to further enhance the student learning experience and strengthen the achievement of learning outcomes. We really value what our students have to say – their feedback helps us keep improving and making APSS even better! 

APSS Signed MoU with the School of Philosophy and Sociology at Lanzhou University

On 30 March 2026, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Philosophy and Sociology at Lanzhou University (LZU) to promote academic collaboration, knowledge sharing and student exchange between the two institutions. 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. Ying WANG, Associate Dean of the School of Philosophy and Sociology at LZU.  This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing academic excellence and mutual development between APSS and LZU. Following the signing ceremony, Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, delivered a talk on Action Research and Social Innovation, followed by a presentation to LZU students and staff that introduced the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programme, campus life, university resources, and research opportunities at APSS.   In addition, Prof. Eric CHUI delivered a seminar titled From Charity to Impact, which explored how the government, major philanthropic organisations, universities, and non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong are moving beyond traditional charity models to co‑design more systematic approaches that address the needs of children from low-income families. 

APSS Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University

On 27 March 2026, the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Education at Beijing Normal University (BNU) to enhance academic collaboration between the two institutions. The signing ceremony took place at BNU, where Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Prof. Jianwu BAN, Dean of the Institute of Basic Theories of Education and Director of the Centre for Civic and Moral Education Research at BNU, signing the MoU on behalf of PolyU and BNU respectively. This MoU sets out a framework for co-operation in areas such as academic collaboration, student and staff exchanges, and the development of joint academic programmes and courses. It also covers collaborative research projects, joint publications in books and journal articles, and the co-organisation of academic seminars and conferences. Following the signing, Prof. Qiaobing WU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS, introduced the department’s study programmes and research achievements, highlighting potential areas for future collaboration. Prof. Eric CHUI and Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, also joined a roundtable discussion with BNU counterparts to explore new opportunities to deepen academic exchanges and partnerships between the two universities.

The 14th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Student Award Ceremony Took Place in Beijing

The 14th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Student Award Ceremony (the Ceremony) and the Peking University–The University of Chicago–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Tripartite Forum were held in Beijing on 28–29 March 2026. The Ceremony recognised those who have made substantial contributions to social work education, service management, and practice on the Chinese Mainland. About 100 representatives from academia and the social work sector attended, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of this year’s awardees in advancing the discipline of social work. Heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees this year! Online coverage: CGDN: https://www.polyucgdn.com/article/493 WeChat (PKU-PolyU China Social Work Research Centre): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/1a_4RUOsLCjqsqA5GvWh0A?scene=1&click_id=33

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.