APSS Strengthens Social Work Education and Training Through Partnership with Indonesia’s Bandung Polytechnic of Social Welfare

On 28 August 2026, APSS and Bandung Polytechnic of Social Welfare (POLTEKESOS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic cooperation. 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 Dr Lina FAVOURITA, Deputy Director of POLTEKESOS. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in social welfare, social work, and social policy; student mobility; faculty exchanges; joint academic and community engagement activities; and capacity-building for students, staff, and researchers. Following the signing ceremony, Prof. CHUI delivered a public lecture, “The Roles of Social Workers in Addressing Child and Adolescent Issues in Hong Kong,” highlighting cross-sector collaboration and the vital role of social workers in coordinating support, safeguarding rights, and building community connections.  Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network, presented “Social Work Students as Reconcilers in the Age of Disaster and Conflict,” introducing a framework for the social work of reconciliation and exploring how social work can help repair fractured relationships – between people, within themselves, and with nature – in a divided world. This partnership broadens PolyU’s opportunities for collaboration with Indonesia in education, research and community engagement, reinforcing its commitment to regional cooperation and knowledge advancement. Online coverage: POLTEKESOS: https://poltekesos.ac.id/berita/perkuat-jejaring-global-poltekesos-bandung-dan-polyu-jalin-kerja-sama-internasional CGDN: https://polyucgdn.com/article/513

The P.A.T.H.S. Programme receives six awards at iCAN 2026

Royce CHAN Lok Hei Sets Sights on Asian Games After World Championships

APSS proudly supports elite student-athlete and Hong Kong sabre fencer Mr Royce CHAN Lok Hei as he prepares for the 20th Asian Games in September 2026. Royce joined the APSS BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) programme in 2022 through PolyU’s Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA), balancing rigorous training with academic excellence. He exemplifies resilience, self-discipline, and determination both on the piste and in his classroom. Royce recently competed at the World Fencing Championships 2026 in Hong Kong, delivering strong performances in high-stakes bouts and cementing his place as a leading figure in Hong Kong's men's sabre team. His career highlights include top-eight finishes at the National Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games, reflecting his steady rise in the sport. Reflecting on his World Championships experience, Royce described competing on home ground as unforgettable: “Hearing the local crowd cheer for every point gave me an incredible surge of energy. Balancing my studies with high-intensity training isn't easy, but the support from PolyU and APSS keeps me grounded. I’m taking everything I learned here to the Asian Games this September, ready to give my absolute all for Hong Kong!” As he readies for Asia’s premier’s sporting stage, the APSS community stands firmly behind him, wishing him success as he competes with composure and continues to bring pride to Hong Kong and PolyU! Online coverage:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CMyya7wgZ/ HK01: https://www.am730.com.hk/article/1011908 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eGrUnsygAg  (FIE Men's Sabre World Cup 2026)

Tencent WeTech Academy and APSS Co-Organise WeTech AI Course to Empower Future Tech Leaders

Tencent WeTech Academy, Tencent Charity Foundation, APSS and the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) co-organised five “WeTech Academy x Strive & Rise Programme” – WeTech AI Course sessions from May to August 2026. Designed for mentees of the Strive & Rise Programme, this initiative comprised a three-session Basic AI Course (May–August 2026; up to 70 young participants per cohort) and a two-session Advanced AI Course (June 2026; up to 80 young participants per cohort). Every hands-on session, supported by Weixin Mini Programme and Tencent Cloud Training and Certification, was crafted to enhance participants’ understanding of artificial intelligence, build confidence in applying AI tools to real-world tasks, and inspire sustained interest in digital innovation. APSS is honoured to partner with Tencent on this meaningful initiative, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute our expertise to serve the community.

APSS Signed MoU with Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Universitas Indonesia

On 27 August 2026, APSS and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Indonesia (UI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an academic collaboration. 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. Evi FITRIANI, Dean of FISIP at UI. Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network and Dr Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Partnership and Development) of China and Global Development Network, were present at the signing ceremony to witness the milestone. Both institutes shared a commitment to exploring multi-faceted opportunities in areas of mutual academic interest. Future discussions will focus on student mobility across all degree levels, faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and co-authored publications. Additionally, the partnership encompasses shared educational resources, co-organised academic conferences and seminars, and professional development initiatives to foster impactful regional dialogue and advance higher education innovation across Asia.

APSS Welcomes Nearly 500 New Students at 2026 Orientation

On 25 August 2026, APSS warmly welcomed 143 new undergraduate students and 348 taught postgraduate students to the APSS community during its 2026 Programmes Orientation Day. The event provided incoming students with a valuable opportunity to learn more about the Department, connect with faculty members and peers, and begin this exciting new chapter of their academic journey with confidence. A dedicated welcome session was also arranged for incoming student-athletes admitted through the PolyU Student-athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) and the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme (OSRS). Recognising their dedication and sporting achievements, APSS reaffirmed its strong support for these talented students as they pursue academic excellence while preparing for upcoming competitions and matches. New student-athlete list: Name Talented Areas Programme Ms Tsz Ki Debby LO Wushu (SALSA) BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences Mr Yu Hang CHONG Handball (OSRS) BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Mr Hei Yeung HO Handball (OSRS) Mr Wang Ho LAU Handball (OSRS) Ms Pui Pui LEE Basketball (OSRS) Following the main orientation session, breakout sessions were held for the new cohorts. These interactive sessions provided students with essential academic guidance, practical information, and useful resources to support a smooth transition into their university life and their programmes of study. The orientation concluded on a joyful note, filling the Department with enthusiasm, laughter, and a strong sense of community.

APSS and the Urban Renewal Authority Co-Host Competition to Empower Youth in Social Innovation

The URA x PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2026 concluded on 22 August 2026 with an award presentation ceremony. Jointly organised by APSS and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), and supported by the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and Esri China (Hong Kong), the competition invited nearly 400 students from 64 schools to develop feasible place-making or community-making proposals through innovative thinking. The ceremony was officiated by Mr Kwok Ki CHAN, GBS, IDSM, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chung Kong CHOW, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the URA; and Prof. Wing Tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. Distinguished guests included Ar Donald CHOI, BBS, JP, Managing Director and Deputy Chairman of the URA; Prof. David SHUM, MH, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Prof. Eric CHUI, MH, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology. Prof. Eric CHUI also presented key research insights from the competition, highlighting statistically significant improvements in participants’ perceived civic engagement, design thinking mindset, perspective-taking abilities and awareness of unban sustainability following their involvement. Led by Mr Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer of APSS, the competition aimed to empower secondary school students to explore urban renewal in Hong Kong and develop an in-depth understanding of its impacts on communities. The event demonstrated the value of cross-sector collaboration in nurturing the next generation of social innovators. Moving forward, APSS remains dedicated to empowering young minds to apply innovative, creative, technological and research-backed solutions to real-world community challenges, contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive society.   Press release: English - https://polyu.me/4bZFvys; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4xioXdy Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/4xUIOzc; https://polyu.me/4gs7mbM; https://polyu.me/3UOgFvn Commercial Radio Hong Kong - https://polyu.me/4i7Zmzp Ming Pao - https://polyu.me/4gpEuRD; https://polyu.me/4wEGyer Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/45Jj396 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4hPoVVA Ta Kung Pao- https://polyu.me/4ip14w8 Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4hQ2sHZ Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4xXSfhv Headline4hk - https://polyu.me/3SKjM74 Hong Kong-Invest - https://polyu.me/4xU2WBF Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/45HCRK4; https://polyu.me/4i7ZoY3 Sina - https://polyu.me/4wJNd78 Master Insight - https://polyu.me/46kSask Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3SsAhEO IT Pro - https://polyu.me/4gHkWsa

APSS Signed an MoU with the School of Sociology at Nankai University

On 20 August 2026, APSS and the School of Sociology at Nankai University (NKU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish academic collaboration through joint research projects, co-authored publications, and shared seminars. The signing ceremony was held at PolyU. 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. Wenhong ZHANG, Dean of the School of Sociology at NKU. Prof. Guanghuai ZHENG, Head of Department of Social Work and Social Policy at NKU, represented Prof. ZHANG at the signing ceremony. Following the ceremony, representatives from both institutions discussed potential areas of collaboration. Participants from APSS included Prof. Qiaobing WU (Associate Head and Associate Professor), Prof. Xue BAI (Professor of APSS and Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies), Prof. Crystal KWAN (Associate Professor), Prof. Camilla LO (Associate Professor), Prof. Huijing LU (Associate Professor), Prof. Daisy HUANG (Assistant Professor) and Ms Beckie LI (Lecturer). and the NKU delegation included Prof. Guanghuai ZHENG, Prof. Xiang ZHOU (Professor of Department of Social Psychology), Prof. Yan WANG (Professor and Deputy Head of Department of Sociology), Ms Xiaoke GUAN (Personnel Secretary and Associate Researcher of School of Sociology).  The NKU delegation met with APSS PhD and Doctor of Social Work students for an interactive sharing session, laying a strong foundation for future academic partnership between the two institutions.

APSS Brings Alumni and Employers Together at the 2026 Luncheon

On 31 July 2026, APSS held the APSS Alumni and Employers Luncheon 2026 (the Luncheon), bringing together 28 distinguished alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and leaders from social welfare sectors and non-governmental organisations. The Luncheon served as a platform to reconnect with managerial-level alumni, share the latest developments in social sciences education at PolyU, and facilitate dialogues on strategic partnerships, research, and talent acquisition. The Luncheon featured presentations on APSS’s ongoing initiatives and collaborations with key community partners. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, introduced APSS Excellence and outlined the department’s strategic directions and latest developments in AI and social sciences, as well as Lifestyle Medicine. Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor of APSS and former Vice-President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, then highlighted APSS’s long-standing social work contributions in the Chinese mainland and beyond, particularly in ASEAN and Belt and Road countries. Dr Chi Wood WOO, CEO of Fu Hong Society, and Dr Alpha LAM, Lecturer of APSS, presented the PolyU joint Evaluation Project, titled “Enhancing Well-being and Cognitive Functioning of People with High-Functioning Intellectual Disabilities via Inclusive Technology Vocational Service Schemes.” Mr Johnny IP, Head of Youth and Child Care Services at Yan Chai Hospital Social Services, and Dr Raymond TAM, Associate Head and Senior Lecturer of APSS, introduced ongoing collaborative projects between Yan Chai Hospital and APSS on transitional housing, community living rooms, and post-disaster recovery for the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire. Following the presentations, participants engaged in lively discussions on aligning APSS’s academic and research strengths with agencies’ strategic goals, as well as on the core competencies and professional readiness of APSS students. The Luncheon fostered valuable exchanges, strengthened institutional ties, and opened up avenues for closer collaboration in social work education and student employment. Watch the highlighted video: https://youtu.be/6s7v4UpHVlo

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences 2026

APSS is proud to announce that Dr Chi Wood WOO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fu Hong Society, has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences 2026 in the category of Professional Achievement. Dr WOO’s unwavering connection with APSS is reflected in his deep educational journey at PolyU. With APSS, he earned his Diploma in Social Work (1999), Higher Diploma in Social Work (2003), Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (2006), Master of Arts in Social Work (Family Centred-Practice and Family Therapy) (2009), and Doctor of Social Work (2019). With over 25 years of service in social work and rehabilitation, Dr WOO has made significant contributions to Hong Kong’s social welfare sector. As CEO of Fu Hong Society, he oversees more than 70 projects and service units and has led the organisation to win the “Grand Winner of the COVID-19 Special Award for an NGO” at the HR Appreciation Awards. His leadership has driven initiatives such as 3D-printed assistive devices, the first subvented rehabilitation facility in the Northern Metropolis, and the co-establishment of Asia’s first “PolyU-FHS Centre for Inclusive Innovation” Beyond his executive role, Dr WOO contributes to public policy through his service on the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, the Committee on Qualification Recognition of the Social Workers Registration Board, and several statutory appeal boards. He is also a strong advocate for health equity and inclusive employment, having advanced opportunities for persons with disabilities in social enterprises while elevating local practice through international frameworks. Dr WOO has published research on ICF-based vocational rehabilitation protocols in the Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice, contributed to the Expert Advisory Committee on Translation for the Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities, and presented his inclusive employment models at international forums, including the World Congress on Rehabilitation. APSS warmly congratulates Dr WOO on this well-deserved recognition of his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing human well-being and social work practice.